Speaking only for myself of course, I love music, all kinds of music. My soul is influenced by so much it’s hard to go through and pluck 10 releases out of the past year that I loved the most, it was agonizing in fact. So I narrowed it down to not only the records I loved and was obsessed over but also the records that were sent to the Audio Ammunition stronghold that collectively spent the most amount of time on my various radios. ~ J Castro
1) Impo & the Tents – Peek after a poke LP (Alien Snatch Records) Late 1970’s style power pop punk like The Undertones or Buzzcocks mixed with a splash of The Dickies: Super enjoyable, super amazing record that commands repeat listens.
2) Average Times – S/T LP (Hosehead Records) A dazzling debut LP: Monumentally catchy and loud bursts of 77 punk-pop inspiration! These are sons and daughters of punk from the last 20 years; they gathered everything that was great about so many bands from that time and discard the dead weight!
3) New Trocaderos – Kick Your Ass EP (Collectors Club Records) Some of the best rock n’ roll songs produced by human hands; exciting, exhilarating, exceptional: all understatements when describing this record!
4) 1-800-BAND – Diver Blue 12” EP (Almost Ready Records) They learned to channel 1980’s romanticism and inject it into undeniably catchy songs similar to the Pretenders and The Cars. 1-800-BAND do what so many rock n’ roll bands wish they could accomplish: they make something old sound new again!
5) Dinos Boys – Last Ones LP (Die Slaughterhaus Records/Oops Baby Records) Dinos Boys create a riotous sonic stew of bands like the Damned and Menace with a power pop execution, it absolutely enslaved my mind.
6) Ricky C Quartet – Recent Affairs LP (Wanda Records) RCQ effortlessly evolved from an acid spewing ‘77 style punk band to a stripped down, super infectious pub rock style similar to the 101’ers and Dr Feelgood on Recent Affairs that’s impossible to resist.
7) Blind Shake – Breakfast of Failures LP (Goner) A few words came immediately to mind: massive, ominous, destructive and glorious. I imagine a squadron of B-29 Superfortress Bombers roaring overhead and then suddenly begin laying waste to my hometown.
8) The Rich Hands – Out of Our Heads LP (Fountain Records/Burger Records) The Rich Hands sound like early Rolling Stones covering Buddy Holly with a bit more dirt and fuzz collected around the edges, which just adds warmth and charisma to their music.
9) Golden Pelicans – S/T LP (Total Punk Records) Ultra tight, break neck rock n’ roll that reminds me of Radio Birdman mixed with the Testors. Yes it’s wild, yes it’s sweaty, and if you spend enough time with this record it will probably take a swing at you. Consider my ass kicked!
10) TV Freaks – Leeches EP (Hosehead Records) TV Freaks discharge a furious, shot out of the sky and coming down hard in flames style of fuzz punk/post punk/hardcore. It’s so great when I can find remnants of bands like The Stooges and Swell Maps among the wreckage.
Cause of Death – S/T EP (No Front Teeth) This is the debut EP from this Southern California PUNK band. They use to be called Final Solution (which if you recall NFT released their EP as well) but are now known as Cause of Death and features former members of Shattered Faith. This is their debut 7” as Cause of Death and this is one raging slab of wax through and through! This has all the raw brutality of your favorite early SoCal punk bands that recall early Bad Religion, Shattered Faith of course, and Adolescents. This record has four songs that were indeed influenced by the bands and era mentioned above but you’ll hear at first spin that these songs contain that particular new brand of rage that can only be brought out of people living in 21st century society. ~ Jay Castro
Cheating Hearts – Another Lover EP (Self Released) This German duo consists of the debonair Stu Black that comes off like a mix of Johnny Cash and Nick Cave belting out vocals and passionately strumming that guitar. The lovely Viva Valli meanwhile feverishly pounds on the drums and lends her vocal talent as well with a flawless Jayne Mansfield meets Nancy Spungen look. The music is very minimalistic Rock n’ Roll that straddles the sound of Rockabilly and the wild 1960’s garage sound of bands like the Kingsmen or The Troggs. Cheating Hearts let the guitar drive the bus on their short song bursts about losing love, wanting love, and making love. Get on the bus and search for your soul in the darkness with Stu and Viva. You may not ever find it but you’ll have a lot of fun looking! ~ Jay Castro
The Chemicals – S/T EP (Meanbean) Also not to be confused with current Portland punk band The Chemicals, this band called the Chemicals were also from Montreal and this particular record originally came out in 1985. Meanbean does a really good job and plucking records out of the black hole of obscurity and giving them an all new look so these records shine brighter than they did back when they were originally put out, this release is no different. Maybe a bit less punk than The Wipers, the Chemicals have a bit more of a British Invasion feel to them. They definitely do great pop-infused rock songs, but I can hear how they might have been a bit too rough around the edges. This may have been a bit too much for folks around the mid 1980’s, but perfect for people that appreciate the frayed edges or great, timeless melodic Rock n’ Roll! ~ Jay Castro
Chumped – Teenage Retirement LP (Anchorless) Back to the 90’s again, only this time we’re setting the Wayback Machine dial to the late 1990’s. Hey I don’t mind, these were my High School years, back when I was just discovering indie/underground music with wide eyed enthusiasm. hink back to a time when bands like Discount and Tiger Trap mixed twee with the fractured noisy guitar sounds of Sonic Youth. Back to an era when bands like J Church and Superchunk straddled the sounds of Pop Punk and what was then called “Alternative,” and before the word “Emo” was a household term. This record not only sounds like albums that came out then but has a similar all around feel too. It radiates intellectual slacker kinda like Ethan Hawke’s character in Reality Bites. ~ Jay Castro
