Music: Atlas of the Dogs

ATLAS OF THE DOGS

FLEDGLING LOCAL ROCK BAND CHANNELS CHRIS CORNELL, RELEASES 90'S-INFLUENCED RISING // FALLING

While many people simply holedup and buried their heads in the sand during the pandemic, Jaxon Fleming took full advantage of his free time, spending days writing and playing music with his drummer roommate. The Henderson native - at just 22, one of the most promising young talents in the tri-state - further developed his guitar and vocal chops while waiting out COVID, dropping an initial single last year that laid the groundwork for a more expansive project in the form of Rising // Falling. Greatly influenced by Fleming's appreciation for Chris Cornell, the seven-track collection has all the hallmarks of the grungy 90's era that the late Soundgarden singer helped to pioneer; it's also well-recorded, a byproduct of Fleming's past studio experience.

In fact, as an 18-year-old, Fleming opened his own recording studio in Henderson - Lokish Records - which was in operation up until the pandemic spoiled the party. But it still gave him plenty of opportunities to meet area musicians and hone his skills working with Logic, the software that he uses to create fully-formed demos, including the vocals, guitar, bass and drums. However, for the final versions, Fleming calls on friends to flesh out the sound; in other words, he's smart enough to seek out players who can improve on his ideas. For the songs that comprised Rising // Falling, this proved to be crucial in taking the project to another level with guitarist John Abbott, bassist AJ Walton, keyboardist Adam Carey and drummer Zakk Marks all making significant contributions - something that's immediately apparent upon hearing lead single "Depth," a bluesy, swampy rocker that's tailor-made for airplay alongside Fleming's heroes such as the aforementioned Soundgarden, Chevelle and Tool.

Then there's "Barely Breathing," a deep cut that truly highlights Fleming's vocal prowess as he effortlessly shifts from a nearwhisper to full-throated crooning/howling in an increasingly higher register as the band locks into a serious groove. Make no mistake, this kid can sing - and yes, Chris Cornell would be proud. Just like "Depth," this song is every bit as good as what you hear on any rock station in America today, including WGBF - right on par with all the big name bands. (The likes of Breaking Benjamin might want to look in the rearview mirror because Atlas of the Dogs - more on that name shortly - may soon be nipping at their heels.) While that's a direct reflection of both the writing and the performances, some of the credit must go to Westley Rose who deftly mixed and mastered the album, giving these wellconstructed songs a professional sheen worthy of radio exposure.

Another standout on the album, "Abort" easily takes the award for most compelling genesis. As Fleming tells it, the band had been invited to appear on Lifestyles After Dark, a web-series helmed by area musicians Freddie Bourne and Cynthia Murray. Just before heading out to make the hour drive to Dale, Indiana, for the shoot, he was informed they'd be required to perform two songs. Problem was, only "Tear You Open" had been written at this stage, a song that ultimately failed to make the cut for Rising // Falling. What to do? Well, Fleming hunkered down in the backseat with the guitarist and came up with "Abort" on the spot as they traversed I-64 - and then debuted it live an hour later. That's as rock & roll as it gets.

What's also pretty rock & roll, in the sense that it's completely unexpected, is the hidden track that concludes the album. Don't wish to ruin the surprise but suffice it to say that Fleming shows off a totally different side of himself with an ethereal, haunting piece composed on classical guitar. And wait till you hear the choral vocals...

Finally, the name. It should come as no surprise that Fleming looked to his main influence once again for inspiration, simply putting a different spin on Temple of the Dog, the 90's supergroup featuring Chris Cornell and Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder. No doubt it's going to look good up on a marquee down the road when the band starts landing gigs in support of Rising // Falling. Fleming hopes to play venues in neighboring cities like Bowling Green, Louisville, Nashville and St. Louis rather than focus on Evansville where the opportunities for rock bands are few and far between.

But not to worry, you can check out the new album now on Spotify and jump around like you're right in front of the stage.

For more info, follow Atlas of the Dogs on Instagram: @atlasofthedogs