Culture
Mind Fish’s Farewell to Athens
By: Emily Votaw
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Big things are happening for Mind Fish, one of the most distinct indie-pop acts to spring from Athens’ pool of ever-changing indie-pop acts.
Within weeks, the band will say goodbye to Athens and front man Dean Tartaglia will hit the road with Detroit-area retro-rockers The Sights, opening for actor Jack Black’s comedy band Tenacious D.
The band’s Athens residency will come to a close on Wednesday, May 16 with a gig at The Union.
“We want the people who support us to understand that this really is the last performance we have lined up in Athens,” said Tartaglia.
Mind Fish has developed a reputation for intense live performances, often supplemented by confetti and other surprises. For Tartaglia, it’s part of the band’s dedication in reaching the crowd, rather than simply wooing them with group’s self-described “nerd pop.”
“We really try to make things fun for the audience,” he said.
According to Tartaglia, the band is incredibly proud of the January release of their first full-length album, WATCHOUT!
“I feel like we are all on one wavelength now, and it helps that the band has had a pretty steady line-up for a while. We’re really shifting away from just having a regional image, and now all the things we are doing are shaping our national image.”
While Tartaglia is on tour with The Sights, Mind Fish will be busy recording material that he described as being more accomplished and a bit more “mature” sounding than their debut.
“We’re doing something that I don’t think many other bands have ever done–while I am on the road the band will post demos online and I’ll be able to critique it and give feedback.”
Regardless of how the new material will sound in comparison to the band’s current repertoire, Mind Fish fans can be sure of one thing: An excellent farewell show from their favorite pop band. Tartaglia mentioned a lengthy set list and a relatively early show.
“We know people have school in the morning and all of that,” he said.
Show time is around 11 p.m. and admission is free.