Dirty Fences – Ladies Choice EP (Oops Baby) Sludgy, powerful, and highly melodic are some of the thoughts that immediately came to mind after hearing this new EP from this New York City quartet. It’s got that NYC sleazy feel like the New York Dolls had but it also has a lot of Detroit’s MC5 and Stooges groove and power to it as well. Like a hard rock band that grew up listening to Motown would have. The record has a very 1970’s production and tempo to it. The choruses are super catchy, they make you want to raise your fist and shout along, the guitars find the hooks floating around in the air and redirect them at your face, the rhythm section pounds away on your eardrum and they got a scrappy singer with a raspy style and charisma to spare. ~ Jay Castro
Duncan Reid and the Big Heads – Difficult Second Album LP (Wanda) In 2012, the former bass player/co-lead vocalist of London Punk legends The Boys quietly self-released one of my favorite albums called Little Big Head. It was one of those albums where you drop what you’re doing in amazement because you can’t believe how good it is. It’s an album you want to immediately call all your friends to tell them about it. Now the year is 2014 and Duncan has gotten himself a regular backup band calling themselves The Little Big Heads and they’ve been relentlessly touring since the first album came out. Difficult Second Album picks up where Little Big Head left off and Little Big Head picked up where Boys Only left off back in 1980, all without missing a step. Duncan Reid and the Big Heads continues to make remarkable soul searching power pop songs with singer/songwriter warmth and intimacy and on their second album and I hope they continues to do so for many more albums to come. ~ Jay Castro
The Dying Shames – S/T EP (No Front Teeth) This band, like a lot of bands on the famed No Front Teeth label, is a mixed bag of members of other bands from the London area. The Dying Shames consist of members of The Gaggers, Miscalculations, Ricky C Quartet, Los Pepes and more. This record however doesn’t sound like any of the above-mentioned groups. This is brilliant (and yes I mean that in every sense of the word you disbelievers!) 1960’s Mod/R & B Rock n’ Soul! These punks jump into the Kinks/Small Faces pool of cool water holding on to 800, 000 volt live wires. Four original songs of melodic, hook driven rock n’ roll recorded in all analog so you can really savor the flavor. These songs aren’t just played like hyper, long lost cover songs from back in the day either. These tunes you can tell are well crafted from five lads with heart and soul and who have the utmost respect for the genre. My hat’s off to these boys: one of the best 7”s I’ve heard all year! ~ Jay Castro
Electric Mess – House On Fire LP (Soundflat) A little bit of a new twist added to this New York City band’s third LP. Their first Self Titled LP released in 2010 and their second LP, Falling off the Face of the Earth had a straight up Mod R & B feel. The opening song “Better to be Lucky than Good” has a harder edge to it, like maybe Esther Crow and her assembly of impeccably dressed gentlemen have been listening to The Humpers and The Devil Dogs a little bit. Even the song title sounds like it could be a lost tune from Steve Baise and the boys. But don’t worry; there is still plenty of the old Electric Mess you know and love on the rest of the album: keyboards bouncing around every which way and tambourines and hips shaking all over the place! ~ Jay Castro
Feral Trash – Trashifiction LP (Dirt Cult/Mammoth Cave/P Trash) This Canadian trio belts out some really catchy, up-tempo punk rock with a bit of pop to it. It’s too tough to call power-pop, but a smidge too melodic to really call it straight up punk rock. I think you know what I’m saying. Their music does however possess a sense of urgency and a manic punk energy. This is their debut LP following last year’s stellar Dead Eyes EP, two of those four songs can be found here on this LP. The guitars are there, but not in your face and coupled with the female backing vocals give the songs a light, breezy feel to them. Feral Trash goes really well with Radioactivity and Low Culture. Terrific LP, the band sounds confident and sure footed with their sound, very rare these days epically on a debut LP! ~ Jay Castro
Juvie – It Ain’t Love EP (Surfin’ Ki) Singed my ear canal this record did!! This Minneapolis band launch wild, catchy Rock n’ Roll that’s wrapped tightly in guitar hooks that take cues from 1970’s rock monsters like the Rolling Stones, T. Rex and Gary Glitter. The A-Side is a tall shiny monument erected in the name of Marc Bolan himself with an ultra catchy bluesy riff that burrows in your brain and begins to take over your senses. The B-Side is an instrumental that makes you wanna strap on your white platforms just to stomp to the beat of this tune! The absolute icing on the cake is the production. There’s a sound that rock records in the 70’s had that makes them sound powerful, like a jet engine. Juvie pretty much nailed it here! Terrific record can’t wait to hear more! ~ Jay Castro
Kama Kama – Shift LP (Self Released) Sometimes I hear a record and I am at a total loss. I hear so many influences in some bands it’s hard to describe in just a few sentences. Once again I will try my best to give describe what I hear and feel when I listen to this Bloomington, IL band. It definitely has a Post Punk era Manchester, England/Jangle Pop feel to it. It’s got traces of early Echo and the Bunnymen melancholy, Johnny Marr style guitar hooks and all of this seems hurried and uneasy like some Joy Division songs without the sheer misery and sense of disparity. Now imagine all of that modernized with a clearer production than any of those other bands ever had. Kama Kama continues the unique and infectious sound they laid down on their 2012 debut EP The Tiled House. ~ Jay Castro
Legendary Wings – Do You See LP (Dirtnap) Legend has it that this Kalamazoo, MI band sent in a demo tape to Dirtnap Records (who have their hands full already and are said to not be accepting demos anymore) but made an exception due to the full frontal radness assault that they heard in Legendary Wings. Jeff and his Kalamazoo crew mix ultra catchy melodies, loud guitars and earnest vocals like the Ramones, Real Kids and The Beat do and Legendary Wings are every bit as captivating. The band has matured a bit since their 2012 debut Making Paper Roses (also on Dirtnap) but in a good way I assure you. They took their sound and tightened a bit here, fortified a little there and made a superior sophomore effort, something few bands are ever able to accomplish. ~ Jay Castro
