This Little Underground

As a gathering place, Urban ReThink is a modern concept that's prime for downtown. As a performance space, its willingness to have a group like SSLOTS bang away in there is proof they can keep it real. But that's no surprise when the forward-thinking Pat Greene is the program manager.

For a while there, DeLand's Dish did a good job of establishing area profile. Although they tell me they're back in business, they've been out of the game for some time. And unfortunately, it looks like they're at an indeterminate crossroads. In their reemergence (June 24, the Social), they seemed lost at sea. What had 
developed into an intriguing sound now too often resembles a standard college-rock band: heartfelt but banal. And that's really too bad.

Orlando's Mud Flappers (June 25, Orlando Brewing), however, have improved and are much more together than when I first saw them. Unlike their previous clutter, order now reigns over their loaded format and the old-time charm of their songwriting emits clearly, showing that they're more than just instrumental novelty. They're a fully loaded folk outfit that's finally doing the music justice.

> Email Bao Le-Huu