Whiskey Shivers Blazes through Phoenix

Photo by Garyn Klasek

There aren’t many bands that can pump out classic Americana and bluegrass well with punk passion. Yet, Austin’s  Whiskey Shivers have proven that they can not only accomplish this but they can kindle a crowd with utmost certainty. Even compared to their last visit to town, they brought their marvelous abilities to a packed house at Last Exit Live. They had less support than before but one wouldn’t even know it by the fantastic stage presence of this show.

Photo by Garyn Klasek

Local bluegrass Americana project Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold started things off beautifully. While they might not incorporate much, if any, punk to their repertoire, they certainly don’t need to with how much they rock. Guitarist Tyler Matlock led the group, motivating the audience into cavorting on the dancefloor. While our energy was feeding off of the fun on stage, banjo player Jesse Gray entranced everyone with his crackerjack talent. Even more intriguing was the addition of their fiddle/percussion/mandolin player, who helped round out their sound even more.

Photo by Garyn Klasek

Closing out the evening was the amazingly skilled Whiskey Shivers. Even with a recent change to their line-up, it was hardly noticeable with how awesome their stage presence is. Unfortunately, frontman Bobby Fitzgerald was feeling under the weather so he minimized singing. But that didn’t stop him from shredding it up on fiddle. Guitarist and birthday boy Jeff Hortillosa went to town to get the crowd shakin’. Upright bassist Andrew VanVoorhees pranced around his bassline to get people hopping. James Bookert, as well, mesmerized us all with his breathtaking banjo playing. Even their new percussionist James Gwyn blew everyone’s minds between his insane talents between washboard, percussion and electronic drums. And to wrap up the show, Whiskey Shivers unplugged and rocked the crowd from the dancefloor with the addition of Matlock on guitar. In the end, this was one helluva fun show for everyone to ring in the new year.

~ Garyn Klasek

Days N Daze Brings the Party to Town with Leftover Crack

Courtesy of Days N Daze

Many people hate on folk punk, especially within the folk punk community. But then, it seems that folk punk has been losing popularity as of late, not to say that isn’t a good thing. In spite of this, some bands from this genre have managed to ascend above and beyond. One band in particular, Houston thrashgrass project Days N Daze, has managed to create a sound that has carried them beyond folk punk which has given them quite the unique cult following, particularly for only being around just over five years. Within this time period, they’ve released nearly as many full length albums and the same goes for split records as well as performing alongside a number of well-established and well-known acts.

Days N Daze
"Call in the Coroner"

While their busy schedule is surely tons of hard work, Days N Daze also takes on projects that, despite being time-consuming and hard, look incredibly fun. They’ve been releasing music videos over the past couple of years alongside a DIY film production company called Shibby Pictures. Although this DIY nature can certainly be seen, it appears that they don’t skimp on the production value. Plus, it also looks like it’s been a fantastic outlet for their humor, creativity and angst. Projects like these are definitely a great way for them to not only promote their music but also show the world exactly how much fun they are to see and even hang out with. Skamp Zine was fortunate enough to get to interview Jesse from Days N Daze amidst his busy schedule:

What was it that encouraged you all to start Days N Daze?

Whit n I moved to San Marcos, TX when we were 16-17 and were just super bored most of the time since we didn’t really know anyone in town and San Marcos is mostly a buncha beerpong brodudes. My parents had gotten me a guitar for my birthday earlier that year so, to occupy our time, we started writin’ some goofy little tunes and just never stopped, I suppose.

What musical acts influenced the band when y’all started out?

I’ve always been heavily influenced by all the (Crack Rock) Steady 7 bands (LoC [Leftover Crack], Choking Victim, etc.) which is probably pretty easy to hear in our music. Some of my influences that may not show as much on the surface are Watsky, The Smiths, Mischief Brew, and I actually draw a lot of inspiration from a few standup comedians: TJ Miller and Kyle Kinane to name a couple. Whit absolutely adores Neutral Milk Hotel.

What were your favorite bands to play with when DND was established?

When we first started playin’ shows in Houston, we didn’t really know anything about "folk punk" so we’d jump on punk shows as the opener for Molotov Compromise and Rats in the Attic, who were the 2 like big punk bands back then. After we kinda figured out what we were doin’, we’d book shows with U NOT I, who eventually changed a couple members to form Sidewalk Slammers, and my little sister Marissa who still tours around and plays washboard for my other project Chad Hates George.

Seeing as how y’all are known to play acoustic, does Days N Daze have a preference for performance location, be they DIY spaces, bars, festivals or simply setting up on a street corner?