Los Pepes – Los Pepes for Everyone LP (Wanda) London, England’s Los Pepes for everyone indeed! I couldn’t agree more with this statement! Their debut LP should be given out with every Dole check, every Civil Servants exam and made available at every polling place so that anyone in any free nation should have access to it. If more people would bask in the sounds of Los Pepes then this world would be a better place to live in. They sing and romanticize about things that we can all relate to: loneliness, guilt, and falling in love with the wrong people. Its classic sounding power-pop laid on a heavy foundation of loud Rock N’ Roll guitar hooks and energy. It sounds as if it could have been a lost gem from the late 1970’s. I’m just glad this gem was unearthed at all for the entire world to enjoy! ~ Jay Castro
Low Culture/Needles//Pins - Split EP (Dirtnap) First off the skillet is Low Culture, which deliver more of their critically acclaimed brand of fast strumming, ultra catchy and up-beat punk energized music. Chris Mason definitely brings that Marked Men charm into whatever band he’s in. And speaking of critical acclaims, next onto the plate come Vancouver’s Needles//Pins who just dropped a fabulous LP onto the masses via Chris’s Dirt Cult records. Needles//Pins has a somewhat similar style to LC only with a bit more Ramones street toughness to it. If you’re a fan of high energy, ridiculously melodic punk rock (and let’s face facts here: if you aren’t you’re a total sap and you have no business even reading this blog in the first place) then this record comes highly recommended. ~ Jay Castro
Meenk - Scamu Scau EP (Self Released) Clever and catchy wallflower jangle pop with a splash of melancholy softly radiates from this Brooklyn, NY outfit’s new record. This EP was produced and engineered by Julian Fader and Carlos Hernandez of hyper punk/funk band Ava Luna with recording help from NY experimental folk singer/songwriter Ben Scherer. The three definitely succeeded in creating a distinct and charismatic mood that envelops the entire record, similar to Scherer’s 2007 folk instrumental Rooms EP. You can almost see vocalist May Rio slink and sway in an intimate dimly lit NYC club like Hope Sandoval crossed with Emiliana Torrini with the rest of the band leisurely and masterfully backing her every move. ~ Jay Castro
Ministers Dead/The Bleach Boys – Split EP (No Front Teeth) Ministers Dead are from London and Hertfordshire and play a straight jump kick to your face, hard hitting, melodic hardcore with a “call to arms” style lyrics that you don’t hear much from No Front Teeth. The sound has more in common with the Southern California in the 1980’s than it does with 1977 and the UK. The Bleach Boys (who are THE Bleach Boys from back in the late 1970’s) serve up a good complimentary style of music to this split 7” but with a different lyrical approach. Where Ministers Dead want to rile up the masses and ignite the revolution, Bleach Boys are older blokes that express their distaste for western society by writing lyrics full of sarcasm and dark humor. Think of them as the George Carlins of Punk Rock! Not only is the music great, but the cover art is killer and like most No Front Teeth releases has different variations of it. ~ Jay Castro
Scraps – S/T EP (No Front Teeth) For anyone who read my interview with Bobby Passion from the Scraps that posted earlier in the month on these here illustrious pages, you know how much I like these guys and you have an idea of what they already sound like based on my two cents above the interview piece and your copy of their EP is currently flying over the mighty Atlantic in a cargo plane from No Front Teeth. If you haven’t then I will give it to you briefly so you can still catch Marco at the NFT headquarters and he can still get your EP out today. This is killer late 1970’s Brit Punk inspired music: raw, feral, melodic and minimalistic punk rock. Reminds me a lot of the Damned, Eater and Slaughter & The Dogs. Not total mindless throwbacks though, this is music made by three young
Sex Crime – S/T EP (No Front Teeth) Portland, OR’s Sex Crime also does a brand of Punk Rock with synthesizers as their weapon of choice but these boys and girls have yet another unique take on this particular wild animal. First off, this band consists of current and former members of bands like The Epoxies, The No Talents (yes THE No Talents from France), Suicide Notes, The Rickets, and more I’m sure I’m leaving out. They’ve only been around for a couple of years yet have already released a handful of EP’s and have toured Europe. This ain’t your goofball band of smelly kids that can barely see their adolescents in the rear view mirror. The members of Sex Crime are punk rock lifers and they all bare an impressive résumé. They’re not here to impress anybody, they’re here to bring exciting punk rock with an element of danger that will melt the flesh from your face and that is exactly what this EP does! ~ Jay Castro
Sonny Vincent & Spite – Spiteful LP (Ultramafic) This is one wild disc! I sat there reading who was in this band and had to read it three times over to convince myself I wasn’t just seeing things. The Spite are of course Sonny of the Testors on guitar/vocals, Steve Mackay of the Stooges on sax, Rat Scabies of The Damned on drums and original Sex Pistol Glen Matlock on bass! The music however is the REALLY amazing part: loud, mean, trashy Rock n’ Roll! From the first song “Dog on The Subway” the whole album gives the feeling of an uncontrollable wrecking ball swinging around your head. The mammoth 14-song record does have some slower numbers in it, but even those have a sensation of barely controlled energy waiting to explode. This goes to show you if you still have the rage, age don’t mean squat! ~ Jay Castro
Stalin Video – Vivisektion EP (No Front Teeth) Stalin Video comes to us partly from South Carolina’s Now in 3D and London’s Gaggers and sounds like a perfect blend of both. The songs are quick, razor sharp ditties of ultra bratty synth/doom punk. There are a few bands doing this sort of thing like Australia’s Ausmuteants and No Front Teeth label mates Miscalculations but none have this kind of jittery uneasy feeling of organized chaos and good ol’ fashioned ‘77 punk snootiness. This 7” is one sided but its 5 songs of relentless laser blasts that don’t skimp on manic energy. So run and take shelter behind a pile of rubble or a smoldering vehicle because Stalin Video are slowly moving forward and are scanning the perimeter for all remaining life forms: they will destroy whatever or whoever is found alive. ~ Jay Castro
