This Little Underground

LOCAL RELEASES

The term “contemporary classical” — both words, together — is the very essence of what Orlando band Answers are doing. The players — Thad Anderson (vibrakit, electronics), Chris Belt (electric guitar, electronics), Brandon Kyle Miller (electric bass, electronics), Caitlin Pequignot (violin, electronics) and Béatriz Ramirez (oboe, English horn) — are an all-star cast of young Orlando mavericks on the cutting edge of the city’s classical music scene, both individually and in groups like Alterity Chamber Orchestra. Little of what they do together evokes the old European masters.

Answers’ musical vocabulary may be classical, but their outlook and intent are unmistakably forward. It’s new classical music predicated not on the stiffness of tradition but rather the daring liberty of experimentation. They’ll reach for electronics just as quickly as they would orchestral instruments. Forget the starched old halls; this is much more renegade art-gallery stuff here.

As a band of composers, Answers have a modus operandi of passing the writer’s pen around the table. For their debut studio album, titled A New Path to Touch the Earth, they commissioned bassist Brandon Kyle Miller (with their own stimulus checks, no less) to compose pieces to showcase their ensemble playing and seasoned collective improvisation. Across three extended and voyaging pieces, it’s a dynamic trek through structured sections and responding passages of free improvisation.

True to Answers’ dedication to the magic of spontaneity, the whole album was recorded live in first takes without overdubs, all in a single day. To further certify their modern sensibilities, they tapped none other than post-rock god John McEntire (of Tortoise and The Sea and Cake fame) to mix and master the album.

A New Path to Touch the Earth will see broad release on all platforms on May 13, but it’s up on Answers’ Bandcamp now as an early release for stream, download or CD.

The term “contemporary classical” is the very essence of what Orlando band Answers are doing. The players are an all-star cast of young Orlando musical mavericks whose musical vocabulary may be classical, but their outlook and intent are unmistakably forward

CONCERT PICKS THIS WEEK

If you go out, be safe, be cool.

Wu-Tang Killarmy: Of the vast Wu-Tang universe, Killarmy is one of the brightest constellations. Besides packing actual pedigree from RZA’s younger brother (9th Prince), this seasoned rap crew deals in the same dark dope that Wu heads live for. The stacked marquee will also feature West Coast underground rap hero Planet Asia and a deep roster of homegrown talent that includes MidaZ the Beast, Shinobi Stalin and DJ Remington Steele. Other special features will be a beat battle between TzariZM and Okito, as well as a special exhibition by art competition group No Borders. (8 p.m. Friday, May 13, The Abbey, $20-$25)

The Afghan Whigs: Nothing, it seems, can sap the longstanding virility of the Afghan Whigs. Geographic dispersion, miserly output and disbandment are career circumstances that would end most mortal bands.

For these kings of carnal rock, however, their cult status and emotional intensity remain white-hot through it all. And as their last burning performance here supporting their last album (2017’s In Spades) proved, their live show still brings the inferno. (6 p.m. Friday, May 13, The Social, $30-$130)

BY BAO LE-HUU

Answers | photo courtesy of the artists

Tuffy’s 4th Anniversary with North

Mississippi Allstars: Sanford concert magnet Tuffy’s is celebrating its latest — and greatest — year yet as a live music contender. To make that point shine, they’re doing it with some star power in bluesy Southernrock saviors North Mississippi Allstars. Rounding out the bill will be Sam Morrow, Satsang and Kristopher James. Happy birthday to this new cornerstone of Sanford’s live scene. (4 p.m. Saturday, May 14, Tuffy’s Music Box, $30-$60)

Gogol Bordello, Amigo the Devil:

Ukraine as a cause has become global. For gypsy-punk juggernaut Gogol Bordello and especially Ukrainian frontman Eugene Hutz, though, it’s personal. Their ongoing benefit efforts for Ukraine have now snowballed into a benefit tour. Dedicated to the defenders of Ukraine, the Solidaritine Tour will donate a portion of its proceeds to aid the besieged country.

This tour also sports a particularly local feature in opener Amigo the Devil, a distinguished Orlando expat whose theatrical murder-folk sound has been earning some national acclaim. (7 p.m. Sunday, May 15, The Plaza Live, $31-$49.50)

baolehuu@orlandoweekly.com orlandoweekly.com ● MAY 11-17, 2022 ● ORLANDO WEEKLY 39