The people of Athens are a vibrant and lively bunch. Public input is currently being sought for the new Eastside public library's designs. This project impacts our residents and the entire local scene. One specific design element stands out and should interest everyone. According to the ACC communications department's press release, residents will have the chance to suggest a song representing Athens or inspiring in nature to expand horizons. The design team is considering options to symbolically represent a song on the building's façade. The public input period lasts until December 15, and you can preview the proposed designs at accgov.com/eastsidelibrary. That's also the URL to follow for providing your input. The form is behind the big navy blue rectangle labeled "Provide input."

Where the Musical Strings Resonate

Hunger Anthem will celebrate the release of its new full-length album, "Lift," on Saturday, December 7, at Normal Bar. Things start around 8 p.m. On the bill are Trycoh and Noise Mountain, covering all guitar needs. The band has steadily released three singles ("Patron," "Bloodsucker," and "Hours And Miles") leading up to the album. Hunger Anthem has been one of the most consistently excellent guitar-oriented American-indie rock bands in Athens for several years. The new album hits all the right notes and is a joy to listen to. You can preview and purchase the vinyl LP or digital download at hungeranthem.bandcamp.com. For more information, see facebook.com/hungeranthem.

Heffner's Five-Year Celebration

Heffner is currently celebrating five years as a band. The group will play two free shows at Nowhere Bar in December. On December 7, Elijah Johnston will share the bill. On December 28, McKendrick Bearden will share the bill. Don't overlook these openers; both Johnston and Bearden have released excellent records in the past 20 months. Check them out at mckendrickbearden.bandcamp.com and elijahjohnston.bandcamp.com. Celebrate the birthday boys at facebook.com/Heffnerband.

Patterson Hood's Solo Journey

Patterson Hood will release his first solo album in 12 years early next year. Titled "Exploding Trees & Airplane Screams," it comes from ATO Records and has a street date of February 21. The album was produced by Chris Funk at various Portland, OR studios as Hood has made his home there for several years. Longtime friend and collaborator David Barbe also appears on the album. The album art is truly unique and disturbing. The first single, "A Werewolf And A Girl," features country music legend Lydia Loveless. I'm not usually a fan of duets, but this one is an exception. Hood will perform in Asheville, NC, on Saturday, December 7, at the Asheville Music Hall. Preorders for the new album are available at atorecords-ffm.com/etaas. For more information, see pattersonhood.com.

The Rishis' New Sound

Long-running Athens band The Rishis have expanded and released a brand new single on the Primordial Void label. The song is titled "Coloring" and combines pop psychedelia, Tin Pan Alley, jazzy baroque, and even late-1960s country and western. It's a high-quality recording that's not too different from its Elephant 6 predecessors. It took some time for me to fully appreciate The Rishis, but this song makes me anticipate a new full-length album. Find it at primordialvoid.bandcamp.com.

Flamingo Shadow's Debut

In Atlanta, former Jet By Day members Mason Brown and David Matysiak have teamed up with singer-songwriter Madeline Adams and Katie Spradley to form Flamingo Shadow. Their debut album is named "Shake For Fruit," and all album credits use pseudonyms. The album is shiny and bright, recorded exceptionally well at Adult Swim Studios. There are real gems on the album, like the Caribbean-rhythmed "Kingdom" and the driven "Headlights." With a post-punk aesthetic, Flamingo Shadow is more compelling when approached through melody, beauty, and glamor rather than angularity and heavy drums. Check it out at flamingoshadow.bandcamp.com.Like what you just read? Support Flagpole by making a donation today. Every dollar you give helps fund our ongoing mission to provide Athens with quality, independent journalism.