Steve Adamyk Band – Dial Tone LP (Dirtnap) The only problem with being a fan of Steve Adamyk Band is trying to keep up with all of their releases and if you’re a fan, you want to. I have heard (as far as I know) all or most of these Ontario wild men’s records and I am never disappointed, Dial Tone is by no means an exception. This record continues to let us follow Steve Adamyk Band on their journey to perfect their own unique brand of aggressive, trashy, angst filled power pop punk. This time the band enlisted the help of Warm Soda front man Matthew Melton for the recording and it definitely adds a new depth to their sound. Every time you think SAB has hit peak perfection their next record comes out and you realize they’ve just set the bar higher for themselves yet again! ~ Jay Castro
Sunken Monkey – Party Scars LP (Self Released) From the town of Burnley, England come four burley chaps singing about love, life and all the woe and splendor than accompany both. Their music sounds like they would have earned a prominent set time during the Warped Tour heyday of the mid 1990’s right in between Pennywise and Down By Law. Thick guitars, shout along melodies with “all the ooos and aahs in all the right places.” I can easily imagine this band on an old Plan B skate video. The record is well produced and despite the goofy band name these guys wear their hearts on their sleeves and sing, play and sweat like they mean it. ~ Jay Castro
Teen Death – Crawling EP (6131 Records) Whoa, I haven’t heard new music like this, and done this well, in a very long time. Heavy, fuzzed up mucky guitar riffs with reverb dripping all over the place similar to early Nirvana and a singer that shouts with a snotty tone in his voice similar to Mudhoney’s Mark Arm. A tremendous debut from this, not Seattle or anywhere in the Pacific Northwest, but by way of Baltimore, MD trio of young, bratty, vigorous musicians ready and eager to resurrect the Jimi Hendrix and Pete Townshend inspired guitar decadence of 1990’s grunge! These are people that see this type of music as a jumping off point and if they continue are sure to take it to all new heights! ~ Jay Castro
TIT – S/T EP (FDH Records/Volar Records) The Philly boys at FDH bring you a new project from Shawn of Digital Leather and Bobby of The Hussy. Anyone that’s heard either of these bands (and if you haven’t, you really should!), this sounds pretty much how you would expect a perfect amalgamation of these two minds would. It’s wrapped in dark monotone vocals and mechanized drumming all while riding on a vessel of synthesizers and guitars that take you through a dark demented Charlie and The Chocolate Factory type tunnel to an unpleasant future filled with rotting buildings and the smell of smoke in the air. TIT goes well with Stalins of Sound, Ausmuteants and Miscalculations; TIT: bringing you the now sound for the no tomorrow! ~ Jay Castro
Vampires – Every Kind of Light EP (Self Released) Thanks to Stephanie Meyer and her horrendous interpretation of Vampires, the mere sight of the word now makes me cringe and bury my head. I thought this was going to be some kind of grind core/goth/industrial parade of crap like something they’d play at a fetish ball or something, but I was actually pleasantly surprised. The first two songs are a bit on the dark side, but it kind of reminds me of Gish era Smashing Pumpkins with a bit noisier/chaotic production. Loud, heavy guitar hooks rule over vocals that willingly submit to its supremacy. The third song “Winnipeg Song,” which is where the band is from, begins with a Death Cab for Cutie inspired riff before it starts to kick into a higher gear. Good, solid release that kept my interest though all four songs of the EP. ~ Jay Castro
Venomous Pinks – Exes & Whoas EP (Self Released) The four Phoenician ladies in Venomous Pinks play tough Punk Rock N’ Roll for you scrawny humans to admire and aspire to be someday if you can keep up. Their new EP is crammed full of sweat, beer, tattoos, and even Agnostic Front’s Roger Miret’s head pops up a couple times in the skirmish as well. Some of the other hard rocking ladies that come to mind when listening to this are Civet and Distellers’ Brody Dalle. The band has just released their second EP and has been around since 2011. They play in Phoenix/Tempe area quite a bit. What does that tell you? This band likes to play live better that sitting around tinkering with some silly recording machine. Venomous Pinks gain strength from your weakness and feed off of your nightmares, soon they will be coming around and you will be powerless against them! ~ Jay Castro
The Wipers – Nome Noma EP (Meanbean) Not to be confused with Portland’s Wipers, this band is from Montreal and sadly this was their one and only release. It originally came out in 1980 and re-released in 1981 and that’s it. The crate was shut, sealed and placed in that enormous warehouse they showed at the end of Raiders of The Lost Ark. Thankfully Meanbean found it, dusted it off and presented it back to civilization and boy I sure am thankful they did. This is a killer two song 7” of new wave/power-pop/punk which was obviously put out at the wrong time. This reminds me of The Vapors or The Normals which are two of my favorite bands. The original version was just in a plain white sleeve and Meanbean prepared a killer picture sleeve and the record now also comes with liner notes from some of the band members and available on color vinyl: definitely giving it the royal treatment it deserves. ~ Jay Castro
These reviews originally appeared in Audio Ammunition on December 30th, 2014
The Suicide Notes started as a recording project for Tim (of Epoxies) and some friends. The fun soon couldn’t be contained to just one small recording space and a full band was formed to play live. Three female lead singers were brought in to belt out those dark lyrics while harmonizing like the Ronettes. A backup band was meticulously chosen from the local talent pool including members of the Mean Jeans and Pure Country Gold. Suicide Notes play music in a fun, frantic ‘60’s girl group style only with some slightly demented lyrics. If you want another sense of what this group is like: imagine you’re on a hell bound train with Joey Ramone wearing the conductors cap while listening to The Shangri-La’s as you’re plummeting into the abyss. With lyrics like: “Life is about choice so i choose death so I don't have to see your face and smell your breath.” It’s this bitter and sweet dichotomy in their music that makes them so unique. However humorless squares: find your kicks elsewhere!
This interview originally appeared in Audio Ammunition on December 30th, 2014
Interview by J Castro
Shock Treatment: Let’s start with introductions: who are the Suicide Notes?
