Still Awesome

Remember those good old days in 2005, when Awesome New Republic ruled our local indie scene with fresh songs like “Kill South Beach Dead”? Back then you couldn’t walk anywhere near Wynwood -- or Churchill’s, for that matter -- without having someone wax poetically about this new, eclectic local duo. Comprising singer Michael John Hancock and keyboardist/drum machine whiz Brian Robertson, Awesome New Republic (ANR) played up its part as rebellious, artsy boys who could also make incredibly catchy dance songs. Passionate locals were not the only ones paying attention; ANR made inroads nationally with its independent debut, ANR So Far, a tight collection of dance-art pop songs. Suddenly trendsetting Websites such as Pitchfork were giving ANR glowing reviews, while the band’s songs were featured on Nic Harcourt’s über-influential Morning Becomes Eclectic radio show.

But then it was all over in 2006, when the duo called it quits. That is, until tonight’s special one-off reunion show. “Rob is visiting for the first two weeks of September, helping me out with an album I’m working on,” says ANR’s John Hancock. “It seemed like a great idea to play a show together.... We’re both very excited to get up there and churn out the drum and keyboard jams, not to mention slapping on the antiwar paint as well.” Remember the good, not-so-old days at 8:00 at Studio A. Tickets cost five dollars. Call 305-358-7625, or visit www.studioamiami.com.
Thu., Sept. 13, 8 p.m.