Photos: Apple Summers Kaufmann
The Basement East Nashville, TN
Contact: [email protected]
Web: artsfishingclub.com
Players: Christopher Kessenich, vocals, rhythm guitar; Matthew Chance, bass; Chris Dunkley, lead guitar; Jody Lee Oliver, drums
Material: According to singer Christopher Kessenich, creating music is like fishing. All it requires is casting a line and letting fate do the rest. No matter the results, the act of taking a chance is a reward unto itself. It’s a philosophy he learned from his grandfathers, both named Art, who first put a pole in his hands. Thus, the band’s name is simultaneously a meaningful pun and a reflection of their musical philosophy. By weaving together Southern rock, hipster alternative, and cowpunk attitude, they’ve created a sound that is both comforting and fresh.
Musicianship: AFC doesn’t dazzle with blinding runs or high-wire antics, yet such inclusions would be a disservice to their aesthetic. Instead, they focus on feeling, wringing emotion out of every note. Kessenich’s voice seamlessly slides from creamy and dreamy to in-your-face. The quartet comes extremely well-prepared, playing with army-like discipline and unity. One moment, they’re grooving the room. The next, they’re invading hearts with an irrefutably sincere acoustic interlude.
Performance: Is it unfair to suggest a singer’s patter between songs is too perfect? Probably, but Kessenich is so on-point with his banter that it almost comes off as artifice. Mistakes add realness that bonds audiences to artists, and even a preplanned error would help humanize the band. Regardless, this frontman knows how to work a stage, wriggling, writhing, and crooning directly to his fellow players when he isn’t interacting with the crowd. Even with all the dramatics, he never crosses the line into silliness.
Summary: Although AFC may lack a standout tune that could be deemed a classic, glimmers of greatness constantly surface throughout their show. “Don’t feed me to the wolves,” Kessenich pleads with earnestness during the chorus of their most memorable song. It’s easy to imagine AFC catching on. All they need is a handful of modest tweaks and the gumption to keep writing. In time, they might just hook the big one.
