The Gainesville scene had strong presence at PopFest this year, with at least four bands that I know of representing.  The following two acts, Nervous Systems and Oh Sanders, played back-to-back on Wednesday.

Nervous Systems were an aptly named band on this occasion.  The entire set was a collection of high-strung tunes (none longer than two minutes), without any banter whatsoever.  Maybe the band really was a bit nervous, or maybe it’s just part of the act.  Either way, don’t let the hard edge fool you–underneath this maniacal pace is a set of catchy, repetitious lyrics that will have you singing along:

“So shut up, so shut up.  I can’t understand the words that you’re saying to me.  I can’t comprehend the language you’re speaking.” (Mondegreen)
“I realize that sometimes that sometimes I am a verb. I realize that sometimes that sometimes I am a verb.” ” (Sometimes I Am A Verb)

I haven’t run across any details about an album, but they’re supposedly involved with Obscurist Press, who is responsible for putting out records by a number of Gainesville acts.  Anyone have details?  Hopefully we’ll be hearing more from these guys in the future.

Nervous Systems – 8.13.2008
Athens Popfest, Little Kings Shuffle Club, Athens, GA

Source:  Microtech Gefell M300’s > Lunatec V3 (opti-mod) > Nomad JB3 >
Firewire > CoolEdit Pro > CDWave > Flac16

Setlist::
1. All True Believers
2. Soft Weapons
3. Mondegreen
4. Good Luck
5. Sound Effect
6. Sleeping Arrangements
7. Mnemonic Device
8. Sometimes I Am A Verb

Oh Sanders was a favorite for me on this particular afternoon.  Dan had recently returned from Mongolia. This performance was the band’s first in a few months, but they didn’t miss a beat.  Stella’s personal lyrics left me reminiscing about college days past…and wanting to go for an afternoon jog…and take someone to the zoo…   Their first full-length has just been released on HHBTM, and will be christened with a show at The Atlantic on September 6th.

On a side note, Dan had a scrabble table set up for most of the day, challenging the crowd to beat him and win a copy of the new CD.  While I didn’t have the grit to take him on, I now have the option of listening during the downtime on my tapes and expanding my vocabulary.  Thanks!  :)

Oh Sanders – 8.13.2008
Athens Popfest, Little Kings Shuffle Club, Athens, GA

Source:  Microtech Gefell M300’s > Lunatec V3 (opti-mod) > Nomad JB3 >
Firewire > CoolEdit Pro > CDWave > Flac16

Setlist:
1. You Should Have Been Nicer
2. Below the Radar
3. The State of Disorder
4. Underwater Voyeur
5. Season for Sleeping
6. The Concrete That Surrounds Us
7. Conspiracy to Commit Arson