Is/Ought Gap – SUA

Release date: April 5, 2024

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 Kilkenny 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, 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 & the Cookies, Pylon Reenactment Society) Bel Aire studio, unreleased songs find their voice, preparing to etch a new chapter on the highly anticipated album ‘SUA,’ set to emerge on April 5th, 2024 on vinyl and digital via HHBTM / Happy Happy Birthday to Me Records. The stage is set for a grand return, a celebration of sonic resurrection, as Is/Ought Gap weaves their enigmatic melodies once more into the tapestry of Athens. Witness the echoes of shadows and the resonance of melodies as the enigma of Is/Ought Gap unfolds live and in person.

LP is black vinyl in a full-color jacket with lyric booklet, and download card.

Deluxe version includes black vinyl, t-shirt, screen-printed postcards, and 1″ button.