Buffalo, NY’s punk / metalheads, Every Time I Die (ETID), recently dropped an all new release titled Ex Lives on Epitaph Records. Produced by Joe Barresi (Queens of the Stone Age), the album shot up the Billboard charts very quickly and landed in the top 20s. That right there has go to tell you something.
This marks the sixth full-length release for the five piece band in their 14 year career. That’s not to say that the last 14 years have been easy for ETID as their line up has been a revolving door with members coming and going. Even with the challenges of keeping the band intact, ETID managed to continue on and after hearing Ex Lives, I have to say I am glad they did. I will point out I am not the biggest ETID fan. I know what they are capable of and appreciate all that they do in the music world. In other words, I am one of those people who love “We’rewolf”.
The album starts off beyond insane with “Underwater Bimbos From Outer Space” (nice title by the way). “I want to be dead with my friends” repeats at the beginning of this fast, brutal song that pretty much got me all sorts of excited to hear the rest of the album. Keith Buckley and crew sound amazing on this track.
“I Suck (Blood)” was just a thrashed mess of screaming and guitar playing guaranteed to keep you angry. “Partying Is Such Sweet Sorrow” had a Southern rock vibe throughout but kept things moving for the best. Kind of reminded me of when Pantera jumped off their path on some of their songs back in the day.
I will say that “Revival Mode” caught my attention as it took a complete total different route and was more or less a 90s grunge rock song at times, but I liked it for what it was worth. (Seriously, did anyone else hear some Layne Stanley in there?)
“Drag King” made me wonder how Buckley still has vocal chords with all that screaming, but he was able to add some melodic singing throughout the track. The fast-paced “Touch Yourself” followed and all I could think of was a sea of kids going ballistic at a live ETID show. Ending things was “Indian Giver”, a darker track that praised the loss of a good person.
I’ve seen reviews of this album already and some people think some of the sound sound recycled from New Junk Aesthetic. I can’t say I am hearing the same things from their previous releases, but the style remains, and that is what makes a band what they are. If you are into insane screaming and metal formed around some very intense lyrics, you should check out Ex Lives.
ETID will be on the Van’s Warped Tour this summer. I have seen them in the past life and will tell you, they are not a show to be missed.
Track List: Underwater Bimbos From Outer Space
Holy Book of Dilemma
A Wild, Shameless Plain
Typical Miracle
I Suck (Blood)
Partying Is Such Sweet Sorrow
The Low Road Has No Exits
Revival Mode
Drag King
Touch Yourself
Indian Giver
Punk / psychobilly rockers Koffin Kats currently are kicking ass overseas. The band, who recently released an all new full length album called Our Way & The Highway on Sailor’s Grave Records, has been touring non-stop in support of the release. With plans on touring the states in the Spring, Koffin Kats show no intentions of slowing down at all.
I reviewed Our Way & The Highway last month and was beyond impressed with what I had heard. I am really looking forward to seeing these guys live again sometime very soon. Their mix of punk rock and psychobilly keeps things entertaining and fun. They are a hard working group and skip all the bells and whistles and go straight for the kill when it comes to performing live. They are a punk rock band. This is what they do.
I had the chance to chat with Vic Victor, the band’s vocalist / stand up bassist this week. While in Spain, Victor was more than happy to answer a few questions about the band and their recent release:
BHP: Our Way & The Highway rules. This might by my favorite release by you guys. How happy are you and the band with how it came out?
VV: Thanks! We are rather proud of this one… I’m very happy with the way the mix came out. Damn close to how I had originally heard the songs in my head while we were writing them. If not better.
What did you do differently this time around?
We sent the raw tracks out to be mixed by Rene De La Muerte from the Canadian Psychobilly band The Brains. In the past we have always just mixed in the studio with the engineer we were recording with.
Any reason for the delay in dropping a new album? I thought hit was supposed to drop last year.
Originally we were going to put it out in November 2011, but we realised that it wasn’t enough time to properly promote it. Besides we were in no real hurry. This being the 7th release in 8 years of the band, I think we are putting albums out at a good pace.
