We Fun: Atlanta, GA Inside/Out

It might not seem as such on the outside, but when one delves into the lives of indie rockers Deerhunter, progressive metal brigade Mastodon and garage twerps the Black Lips, there's a unifying factor that brings these disparate bands together. Not only are they the focus of director Matthew Robinson's feature-length documentary, We Fun, but they're all from the exact same stomping grounds: Atlanta, GA. Somehow, that's supposed to mean that despite their aural deviations, there is a grassroots tie-in for all of them: they're proud of their home, relish it and as we hear during interviews/see during live footage, there's an understated vein of respectful support that runs through Atlanta's music world, resulting in that city's bands becoming universally revered. Interestingly, while such is the focal point of We Fun, Robinson's work extends beyond the simple scope of those few square miles and their indelible influence on various musical climates. Watching the Black Lips' internal hissy fits, an elongated Deerhunter gig, some insightful reflection from Mastodon and even traces of lesser-known acts on their home turf aren't situations specific only to this geographical location. The ennui that inspires these artists is exactly the same across the planet, save for what locals dub the "Peter Pan Syndrome," a situation where these rockers just don't want to grow up and endlessly hunt within their own creativity to stay boys, for better and worse. Still, it's that understanding of how musical politics are identical everywhere that ensures We Fun is more than a simple scene profile. Unfortunately, the DVD delivers diminishing returns on the bonus material side. A tribute to fallen cohort B Jay Womack and film trailer are of little consequence to those who don't know Womack after just watching it, while an in-the-living-room performance of "Calvary Scars" by two Deerhunter members comes across as self-indulgent, adding little to the strength of We Fun.