The Constellations

Southern Gothic (Virgin)

What’s in a title? When breezy, droning opener “Setback” chops up Beck-tacular rhymes over “Tomorrow Never Knows” psychedelic Beatles beats, it may leave you wondering where the Southern Gothic is. It’s been saved up for “Perfect Day,” a greasy piece of backroom noir that sets up the Atlanta ensemble’s sleazy ambitions. A hip-hop experiment with Animal Collective producer Ben Allen, it’s a few Jäeger shots away from the boogie-woogie-infused indie rock that vocalist Elijah Jones and studio-bound instrumentalist Devin Donnelly doled out in their old group, the Gates of Berlin. They echo Stevie Wonder on “Take a Ride” and blatantly ape Tom Waits on “Step Right Up,” then guests Asher Roth and Cee Lo Green give it a roll of Dirty South. If the parts don’t always fit seamlessly, no one can fault the Constellations for their ambition. (3:30pm, Austin Ventures stage)

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This article appears in October 8 • 2010.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.