Lyonnais plays its first show in nearly two years

The long-standing post-punk provocateurs play songs from 2016’s ‘Anatomy of the Image’ and more

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Photo credit: Courtesy Lyonnais
ANATOMY OF THE IMAGE: Lyonnais returns to the stage after nearly two years.

Lyonnais debuted in 2011, with the Want For Wish For Nowhere LP (Hoss), exploring the gray area between post-punk and industrial-grade drone rock. Since then, the group’s second LP Anatomy of the Image (Geographic North) elevated the group to rise above and beyond Atlanta’s ever-changing post-punk scene. Entire years have gone between shows, though, as Lee Tesche (guitars, also of Algiers), Farbod Kokabi (guitar, vocals), TJ Blake (drums, also of Lotus Plaza), and, Farzad Moghaddam (bass, synths) are spread out between different cities throughout the United States and Europe.

Anatomy of the Image, which received CL’s 2016 critics pick for album of the year, boasts a cover of British group Section 25’s “Friendly Fires.” The song is a nod to Factory Records’ under appreciated minimal dance music counterpart to Joy Division and the Durutti Column, uncovering new depth in the album’s stark, sparse imagery. A full year after its arrival, the album is as potent as ever.

Opportunities to catch Lyonnais on stage are becoming increasingly rare. It’s been nearly two years since the group last performed a show, so naturally, this one is not to be missed.

With Moon Diagrams and Pyramid Club. $10. 8:30 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 28 The Earl. 488 Flat Shoals Ave. S.E. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com.