So how’s Tommy Koffin doing these days? Do you still talk to him at all? It really does not seem like the band had any difficulties with getting Ian to speed. Am I correct in saying that?
He’s doing fine. We all still hang out whenever we are home. We were practicing the day Ian arrived from New Mexico. Really havent taken any breaks since his joining, so he’s going through the intensive training program. haha.
After initially listening to the new album, I realized you shared your vocal duties with Ian. Whose idea was that?
We have never done that prior and i thought it would be a good change up. Plus it makes the song “Choke” flow more natural between the verse and chorus by going back and forth with the vocals.
“For The Good Times” has what sounds like an empty bottle solo, did you guys dispose of those drinks properly?
Ah studio drinks. Yes those are necessary. Its good to keep the vibe a bit loose when recording.
I can not help but compare “The Devil Asked” to a Butthole Surfers song, maybe it was from the deep mono tone intro, but still, this song strayed away from the others. Was that the idea of this track?
Actually I had no idea how i was going to sing the verse part until the day I had to record the vocals. The night before, I was sitting at the bar and it came to me to do it almost Tom Waits style.
Do you have a favorite track off of Our Way & The Highway? I dig “Locket Of Sin” and “For The Good Times” the most on the album.
“The Bottle Called” has stuck with me as one I’m more proud of. It was the first track written for the album. It was actually released on split we did with 12 Step Rebels earlier in 2011. But that song right was the model for writing a lot of the tracks on Our Way & The Highway.
You guys tour a ton. When you have downtime, what do you do to make ends meet?
There are two reasons we tour so much. One being because we feel it’s necessary to get out there and push as hard as we can promoting the band with live shows. The other being that because we are gone so much, no job would have us back for only a few weeks at a time, so we have to stay on the road to pay the bills too.
Touring overseas has got to be amazing, but how does your upright bass take those trips? Have you had any casualties with your standup or any other equipment for that matter?
We have fried a few pedals and tuners with the power difference haha. I shipped my first upright over for the first Euro tour and it lived there until a few tours ago when I sold it to a band after it was just too beat up to play anymore. Then my current upright was one left over there by The Quakes. Two days after I got it the neck broke due to it falling over. Not an easy quick fix, but I seem to have developed a talent for rough road fixes on uprights. Its still holding strong on this current tour.
So if you had your choose, what bands would you want to tour with alive or dead?
Alice Cooper for sure. He’s not dead yet so maybe that can happen haha. I’d also like to do a tour with Bad Religion.
That would be insane. Who are some of your favorite bands you have toured with in the past?
We have been very lucky to hit the road with bands we have looked up to like Nekromantix, Long Tall Texans, The Meteors, & Mad Sin.
What is the response from folk who have never heard or seen you guys live before?
They are usually not sure what the hell just happened but they are usually happy hahah. The upright bass really grabs ones attention when they are not familiar with it and what can be done with it. Gained a good amount of following outside of the psychobilly world because we play all over the place for crowds who sometimes don’t know of anything related to psychobilly but dig that we are loud and fast.
How do you describe your sound to someone who has never heard of you?
Its easy. I always say punk rock with an upright bass. The hard part comes if you get asked what kind of punk rock? Then I say… you really should just listen to one of our records.
That’s the best way to check anyone out. So, what made you all jump onto the Sailor Grave Records roster?
They have put out some great bands albums in the past and we were looking for a label that we thought could help promote us better. For the first time, we are very happy with the way a label has worked with us.
That’s great to hear. Seeing that 2012 has just started, what plans do the Koffin Kats have before the world ends…?
If the world does end at any point this year… we will be on tour when it happens. We are pushing to hit the 250+ show mark this year. Last year was around 230.
That is impressive! Anything you would like to say?
Just want to thank everyone who has been spreading the word of this new record and we will continue to tour and hope to see ya out at a show.
One last thing, when are you guys coming to Cleveland?
Well see ya in the spring and in the fall.
