Best Local Band to Make It Big Next
TIE: Atomic Numbers, Slum Village, deathgirl.com and the White Stripes
Some might interpret this unorthodox four-way tie to mean that every band voted for itself and those with the most members won. But I think it represents the fact that there are so many damn fine groups out there that we, as a city, can’t finger only one to be the best. The four selected are all obvious choices — this past year, one could argue that White Stripes and Slum Village already made it big. Of course, that depends on how you define “big.” Two sold-out shows at the Bowery Ballroom in New York, a slamming by the New York Times, a rave from Rolling Stone: Sure, you could say White Stripes have something good going on. And Slum Village definitely put Detroit on the map by releasing Fantastic Vol. 2 and then subsequently playing throughout the United States and abroad for the prestigious OK Player tour with D’Angelo. The Atomic Numbers and Deathgirl.com also show great promise for the title of “big.” Atomic Numbers have been working in the studio this month on a follow-up to the excellent, arena-worthy Electromotive. And as a band, these guys definitely have the best attitude. They enjoy a good time as much as the rest of ’em, but when it comes down to business, they couldn’t be more serious and down to earth about their music — two signs that much more success is soon to shower upon them. Deathgirl.com is enjoying tons of radio airplay of the catchy single, “Pieces.” The rest of their songs aren’t so bad either! With such an enigmatic sound and stage presence, you know the group is going far.
