"It was reported earlier that ATLATL will play live on-air as part of WMSE's Local/Live series on Thursday, May 8th. Their show is actually scheduled for 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 6th. We are sorry for the error and any subsequent inconvenience."

We at the fringe section of The Post pride ourselves on a solid appreciation of all art forms, be it visual, musical, literary, or otherwise. In the past, we’ve worked to bring you thoughtful criticism and commentary on some of our favorite artists from all over the world. However, sometimes we can’t shake feelings of occasional neglect toward some of our homegrown artists, right here at UWM.

To shed some added light on our fellow students who feel compelled to create and express through whatever medium they fancy, beginning this week and carrying in to the fall, we will feature a weekly column dedicated to their work and the personalities behind them. So without further ado, the subject of this week’s spotlight: the band ATLATL.

Playful, uninhibited, and when it comes down to it, just plain entertaining, the five member group ATLATL has been leaving quite an impression on the local scene.

This eclectic and animated bunch plots its beginnings in the Sandburg Dorms with students Jeremy Rogers and Kevin Christensen playing around with a drum machine. After adding old friend Dan Mahony on bass and vocals, they rented a practice space in an attic on Murray Avenue.

“We were more about drinking then practicing at that time,” jokes Rogers, a junior at UWM. Not long after though, Kent Watson, a sophomore DIVAS major originally from Boise, Idaho came across the band jamming in the dorms and gave them his demo. After picking up Watson and another friend Ben Redlin, ATLATL was formed.

“I originally wanted us to be ‘Walking Hawk and the Blackfoot Tribe,’” remarked Watson. According to Rogers, the oft-inquired upon name actually came out of an anthropology class on campus. “ATLATL” actually refers to an ancient dart throwing system invented by Neanderthals.

“It’s still perfect for us,” joked Rogers and Watson.

Whatever the origins of their unconventional and sometimes self-loathed handle, ATLATL has already managed to develop quite a local following, despite having only played together for little over a year. They recently released their four-track EP, aptly title “Atlanta, Atlanta” on March 29 at The Cactus Club, and have since been written up in The Shepherd Express, as well as The Onion. Their single, “Hey Man” enjoys regular air-play on WMSE 88.9 FM, and they will also be playing a live set on air May 8 at 8p.m. as part of WMSE’s “Local/Live” series.

ATLATL appears regularly at Riverwest Commons, as well as The Ring, a discreetly located former boxing arena turned venue in the fifth ward, which also serves as the band’s studio and practice space.

ATLATL’s inspirations are as diverse and fluid as each band member’s duties from show to show. Watson and Mahony regularly share vocal leads from song to song, and Christensen and Redlin both cover percussion simultaneously. Watson claims Nick Cave to inspire him lyrically and Modest Mouse’s Isaac Brock vocally, which he jokingly boasts trying to kick in favor of a new sound. Despite a great deal of traditional folk-rock influences, the band itself retains a comfortably electronic aspect, as well as occasional forays into alternative, funk, and even jam-rock.

Yet, what really sets ATLATL apart early on is their obvious passion for music and playing live. Rogers, who plays rhythm guitar and contributes backup vocals, particularly animates performances, occasionally taking his act to the audience itself by passing out shakers and noisemakers to the crowd while dancing through to the music.

“I don’t do a lot of singing, so I try to bring as much energy as I can,” remarked Rogers.

While this is certainly true of their performances, their sets have a wonderfully laid-back aspect to them as well. At times, they seem almost too comfortable in front of an audience, and they really seem to revel in their opportunities to just play and have fun.

ATLATL is truly a burgeoning local talent. Their genuine passion and creativity are backed by a frank nonchalance, as well as willingness to learn and grow. Between aggressively promoting around Milwaukee and recording their first full-length album, ATLATL is booked to open for Langhorne Slim at Mad Planet on May 27, as well playing Summerfest July 4. Now all they have to do is finish their finals, of course.

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