The Koffin Kats are currently on tour and will be hitting up the states in the Spring. Visit the Koffin Kats’ website for more tour information.
About three years ago, LA’s The Jealous Sound posted “there is hope for us….” on their MySpace page. It was a subtle hint to their fans that they would be still working as a band after constant rumors of the band breaking up and with no real material being released in years. Later that summer, The Jealous Sound kept their word to the fans and announced that the indie rock band would be touring with Sunny Day Real Estate on their reunion tour. A couple more years would pass before anyone heard if The Jealous Sound would be dropping new material and finally in October of 2011, the band announced an all new album would be dropping in 2012. A Gentle Reminder would be the bands first full length release in almost 9 years.
The album was well overdue, but is absolutely incredible to listen to and was made possible by the band being refueled after touring with Sunny Day Real Estate back in 2009. Once that tour wrapped up, The Jealous Sound kept putting ideas together that would mold into A Gentle Reminder. With the addition of a new bassist, the band still grasped onto their 90s post-rock sound influences that really helped define their sound.
What’s more impressive about this release is that it does not sound much askew from their 2003 release Kill Them With Kindness. The emo-y pop rock sounds that this band put out turned heads back then and easily will now.
“Beautiful Morning” opened the album off with no hints of a 9 year break between albums. Blair Shehan’s vocals are the same emo-y / indie sound I was expecting and it was more than welcome to my years. This was a strong opening track with choice vocals that almost seem as Shahen was hiding personal thoughts in them “We all get by when we have to. We all can change when it’s time to change and I think I know what they’re after” clearly was directed to the fans.
The following track, “Change You”, just continued to impress. This chill yet slightly haunting track sounded almost as if it were too good to be a Jealous Sound song, but then again the band did have a few years worth of time on their hands to write it. “Your Eyes Were Shining” easily was my favorite cut off the album with catchy guitar playing behind Shehan flowing smoothly.
“Here Comes The Ride” was a slow, emo-y track that seemed to put the breaks on things until “Equilibrium” rejuvenated things instantly. The energy in this track was worth the earlier lull. I love how the band just seems to completely let loose on this track. It was a fun surprise to listen to. “Perfect Timing” really needs some radio play. I have the feeling people will really get a kick out of that song. The title track “A Gentle Reminder” took a couple steps back for a moment but soon Shehan was quick to jump back towards the microphone and belt out some great singing.
I will admit, I thought that The Jealous Sound was done for years back and I was ok with it. I will say though that I am beyond stoked that they decided to give it a shot again as a band and dropped A Gentle Reminder. Not trying to compare them to a Neutral Milk Hotel thinking style, but I am kind of glad this band took its time releasing an album and more so am thrilled they recorded it because they wanted to and not because they had to. The hiatus may have not been what many fans were hoping for, but the return should be all that more rewarding for anyone who calls themselves a band and the payout, this album, was something far worth waiting for.
The Jealous Sound is currently touring in support of A Gentle Reminder and will be making a stop in Cleveland on February 17th. You would have to be a damned fool to miss out on this show. It is going to be that show that everyone talks about for the rest of this year.
Last week Detroit’s rockabilly act the Koffin Kats dropped an impressive release titled Our Way & The Highway. Recently signing to Sailor’s Grave Records, a primarily Oi! / Punk label, the band continues to make great outlaw punk rockabilly music that strays away from the doom and gloom and focuses more on fast times and taking chances. People usually consider the Kats to be “Horror-Punk” but their 6th release is straight up, fun and addictive psychobilly punk rock.
Having toured the globe continually for the last 8 years, this band has earned their solid fan base the old fashioned way. If you have not seen them live before, you can expect non-stop fun through their sets. In fact, the band prides themselves on not-stop touring and making each night a party. Bringing this kind of attitude to the venues on a regular basis ensures nothing but good times – trust me, I have seen them live before, it was great.
