Dark Meat are an Athens ensemble that can rock, and sway, and clap they hands to the beat in an area large enough for them to do it in. Singer/guitarist Jim McHugh and bassist Ben Clack moved to Athens from North Carolina two years ago and met guitarist Kris (Subversivo), and drummer Forrest (formerly of Carrie Nations) while working together at a restaurant downtown. When second drummer Spirit Bird left town, his chair was filled by cymbal master Jason Robira. The group features a powerful backing vocal ensemble called the Subtweeters (Heather, Page, & Claire) who can rival the vocal intensity of the earth shaking performances on Big Brother and the Holding Company's classic L.P. Cheap Thrills.

The groups massive horn section led by Charlie (trumpet) and Aaron (trombone) comes across like a Salvation Army Mariachi brass band - and with waves of reeds from Jeff, Al, and Becky, songs become wildly fluid in the exploratory sections. John Fernandes (Elf Power, Circulatory System, etc.) also came in to the group playin' some crazed, jiggle-billy fiddle and bass clarinet, and lest us not forget the key bumps, a roving pack of band cheer leaders including Chris Smith on flag twirling and Toshira blowing out on a couple of didgeridoos. Imagine The Stooges meets Crazy Horse with killer Stax/Funeral/Marching band horns, wailing gospel-style female backing vocals, ripping Eddie Hazel guitar leads and Albert Ayler breakdowns.