SO SO DEATH

Atlanta's music scene has finally produced something worth listening to. Normally ranging from super talented unsigned underground acts, to fledgling carbon-copy indie punk bands, to drab southern mainstream hip hop, 'Hot-lanta' has a tendency of letting its good music get buried under the mundane. And here comes So So Death to save our senses! Hailing from New York and Texas, So So Death is comprised of guitar guru Seanny George and percussion mastermind Tyler Giegling. Their album, "Elitist," has loudly carved out an extremely energetic and dedicated fan following; and rightfully so. The 10 track album commands a sound that is a rib shaking, completely original, and could be characterized as an out-of-body experience (in a good way of course). "Elitist" blends intense punk rhythms, hardcore guitar riffs, and a unique brand of blasting beats which has been shaking up southern music for over a year. But what makes So So Death even more amazing is the fact that their live shows are just as 'ill as their album.

A good show is really a hit or miss down here. So whenever someone suggests that I check out a band, my normal response is, "Uh, ok.....sure I will get to them someday." This time around, I was convinced to see So So Death and I was able check them out live at a Downtown art show on a frigid, rainy Friday evening. Completely unassuming, and very controlled, Sean and Tyler walked over to their respective instruments while jokingly conversing with the crowd. Their demenors instantaneously shifted when the first chord was played; cymbols crashed, drums violently kicked, and the docile crowd turned into a mass of music thirsty thrashers. The energy and sound that So So Death emitted was even more impressive than the crowd command they displayed. I kid you not, they sounded as though there were a six-piece band. Each song seamlessly weaved in and out with melodies and breakbeats, drawing out every ounce of intensity and passion from the air. George's vocals ocilliate between monotoned, metered growls, and fast-paced passionate screams.

Each song is a musical adrenaline rush pumped from bass drum to eardrum. My favorite track, "I Love Your Hate," is so dense with sound that it feels as though it vibrates in your underwear. While the song "Catch The Caught" makes me 'wanna shimmy every second it's playing....unfortunately I have their CD in my car. From beginning to end, "Elitist" gives you a completely enjoyable freshman offering. No skips, no fast forwards, and all satisfaction.

So if you are in Atlanta and really want to experience a band that will not only entertain you, but will make you move more than a high-impact Tai-Bo class, you absolutely must check out So So Death. No matter what music might be your 'thing' (i.e. I'm admittedly a die-hard hip hop/acid jazz head) So So Death will kick and elbow their way into your "Favorites" playlist. And make sure to pick up their album while you're here. I definitely believe that "Elitist" should become a part of everyone's musical library.




Posted by Richard Marsh, Jr. at 10:22 AM - Spin Live Weekly

Atlanta duo So So Death's unrelenting drum section keeps the simple beat going while heavy distorted bass guitar churns and bubbles over top, with moody, disaffected vocals occasionally turning into hardcore-monster-voice.
- Athens Flagpole

At the start of So So Death's set, we were greeted, or rather bombarded, by the sound of writhing, spastic hardcore. A two-man operation consisting of just drums, bass, and vocals, So So Death generated a truly impressive amount of sound. While maintaining the sweet and simple hardcore formula of really loud and really fast, the band also incorporated some near space-rock moments into their set. Prolonged bass guitar dirges and wailing vocals were unexpected but welcomed. The immediacy of the drumming coupled with the detached, moody vocals made for an interesting aural dichotomy. - Degenerate Press