“Riding High” starts off the album full-forced with a sound very similar to something off The Damned’s Grave Disorder (I adore that album btw…). Vic Victor has a voice that easily could rest along the lines of Elvis and even Chris Isaak and is showcased immediately as heard in the opening track. “The Way Of The Road” rubbed off as a rock track for a moment and soon morphed into schizophrenic variations of punk rock and rockabilly. The song really kept my attention with thanks to the ridiculous bass playing. Very cool song to check out if you have never heard the Koffin Kats before.
“Severing Ties” was straightforward and exactly what I expected to hear from the Kats. “For The Good Times” talking about mass consumption and good times even has some drink ware used as instruments for a solo. This song is by far my favorite track on the album.
I could not help but compare “The Devil Asked” to a Butthole Surfers song. It was very off key from the rest of the tracks on the album, yet fun to rock out to. “Locket Of Sin” sounded way more personal and gloomier than other tracks on this release with the story revolving around a troubled connection between a man and his woman.
I must admit that I rarely get into rockabilly / psychobilly / any-billy these days, but I really enjoyed listening to Our Way & The Highway. In fact, after listening to this album, I am going to be digging into the Kats’ catalog as it’s been a while since I have rocked out to them.
Full of catchy solos and rampant machine-gun bass playing aligned with great singing, Our Way & The Highway is easily likable regardless if you are a huge fan of psychobilly or not. I really think that this is the album that will act as a stepping stone for the Kats to emerge from the underground scene and really hope these guys make their way back to Cleveland soon.
Any fan of punk rock music these days should know the name Dave Hause. He is an amazing musician who not only fronts The Loved Ones, but also has been quite successful at being a solo performer.
Touring over the years with the likes of Cory Branan, Brian Fallon of the Gaslight Anthem, Dan Andriano of Alkaline Trio, Frank Turner, and Mikey Erg just to name a few, Hause has had no problem playing his solo material to the world. His songs are infectious to say the least, and always make for a good time.
In 2011, Hause released Resolutions at the beginning of the year and toured non-stop in support of the album. When I saw that there was not a Cleveland date, I reached out to him for the below interview and decided to try my luck and asked him to play a house show. He and tour-mate Branan were all about it and with help from some friends, we put on a show at the Gurley House in Akron, OH that topped my list of live shows in 2011.
It’s still early in 2012 and Hause is already touring overseas. The guy just does not seem to stop. All I know is that his debut solo album was amazing and I can not wait for his next release. I would be happy with a new Loved Ones album any day, but there is just something about his solo material I am just drawn more to.
Before, during and after that awesome December evening, I had a few chances to chat it up with Hause. Here’s what he had to say:
BHP: Last year came to a quick end, rather quickly if you ask me. How was 2011 for you?
DH: It’s been a great year for me musically, I’ve been all over the world playing songs I made up on my couch with tons of great people.
You have been touring a ton this past year with everyone from Hot Water Music to the good folk on the Revival Tour. How different is to tour without The Loved Ones?
It’s pretty different, I’m much more mobile and able to do whatever I want socially. I miss the revelry with my buds and playing loud some nights, but I do enjoy the ability to just get up and go with ease.
Is there a backing band touring with you?
Not touring with me, no. Where I can put people together for a few shows or a one off or something, I’ll do that, for instance NYC and Philly on this tour I have a full band. But not yet, I’m working towards that in the future.
You toured with Cory Branan towards the end of last year. Any reason Cleveland was overlooked?
Cory’s booking agent put the whole thing together and then asked if I would like to come along. I think he has something against Cleveland. Not Cory of course, but his booking agent.
Luckily I was able to persuade you and Cory into playing some songs at a house show in Akron. Thanks for that by the way. I hope you guys had a good time. I know some of the folk who showed up there that night were beyond stoked to see you and Cory trade off on songs.
We did, thanks for having us. It interrupted our movie marathon but was worth it.
Photo by Andrew Wells
Has Cory given you any tips how to shred on the acoustic? That guy is insane when he does that.
He told me he learned those from some guy with horns at a crossroads down south, and was reluctant to share them with me.
So it was just Cory and you on the road for this past tour right? Who took over the driving duties?