TIM: Name's Tim and I play drums and write songs. I also provide the rehearsal space and keep the fridge stocked with beer and the cupboards full of red wine to enhance an otherwise drab practice environment. Then we have Jessi Lixx, Double A and Miss Jo upfront on vox, Petey J Cool on guitar and our newest addition, John Cox on bass.
Shock Treatment: As a kid, do you remember what or whom made you want to write and or perform music?
TIM: I think the Damned had the greatest impact on me as a kid. Musically and visually they covered so many bases that it was impossible to avoid being heavily influenced by them. Van Halen also blew my mind; the first two records are fully insane.
Shock Treatment: The Suicide Notes sound: Maximum Rock N Roll said you sounded confused but melodic enough to forgive (whatever that means) you’ve been compared to B-52’s, The Go-Go’s and The Shangri-La’s. How would YOU describe your sound?
TIM: Those comparisons seem fair enough, I know ideas have been directly lifted from at least one of those bands. As broad as the term is these days, female fronted power-pop is an accurate description. We are six members who like a variety of genres so there's still room to wiggle in that description. We write music that we like to listen to.
Shock Treatment: The scene you guys have going on in Portland has become almost difficult to keep up with, great stuff seems to be coming out of there all the time, at least that’s what it seems like to an outsider like myself. Can you describe what it’s like being a part of that and is it becoming increasing difficult to keep your heads above the water so to speak?
TIM: It's always a challenge to remain relevant in this town. With the current migration, closing of venues and rent increases it's becoming a different monster. Lotsa cute bands are emerging- the civil war look is running rampant and it's almost impossible to avoid being offered smoked ice in a glass of whiskey. Keep it simple, a step above well liquor is fine but don't always go for top shelf. As long there's some dirt left around town we'll still have a pot to piss in.
Shock Treatment: The two EP’s you have out (S/T and Hey Baby) are both on Hovercraft Records, how did you guys hook up with those fine folks?
TIM: Tim Janchar proprietor of Hovercraft records and current bass player of Hey Lover took notice and kindly offered to release a couple singles. He WAS a friend of a friend who became a friend. The personal touch is nice. He makes great sacrifices to push music he believes in. He's a rare breed and a necessity to keep a solid grass roots scene up and running. I could S his D all day but let's move on.
Shock Treatment: Tim, legend has it you started The Suicide Notes simply as a recording project. What led you to decide you wanted it to become something more: curiosity more than anything?
TIM: I never really imagined the Suicide Notes as anything more than a recording project but Lixx scrounged up Petey J Cool (Pure Country Gold) and Howie Doodat (Mean Jeans) and we made it happen. Recently Howie left and was replaced by John Cox (Satan’s Pilgrims, The Pynnacles) who is also a mega-shredder, we're fortunate to have such talented friends. I was also itching to play out again. Recording is so fun and so creative but accomplishing a balls out live performance is what helps me sleep at night.
Shock Treatment: So Tim, there have been many a relationship laid to ruin due to being in a band with your spouse. What is it like for you being in a band with your other half and was there ever a concern when starting The Suicide Notes?
TIM: The relationship hasn't really been an issue, having said that when there are creative disagreements I'm more likely to push things into argumentative territory. She's good at diffusing that and starting irreconcilable and unending song writing warfare but in the end it's nothing that a stimulating game of mixed doubles at the racquet club won't cure.
Shock Treatment: This is the part of the interview that I like to call “The Fantastic 4” or “4 questions I stole from other interviewers” Here it goes:
Shock Treatment: 1. What was the first album you bought with your own money?
TIM: Pink Floyd The Wall
Shock Treatment: 2. What was the first band t-shirt you ever owned?
TIM: Fruit of the Loom
Shock Treatment: 3. What was the first concert you went to without your parents?
TIM: Siouxsie and the Banshees (there's other less cool and more truthful answers).
Shock Treatment: 4. What band or musician's picture was the first to get hung up on your bedroom wall?
TIM: Farrah Fawcett predates all band posters-I feel she deserves a plug.
Shock Treatment: I was reading this interview with Nick Cave and in it he said he felt that music, out of all other art forms, can change a person’s mood the fastest. Do you agree with this and do any of you have a favorite record you pull out when you want to be lifted out of a bummer mood?
TIM: Yep I agree that music is the most visceral art form. Recently I listened to Machine Gun Etiquette and it made me feel pretty good. Sometimes the best records put me in a "bummer mood;" sometimes being down is really uplifting. Shock Treatment: Outside of music, do any of you have any hobbies or interests?
TIM: Well honestly music does absorb a great deal of my time. It is my main hobby and interest but occasionally traveling, surfing and vintage furniture hunting get in the way.
Shock Treatment: What lies ahead for The Suicide Notes for the remainder of 2014 and 2015? Can we expect any new records?
TIM: Since 2014 is about done I'd say nothing, although we’ve had a super fun year. This last Spring we all jumped in a van and went on a “Mission to Sun Tour” to California with my (Tim) other band Sex Crime and we played a bunch of rad shows w/Maniac, Kepi Ghoulie, White Murder, The Stitches (+more!). We also had the honor to open for the legendary band The Sonics here in Portland this last October. We’ll be ending 2014 playing Seattle and Portland with LA’s The Muffs, which we’re super stoked about. For 2015 we're planning a completely non-music related trip to Hawaii and an ever elusive full-length record release coming to a store near you.
Venomous Pinks are an all girl punk band from Tempe, AZ. With that being said these four aren’t your typical twinkly pop punk princesses with spunky haircuts. In fact you might find a few of those types of people stuck in these girl’s boot heels. This band plays hard and fast as if they’re the Allied Forces storming the beach at Normandy. If you’ve seen this band live you know what I’m talking about. First you hear the vocals growl the battle commands; next the guitars come in relentlessly spraying sonic projectiles into the battlefield and whatever unlucky bastard is still left standing gets knocked on their face by the heavy guns of the drum kit. It’s a kill or be killed world out there and Venomous Pinks take no prisoners.
