Bryan Thomas and Buggy Jive

PARTY LINES The guys in local metal band Amalgama recognize what many of us do—the upcoming presidential election is important as fuck. And they’re doing their part to spread the word to those who haven’t quite figured out how they can play a part. Next Thursday, Sept. 25, Amalgama will head up a rock & roll show and voter-registration drive at Valentine’s in Albany, specifically aimed at getting voters in the 18-24 demographic to sign up and get involved in this incredibly exciting political contest. The evening, dubbed “For Those About to Vote . . . We Salute You,” also will feature performances by Capital Region bands Repression and Hellfire. Get more information at myspace.com/amalgamamusic or valentinesalbany.com.

TALK AMONG YOURSELVES This month’s installment of CRUMBS Night Out will be held Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Linda on Central Avenue, per usual. What’s unusual about this month’s CNO is that it’s taking on a new shape: Rather than a mix-and-mingle hour followed by several live performances, the repurposed events will focus on panel discussions to address the needs and concerns of working musicians. The inaugural edition of the new-and-improved CNO features a live set from the Trapps, followed by a panel of music critics talking about what it is that they do, and how it relates to the local music scene. Our own Paul Rapp will moderate; guests include Times Union freelancer David Malachowski and Seth Rogovoy of Berkshire Living, among others. The event is free; find out more at wamcarts.org or crumbs.net.

BAND SET ASIDE The sun has set on Sunset Aside, at least for now. According to band member Johnny Riott, the goth-flavored rock act officially have been put on hiatus in favor of a new project, Ov Dust. Says Riott, “Will [Nivins] and I have reshuffled the deck and have moved in . . . a very metal direction.” Riott and Nivins are joined in their new endeavor by Steve O’Brien, a former member of several classic Albany bands including Plaid and 1000 Young. And they’re not lying about the new direction—fans of the former band’s emotive dirges might be taken aback by the sheer aggression of Ov Dust. But you can decide for yourself: The band have posted three new tracks at their MySpace page, myspace.com/ovdust, and they plan to return to the studio to record a full-length this winter.

CREATIVE DIFFERENCES? While some bands (see above) make a conscious decision to end their run, others go the route of the Juice Junkees. After a brief run on the local scene (the group began performing in early 2007), the Junkees are no more. What’s interesting about the split is the way it was announced: Last week, drummer Andy Maroney circulated an e-mail stating that the band “have ceased to exist and will no longer perform under that name,” citing an “unforeseen incident” in which “an irate ex-band member” deleted the band’s MySpace account, effectively erasing the band’s Internet presence in one fell swoop. (Ouch.) An optimistic Maroney promises that fans “have not heard the last” of the three remaining Junkees.

—John Brodeur

Let us know about local-music news and happenings for inclusion in Rough Mix: E-mail tips and information to tigerpop1@ yahoo.com or metroland@metroland.net