Cory drove unless whiskey Cory showed up. Then I’d try my hand. Whiskey Cory probably would’ve been better…
You gave a shout out to Matt from American War that night, did you think he was in the crowd?
No, I just thought of his music due to the fact we were in Ohio. He’s a terrific talent.
That he is. So, how did the rest of the East Coast tour treat ya?
Interesting and quite fun. Philly was great, New Haven was, well, north of New York city…
Did you see a lot of Loved Ones fans at the shows? Have there been mixed responses from them about your music?
Loved Ones fans have been way into the record and the shows. I write for the Loved Ones and I write obviously these solo songs, so it’s just minor tweaks of aesthetics that separates the two.
I heard you will be playing with Frank Turner in Europe next year. How stoked are you about that?
I am doing one enormously huge show with FT in England. I haven’t heard about any tour, but we always get together drink whiskey and talk about all of the touring we will do, so sooner or later it will happen I would think.
What made you initially want to drop a full length solo album anyways? Not that I am complaining or anything,. Resolutions is amazing. Just curious
If this is something you wanted to do for a while or if you needed to take a break from the loved ones.
I needed a break and wrote some songs that weren’t best suited for the Loved Ones and one thing led to another.
Photo by Andrew Wells
Who are your major musical influences that helped mold this solo release? It is safe to say this is not a punk rock album at all.
Well really not much different, writing songs for anything always hold the same basic influences. As far as the aesthetic, I love what Conor Oberst did with his 2 solo records, what Jenny Lewis is up to, Jonathan Rice, Deer Tick, Patty Griffin, etc. Just more modern songwriting acts. Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires both are terrific as well.
I love how you have so many friends / musicians contributing on Resolutions. Was it easy to recruit everyone? Were there others that did not make it
on the record that you asked?
It was totally easy, everyone was so gracious with their time and really excited about the songs and the project. Some of my dearest friends and some amazing musicians played on it. Actually there were people who later said “why didn’t you ask me?”, not really the other way around. I’m a lucky girl.
You sister actually played organ on Resolutions. Does she happen to play in any other bands?
She hasn’t. She played some recitals as a kid and then The Loved Ones dragged her out on tour on Build & Burn. I keep telling her to get her ass into a local or cover band to keep her sharp.
I can hear many styles of music in Resolutions including a little country twang. With all of your punk rock history, I was kind of impressed to hear that your solo material was not just you and an acoustic guitar. Did you actually write all of the music in the album or did you get some assistance?
I wrote all of the songs, but when it comes to the specific bass lines, guitar parts and that kind of thing, I knew the people playing on the songs are amazing and let them just go for it. Pete and I sometimes would guide them in the direction more suitable for the vibe we were going for, but by and large their initial instinct governed the parts. Chris Gonzalez in particular wrote so many cool guitar parts. It was really amazing.
The video for “Time Will Tell” clearly pays homage to Martin Scorsese’s short The Big Shave. Where did you get the brilliant idea to add your own
spin on the film?
I went to film school for 2 semesters before quitting college. I have always been a huge fan of film and Scorsese is a cornerstone. Not sure where the idea to do that came from, but I must say, I’m glad the idea came. I love how it turned out.
Will The Loved Ones be releasing anything anytime soon?
Not sure. I have a whole record almost done, but not sure what the schedule is gonna be like.
Are you going to help Chris Gonzalez on his solo album? He still plans on recording something right?
He doesn’t need help, he’s amazing. I’m going to sing some on it I think. I am chomping at the bit to hear it finished!!
You are living the dream man and it does not look like you are slowing down. What’s next for you?
Making up songs, recording them, then playing them for people all over the world. That’s living the dream in my book, and I don’t want to slow that down.
Buffalo, NY’s punk / metalheads, Every Time I Die (ETID), recently dropped an all new release titled Ex Lives on Epitaph Records. Produced by Joe Barresi (Queens of the Stone Age), the album shot up the Billboard charts very quickly and landed in the top 20s. That right there has go to tell you something.