This interview originally appeared in Audio Ammunition on December 29th, 2014
Interview by J Castro
Shock Treatment: Who’s currently in the band and what do you all do in Venomous Pinks?
Does being in an all female punk rock band still pose its unique challenges or do you feel the ground has more or less leveled out? If not what sorts of things do you feel Venomous Pinks endure that an all male punk band otherwise wouldn’t have to put up with?
JUKIE: We don’t put up with it anymore. We pretty much still get comments and predispositions that go along with the stereotypical characteristics of being an all girl band. It’s all in how you handle it. It used to bother me a lot when we first started out 4 years ago, but today it goes in one ear and out the other. We are established as musicians and if people can’t see past our gender then it is their problem.
Shock Treatment: On your Bandcamp page one of your tags is Riot Girl. Did Kathleen Hanna and the whole Kill Rock Stars scene of the 90’s have a big influence on you?
JUKIE: Last year Drea and I went to see her documentary, The Punk Singer. After viewing the film I was able to come to terms with being in an all girl band; it meant the judgments were never going to stop, and it isn’t worth getting all upset over it. We have it a lot easier today than the riot grrls did in the ‘90’s. What inspired and impressed me was how they handled it. Everything they went through made the movement stronger. Sometimes at shows we call on all the grrls to come to the front and rock out with us and it is amazing...it’s a tribute to the OG riot grrls and to all of our awesome female fans.
Shock Treatment: Venomous Pinks have opened up for a lot of legendary bands like The Adicts, P.I.L., Channel 3 and The Weirdos). One of them was also The Queers, whose lyrics have been deemed somewhat sexist and homophobic by the “politically correct internet punk posse.” How do you feel about that? As women, have you ever been offended by a bands lyrics or onstage antics?
JUKIE: Funny you asked us this. Lately we have been getting a lot of crap from people claiming we are not punk because we don’t sing about politics or piss people off with our lyrics. Apparently to some of our “judges” punk means having green hair and slamming down Mickey’s malt liquor while screaming into the mic about everything that is wrong with the world. To me, and my band mates, punk rock is about being who you are and owning it. It also means coming together and accepting one another for who they are. People’s inability to do that is unfortunate and ignorant. So if bands in the punk category want to sing about controversial subjects that may cause people to become angry and uncomfortable, that’s great...that’s what they identify with….and guess what? That’s probably what they want...to get a rise out of you.
Shock Treatment: Speaking of playing with a lot of influential bands, there’s an old saying: “Don’t meet your heroes.” Have you ever come across anyone in all the bands you’ve played with that made you think that statement true or made you think “I really enjoyed this person’s music a whole lot more before I met them.”
JUKIE: Yes, this happened to me once after meeting a certain prima donna drummer at Punk Rock Bowling. Now when I listen to their music I don’t enjoy it as much, and it sucks because they are a really kick ass band. Out of respect for them, and their huge contributions and influences to punk rock, I won’t mention who it was.
Shock Treatment: Last year the band covered Hall and Oates “Maneater.” What led to the decision to record that song and what other kinds of music do you listen to that you feel may surprise some Venomous Pinks fans?
JUKIE: Drea and I were inspired by our former bass player to include this song in our set. We love a lot of old school rock n roll from the ‘80’s, ‘70’s, ‘60’s, and ‘50’s. That may surprise some of our fans...our love for music goes way beyond punk rock...back to the musicians who inspired some of our favorite modern bands. I enjoy listening to a lot of hard rock, metal and old school hip hop. My main love though is pure, raw, rock and roll; mostly the classic rock from the ‘70’s and alt/grunge rock from the 90s.
DREA: When I hear older songs, I hear the potential it could have to be a punk song. That’s basically what happened with “Maneater.” I brought the idea to the table and the girls were down to try it. There are a couple of older songs I’d like to cover some day. As far as music goes, I like a little bit of everything. I think having a diverse music taste can help you grow as a musician. I love ‘60’s rock n’ roll like the Animals and Jimi Hendrix all the way to the ‘80’s with bands like New Order and The Cure. But my true love will always be punk.
Shock Treatment: Venomous Pinks have been around since 2011 and you’ve just released your second EP but the band plays out in the Phoenix/Tempe area quite a bit. Do you enjoy playing live as opposed to the meticulous process of making records?
JUKIE: Yes, playing live is so much more fun than being stuck in a recording studio. However, our last EP session was an amazing experience. We recorded at Villain Recording studios in Phoenix with Byron Filson...he is the man! I would record anything with him in a heartbeat.
DREA: Playing live and recording are both hard work. I equally love both.
Shock Treatment: Like I said before, the band plays out quite a bit, can you tell me about the most memorable show you’ve played, good or bad and what made it so unforgettable?
JUKIE: The most memorable show for me was when we opened up for Betty Blowtorch at Hollywood Alley. Getting to share the stage with Sharon, Blair and Judy was incredible. It was even more special because it was at Hollywood Alley...one of my favorite places to play and the venue I played my first show ever as a drummer.
DREA: A memorable show for me would be our CD release because it had been a project in motion since April. It was really cool to see it come full circle. It was awesome how many came out and supported us. Thank you!
Shock Treatment: Where can people go or log on to get your music?
JUKIE: Pick a place...Xbox music, Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, our Bandcamp site….BUT the best place to get our music is from us at a show.
Shock Treatment: What can we expect from Venomous Pinks in 2015?
JUKIE: Expect more music videos, more out of town shows and an LP. Expect bigger shows and events from us. Expect an amazing experience when you see us play live that will leave you wanting to hear more. Expect the best rock/punk rock/metal/all girl (or whatever category you want to throw us in...we don’t care) band, The Venomous Pinks.
