Athens, Ga.-based rock band Dead Confederate is set to play at the Jinx on March 13. Formed in 2006, the band consists of Hardy Morris (vocals, guitar), Brantley Senn (bass), John Watkins (keys), Jason Scarboro (drums) and Walker Howle (guitar). This psychedelic, alternative rock band attracts audiences with its appealing grunge sound, heavy and driving guitar rhythms and intensely versatile vocals ranging from mellow melody to wild and powerful shrieks.
“I like the sad, melancholy feel of the vocals. Morris’s voice reminds me of Jim Morrison of the Doors, with its mellow feel and tone,” said Christine Bishop, a Savannah Tech student and fan of the band. “I’m looking very forward to seeing them at the Jinx, as other obligations have made me unable to attend their Athens shows.”
Another fan of Morris’ singing is Philip Palmer, vocalist/guitarist for the Savannah band Port City Music.
“Sometimes I don’t like it when the singer feels like he has to compete with the guitars, but with Morris’ voice it’s cool to hear his smooth, lazy croon over a distorted guitar,” he said.
Dead Confederate released their debut album, “Wrecking Ball,” on Dec. 16, 2008, on Razor & Tie and the Artists Organization. The album includes the popular single, “The Rat.”
“They are a critically acclaimed band that could appeal to the St. Patrick’s Day crowd. They’re not too heavy but not out of character with the Jinx,” said Jinx owner Susanne Warnekros. “They blur the lines between Athens Jam Psychedelia and Americana. We wanted to try something new.”
The members of Dead Confederate, Senn, Watkins, Scarboro and Howle grew up in Augusta, Ga., and were childhood friends. Morris’ older brother and band manager, Dawson Morris, had the following to say about the band’s style: “I think it’s really unique and crafty rock music that is presented in the most honest way possible. Big, dark, and abrasive at times, yet beautiful too.”
When asked about this particular tour, Dawson Morris said, “This tour is a quick mini-tour for them to begin playing the new material they recorded in New Jersey last month. Savannah seemed like a great place to play en route to St. Augustine, where the really cool festival called Harvest of Hope is located. After Savannah and St. Augustine, they’ll be heading to Texas to play at an annual music conference. I’m confident the tour will be really fun for them since they’ll be playing some new material for the first time live.”
It was Savannah’s thriving underground metal scene that lured Dead Confederate to the Hostess City.
“We have some friends in Athens who introduced the Dead Confederate guys and I to some of the metal bands from Savannah, and I actually spent some time at the Jinx last year having drinks with Andrew of the band Black Tusk. The band has played there before, and I think we all felt like the room would fit the ‘vibe’ of Dead Confederate more than the other venues in town,” Dawson Morris said. “[The Jinx] is a true rock club, and that’s where Dead Confederate feels most comfortable.”
Dead Confederate’s music can be heard online at:
Be the first to comment on this article! Log in to Comment
You must be logged in to comment on an article. Not already a member? Register now