***In the elusive shadows of early '80s Athens, Georgia, Is/Ought Gap emerged as a force beyond the ordinary, their name whispered in the clandestine circles of independent music. A vital chapter in a scene immortalized by People Magazine and cinematic masterpieces (Athens, Ga: Inside Out), they wove their distinctive sounds into the same musical tapestry as R.E.M, the B-52's, and Pylon.
The saga began in the twilight of 1981 when Bryan Cook (later of Time Toy and Club Gaga), captivated by the rebellious echoes of the Sex Pistols, collided with Tom Cheek (later of Killkenny Cats), sparking a brotherhood fueled by shared musical alchemy and thrift store escapades. With the arrival of Haynes Collins and later Allen Wagner, Is/Ought Gap marked a pivotal moment, their ensemble now complete.
Within the ghostly halls of an old funeral home in downtown Athens, GA, they crafted their songs and narrative. Live debut whispers echoed via the clandestine "Party Line" on Pylon’s answering machine, setting the stage for an indelible pact forged with a silent yet attentive audience at the Coffee Club.
As the band's sonic journey extended beyond Athens, Is/Ought Gap became known for electrifying performances across the Southeast, sharing the stage with iconic acts like the Bongos, Circle Jerks, R.E.M., and Pylon. The shadows thickened during their break-up in the late '80s, only to be resurrected during the Art Rocks Athens events in 2014, alongside the birth of the Pylon Reenactment Society.
Now, in the hushed chambers of Jason Nesmith's (Casper &...