The Estranged have managed to hitch the cold, brooding atmospherics that are associated with bands like Wire or Joy Division to the hard driving vehicle of punk rock. This marriage is, as most may think to the contrary, not an easy task to accomplish. The qualities that exist in punk and post-punk take a certain kindred spirit or a particular frame of mind in a person to fully appreciate what each of these genres has. So the binding of these two sounds doesn’t produce the most palpable form of music for most. It’s not power pop, or bubblegum, The Estranged play a type of music with a seriously dark and unforgiving side to it. I think many people don’t like to be reminded that these aspects are part of the very essence of what makes one human and it exists in everybody, in some more dormant than others. Once you come to this realization and let this band’s music sink into your soul, you’re gonna wonder where they’ve been your whole life.
This interview originally appeared in Audio Ammunition on December 29th, 2014
Interview by J Castro
Shock Treatment: Let’s start out with some introductions. Can you tell me who is in the band and what they do in The Estranged?
MARK: We just added Evan to our roster this year. So this is our current lineup: Mark Herman - guitar/vocals Evan Mersky - guitar Derek Willman - bass Keith Testerman - drums
Shock Treatment: I would like to get a bit of a musical resume from you. Have you guys been in other bands and/or does anyone have any side projects going on?
MARK: Keith, Derek and I were in a band called Remains Of The Day that existed 15 years ago. It was more of a hardcore punk band. We put out 2 LPs and some 7"s and split up after that. Keith, Derek and Evan have and are currently playing with other bands.
Shock Treatment: Can you pin point the one person that’s influenced you musically the most? If so can you tell me a bit about him or her?
MARK: That's probably the most difficult question to answer but if I had to choose I would have to say David Bowie. What is there to say that hasn't already been said? He's amazing. He's been making music prolifically since the mid ‘60’s. I own almost every album he's released. He went through some weird phases in the late ‘80’s/early ‘90’s with the whole Tin Machine side project and Black Tie White Noise album, but I love everything else and I can't wait to hear his next album if there is ever going to another one. It’s kinda weird, but I've even had dreams about him. I once had a dream that I was at one of his shows and I gave him a hug after the show and the pinnacle of the whole dream was smelling his back during the hug and it smelled like a bouquet of flowers. Although, I don't have any preconceived notions about which single musician is going to drive me to write songs. I like to go through phases of listening to artists that suit whatever mood I'm trying to convey in my music and I also think its just nice to keep up with what’s new in the world.
Shock Treatment: When first starting The Estranged, was this the sound you were looking for and envisioned in your head or did it just take on a life of its own over time?
MARK: I think I would've liked to have been a bit more experimental sounding in the beginning but our first couple of records were recorded really fast and ended up sounding pretty raw instead but honestly, I don't think we even had a clue as to what we were trying to accomplish when we first started writing songs. We all liked a few of the same bands, but that was it really. We never talked about any sort of specific direction our band was going to head into. Also, like I said earlier I tend to drift into phases of listening to sounds of whatever inspires me at whatever present time and I'm glad that we do that because the notion of pursuing a singular unequivocal direction to me seems fairly fruitless. So I'm sure that doing so changes our coarse stylistically but I will say that only until recently has it felt to me that we're actually capturing something coherently that's been in my head, although I may always say that about any of our new material.
Shock Treatment: You guys have had a long association with Dirtnap Records; they just released your third LP. How did that relationship begin?
MARK: Ken from Dirtnap came to one of our shows and he must've liked us because he asked us shortly after if we wanted to sign to his label and we said yes. I don't think there's much of an interesting story behind it.
Shock Treatment: There are a few reviewers that have described your music as being hard to absorb at first but worth the repeated listens to really sink in. What do you guys think of that comment?
MARK: I think that is a good thing. I don't really enjoy listening to a whole lot of one-dimensional spoon fed type music. Their needs to be something below the surface that on first listen you may not be able to understand (or maybe not even hear). There needs to be something in music that is intrinsically linked to you and no one else and that proves your intent wholeheartedly without artifice but that is a very complex goal to achieve and I've heard a lot of bands flail at it but every once in a while you see or hear a band that succeeds at it and that is without end, the most inspiring muse to me. We often choose to play the way we play on purpose. If I'm writing a song and it sounds great by the masses' standards but if I think it’s cheap, I will scrap it. I'm not saying that I won't ever put my heart into a song that is easier for some sort of public to absorb. It just has to have the right context of representing whatever it is that I'm trying to embody in a song.
Shock Treatment: On your new self-titled album that came out earlier this year, there is a song called “Mark of Sin.” Was this song influenced by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter? Do films and literature often inspire lyrics for you?
MARK: No, it was not influenced by the Scarlet Letter however, we've had a few songs that were inspired by books/films that may a bit too aptly titled: The Subliminal Man and Wicker Man to name a few. I do like to get inspired by films. I think certain moods of soundtracks can be hugely inspiring. Morricone, Francis Lai, and John Barry are a few of my favorites.
Shock Treatment: Where can people go to listen or to buy your music?
MARK: I would hope that you could find our records in most independent record stores but if it’s not there you can always order it from any of our labels. (Dirtnap/Sabotage)
Shock Treatment: What lies on the horizon for The Estranged, any new releases or tours coming up?
MARK: We have an Australia tour that we're currently setting up for sometime in February and we have a few 7" singles coming out in a few months as well but aside from that we're probably going to start working on writing material for our next album. Thanks for the interview!
Man Hands is a tightly coiled powerhouse of a band with apparitions of Chrome and The Fall swirling around them. The band released their self-titled debut LP in the winter of 2012, which was a powder keg of frenzied lo-fi anxiety. In the middle of the sweltering summer of 2013, Man Hands hit the dehydrated youths of Arizona with their second long player titled Misadventures. This time the band came out sounding darker, chaotic and agitated; emotions many Phoenicians can relate to in the sweltering 120° weather. The band has been touring, playing SXSW and have become a fixture in the local music scene in the Phoenix/Tempe area, steadily gaining a loyal following. Soon it won’t just be the good people of the Grand Canyon State, but the entire country, then the world will pledge their allegiance to Man Hands!
