30 Days Out, May 2025 #1: Atomic Crumb, Future Islands, EXTC, Thee Sacred Souls
Wow. Lots of great live music coming to Asheville, and soon. Let’s dig in.
Artist: Atomic Crumb
Venue: Oskar Blues
Date: Saturday, May 17, 1 p.m.
Door: $free (but c’mon: tip generously!)
Out of the ashes of some of Western NC’s best bands comes Atomic Crumb, a group with talent and creativity to burn. They trio applies it skills to music that has hints of powerpop, Southern rock and other rock-solid styles. Atomic Crumb just released its self-titled debut, reviewed briefly right here. And hey: this is a free show, so go!
Artist: Future Islands
Venue: Eulogy
Date: Friday, May 23, 7 p.m.
Door: $55.66
This synth-pop band got its start nearly a decade ago right here in NC (well, in Greenville). Future Islands broke out with their 2014 album Singles, and its spotlight single “Seasons (Waiting on You).” Known for their energetic live performances, Samuel Herring’s expressive vocals and dynamic stage presence have become central to the band’s identity.
Artist: EXTC
Venue: The Grey Eagle
Date: Tuesday, May 27, 8 p.m.
Door: $31.31
Over the years, many groups have been touted as the “next Beatles.” Setting aside the hyperbole associated with such claims, Swindon, England’s XTC actually came close. With two superb songwriters and a fascinating creative development from album to album, they could have been huge, but weren’t. In part that’s because they ceased touring at the apex of their popularity. Today, and with the blessing of leader Andy Partridge, original drummer Terry Chambers leads a sort-of tribute group, EXTC, bringing the band’s music to live audiences who didn’t have the chance first time ‘round. Watch for my feature/interview with Chambers, coming soon.
Artist: Thee Sacred Souls
Venue: The Orange Peel
Date: Friday, May 31, 8 p.m.
Door: $55.05
Launched in 2019, the trio made its recorded debut with “Can I Call You Rose?” a standout track that would feature on the group’s self-titled debut album in 2022. Widely acclaimed by critics, Thee Sacred Souls ended up on many best-of album lists for the year. Part of the roster of tastemaking Daptone Records, the group released a followup, Got a Story to Tell last October. Damn it: this show is sold out!
See you at the show!
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day for several years). The more than 5000 interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- some 40 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 30 Great Concept Albums is available now. Read even more about him here.