About this Event
have spent the last decade refining their unique brand of ferocious garage punk. Leaning on the shoulders of their idols from the mid to late seventies NY punk scene and backwards from there to the shimmering yet unconscionably overlooked perfection of so many garage acts of the sixties, they have created a singular identity within the Athens music community. They are thrilled to be offering a vinyl release for the first time ever with a self titled 7", to be celebrated on April 18th at the 40 Watt.
Uncompromised, unabashed, uninhibited
Snarly call and response male/female punk vocals, occasional soft, sweet harmonies, and a scream or two, paired with thumpy, pounding, aggressive, hypnotic rythyms have been inspiring and cultivating a genuinely honest, nostalgic, yet unique rock & roll scene.
Georgia’s legendary alternative rock band, , is currently on tour in support of Weirdo: The Story of Five Eight, a new documentary directed by Marc Pilvinsky. The film, an independent project by the Atlanta-based filmmaker, chronicles the band’s three-decade career of raw, high-energy performances and emotional songwriting. Since its premiere at Athen’s Cine in September 2024, Weirdo has sold out screenings across the Southeast, followed by electrifying live performances from the band.
Five Eight’s career is a testament to resilience and passion. As NPR once wrote, they are one of the best bands you’ve never heard of” while Flagpole Magazine called frontman Mike Mantione one of the most passionate, soul-searching songwriters Athens has seen. Their influence extends far beyond their cult following, with publications like Paste and Flagpole documenting their long history in the underground rock scene.
The band has just completed its first album in six years, produced by David Barbe (Drive-By Truckers, Bob Mould). Barbe, who has also performed alongside Michael Stipe of R.E.M., has helped craft what may be Five Eight’s most intense and accessible record yet. Recorded over three days at Chase Park Transduction Studios, the album features guest appearances from Jay Gonzalez (Drive-By Truckers) and Matchbox Twenty guitarist Matt Beck.
The first single, released via Chicken Ranch Records (Austin, TX), arrives with a video directed by Jason Thrasher. Shot at SPOA, the Athens skate park, the video features a guerrilla-style live performance by Five Eight, surprising the skaters and onlookers. It also marks the video debut of Maggie Mantione, daughter of frontman Mike Mantione, portraying a precocious 12-year-old skateboarder determined to drag her reluctant, alcoholic father to the park. The song itself is a two-and-a-half-minute blast of hooks and punk rock fury, capturing the band’s signature mix of humor, intensity, and cathartic energy.
With ten full-length albums under their belt, Five Eight remains one of the most creative and vibrant rock bands you’ve never heard of. Their reputation as a relentless live act continues to grow, proving that after more than three decades, their fire burns as intensely as ever.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
40 Watt Club, 285 West Washington Street, Athens, United States
USD 13.58 to USD 19.41