This interview originally appeared in Audio Ammunition on December 12th, 2014
Interview by J Castro
Shock Treatment: So, who’s all in the band what does everyone do in it?
JACKIE: Man Hands is: Marcus Berry: guitar/vocals, Matt Spastic: drums, Colin Sick: bass, Jackie Cruz: guitar/vocals
Shock Treatment: What types of things typically inspire the lyrics to Man Hands songs? Can you recall any particularly bizarre person or event that prompted you to want to write a song about?
JACKIE: We gather inspiration from personal experiences and daily life. I don’t think I can tell you who any of my songs are about without pissing someone off ha ha, but a lot of the songs I write are about situations I’ve had with certain people. I have a song called “Cat Life” which is about my desire to be a cat. I have a feeling that one day I’ll probably end up living alone in a house surrounded by cats. I also write about my mental issues and personal struggles I’ve dealt with.
MARC: Man Hands’ songs are mainly inspired by our frustrations and the weirdness of daily life. “I’m afraid of Crazy Women” was inspired by a long period where I felt completely and inescapably surrounded by unhinged women. “Ghost in the Hotel” is about the Monte Vista Hotel in Flagstaff, AZ which is supposed to be haunted. Most songs, though, are about our mental health.
Shock Treatment: Your second album (2013’s Misadventures) is quite a bit darker than your debut self titled album. Is this something that was done consciously or is that just how it turned out?
JACKIE: That’s just how it turned out. Marc started messing around with more pedals and I think we started feeling comfortable playing together as a band. I’ve always been into darker, heavier stuff but we all have a ton of different influences. There are so many sounds that we love that it’s hard to focus on just one style. We want to play everything. Misadventures just happened naturally and I think it’s a product of us maturing as a band.
Shock Treatment: And speaking of your second record, the cover art kind of reflects the sentiment of my last question. Can you tell me about the cover art for Misadventures?
Jackie: A local artist named Sierra painted that and we all thought it was great. I think it perfectly fits us as a band because there’s no way to really describe it. I have struggles with anxiety and depression so when I see this image, it conveys the way I feel inside, at times. Plus we all dig really weird creepy looking stuff.
Shock Treatment: You did a West Coast tour over the summer. How did that go? Do you guys enjoy touring or do you feel it’s just something a band kind of has to do?
JACKIE: The tour was fun. It’s always nice to get out of town and play your music for new people. The shows we played were great and all the bands we played with were awesome. It’s amazing to me how supportive people are. Maybe we just get lucky but people are always willing to take care of us and make us feel at home. Touring is my favorite thing to do but I know others in the band don’t feel the same way. We might be a bit divided on this question. I think it’s something that a band has to do if they’re trying to get new fans and move forward but I also see it as an exciting adventure. We’ve made so many friends and had some pretty crazy and wonderful experiences. I wish I could quit my job and do it all the time.
Shock Treatment: You guys played SXSW earlier this year too, your second trip out there I believe. What did you think of it? Has it reached its peak potential or is there still some good that can still come of it for smaller bands to try and get some national attention?
JACKIE: We like to do it for fun. I’m sure good stuff can still happen for smaller bands but there seems to be an over abundance of them (us included). We don’t really go out with the intention of getting national attention. It’s just a good chance to see a ton of awesome bands and meet up with friends from all over. We only get a few shows so we have more time to enjoy the experience. I know it’s a lot more hectic and stressful for other bands. People like to complain about SXSW a lot. It’s still new to us so I guess we haven’t become jaded about it yet. We’ll see how we feel in a couple years ha, ha.
MARC: I doubt small bands can get attention from it, but at least its fun.
Shock Treatment: The online magazine IX Daily did a piece on you guys that described your sound as fitting right by Buzzcocks and Stiff Little Fingers. Do you think that’s a proper description? If not, what bands out there do you think Man Hands has a more comparable sound to?
JACKIE: We’ve been compared to so many different bands that I don’t even know what an accurate description of us is. All of us love ‘70’s punk so I can see how people hear that. We’ve gotten Dead Kennedys a couple times too. Some of our major influences are: Devo, Chrome, Nirvana, The Intelligence, The Fall . . . so I hope people hear some of these bands in our music.
Shock Treatment: The same article posed an interesting question they said: “Now that punk rock has been in mass production for some years now, has the genre been perfected? Are there still new trails to be blazed in that field?” What do you think?
JACKIE: I think there’s always new music to be made. I wouldn’t say that punk has been perfected but I definitely think that the older bands did it better. It might be harder for newer bands because people are trying to have their own sound and maybe it was easier to do that when punk was new. I’ve been really impressed by a few bands that can create amazing music and sound completely unique such as: Indian Jewelry, White Fence and The Horrors. These bands restore my faith in modern punk music.
MARC: The genre was just barely perfected when Jules Casablancas met the Voidz.
Shock Treatment: Jackie, you have been doing an annual festival here in Tempe, AZ for the last five years called Vagfest. Can you tell us a bit about that?
JACKIE: I started the fest with my friend Dusty as a way to reach out to other female musicians. I knew there were a lot of ladies making great music in Phoenix and I thought it would be fun to bring them all together. I had a lot of struggles finding my voice, growing up in a male dominated punk scene. It took me a long time to feel confident and comfortable playing. Not to say that there aren’t many great dudes out there that has always been really supportive. It’s just empowering to be surrounded by a bunch of badass lady musicians. Each year it’s gotten bigger to the point where it gets pretty stressful but it’s still a blast. Last year we had Alice Bag headline which was a dream come true. Every year I have great bands that travel from other states to play the fest so it’s pretty exciting. We have DJ’s, raffle drawings and this year we had people put out tables to showcase and sell their art. I hope the fest continues to grow and thrive because I have an endless list of bands that I’d love to have play.
Shock Treatment: What’s coming up for Man Hands in the near future?
JACKIE: We’re about to record out third album. Once that’s finished we’ll be planning our SXSW shows and then our next tour. Other than that, just playing fun shows and being crazy weird punks.