I think I can speak for everyone when I say we prefer a solid, cozy house show!

Courtesy of Days N Daze

Y’all have played all over the states and Canada. What’s your favorite place that you’ve played so far?

My favorite place we’ve ever played is Skatopia. If you’ve never heard of it, do yourself a favor: look it up and go to Bowl Bash.

What was it like playing Houston Free Press Summerfest with Weezer?

Haha, that was kind of our claim to fame for a minute even though we played a tiny local stage at like 2 pm and they headlined the giant main stage. It was still rad though. It was our first big festival so we were stoked on the wristbands and beer passes and whatnot.

Days N Daze has worked on quite a few split albums with the likes of bands like Night Gaunts and Arroyo Deathmatch. What was it like working on those projects and did any particular one of them stand out for y’all?

I’ve always enjoyed putting out splits simply because people that have heard of us, but not our friends, get to hear our new stuff and a whole new band and vice versa. My favorite so far is the Night Gaunts split just because of the covers. We had fun recording our interpretation of “Mosquitoes” and it was awesome to hear what they did with our song, “Post Party Depression”.

What was it like to not just work on a split with Night Gaunts but to tour with them when they were last in the states?

It’s awesome touring with those dudes!! They're always so stoked and, every single night, they play the most solid kickass set. It’s crazy, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a less than perfect Night Gaunts show.

Days N Daze has been working up some fun and hilarious music videos lately. What's it like working on these projects with a video production company, albeit DIY, and how much fun did you have working on your "Call in the Coroner" (CITC) video?

It's always a good time. We only work with Jak Kearley of Shibby Pictures. I'm actually in a van in NOLA with him and LoC right now. We just got done shooting at Fort Macomb. CITC was fuckin' rad to shoot. We just DESTROYED an abandoned motel.

What bands have Days N Daze enjoyed playing with lately?

We've been touring with Leftover Crack, which is like a childhood dream of mine, so it’s just indescribable how much fun it’s been playing with them. Also, on the last tour, we were on with LoC, All Torn Up was traveling with us and they're just phenomenal.

Lately, your band has been touring with Leftover Crack. What has this experience been like for y’all?

Like I said, it’s just ridiculous. It almost just doesn’t make sense. I mean, we’re just some dirty traveling kids playing shows wherever we can, constantly tourin’ around not really thinking anyone’s listening and then BAM!, ya know? We’re all having the fucking time of our hot, young lives.

Have y’all had an opportunity to play with PEARS yet?

No, not yet. But we’re super stoked; they murder it!

If there's any musical act, alive or dead, that you all haven't already played with that you'd love to share the stage with, who would it be?

Motorhead. R.I.P. the god of rock n roll.

Other than your interest in touring Europe soon, what does the future hold for Days N Daze?

Aside from Europe, we’ll be releasing our first full length in a few years, CRUSTFALL. Whit’s going on tour with our good friends Rail Yard Ghosts and I’m sure her side project, My Pizza My World, will also tour, and my other two bands Chad Hates George and Escape from the ZOO will both be touring and releasing new music next year.

Days N Daze will be playing with Leftover Crack, PEARS, and BroLoaf on Sunday, January 10th at The Nile Theater, located at 105 W. Main Street in Mesa.

https://www.facebook.com/events/900305466726568/

~ Garyn Klasek

The Haymarket Squares Raise a Riotous Ruckus

Photo by Joe Maier

It isn’t everyday that a local band releases a well put together music video, let alone throws a music video premiere party. Yet, punkgrass stalwarts The Haymarket Squares did just such a thing. Unfortunately, this undertaking isn’t as simple as throwing together a quick YouTube video so there’s no video link as of yet. In this case, the band got together with local film director Matty Steinkamp to work out some studio time to pull out all the stops for this particular endeavor. After only seeing one day of the video shoot, one could see how elaborate of an undertaking this was between the costumes, lighting, props, videography and more.They even rounded it all out with a stellar cast and incorporated the use of fire, which was fun to work with. Even with all of these efforts, the fact that a link won’t be available until early next year goes to show how fantastic the final cut will be as they finish what is likely polishing up some final touches. Regardless, the video premiere was marvelous, including new and older supporting acts that put on quite the show.

Photo by Joe Maier

Klezmer funk project Jerusafunk kicked things off delightfully with their wonderful blend of these styles with an old-school sixties soul feel to it. Especially for being a band that partially appears to include a drum circle, one might expect some very hippie vibes from this collective. Gratefully, this unique conglomeration doesn’t fit into any particular square peg, exceeding what many likely would expect from them. Instead, one is left wanting more of this group between the strings, percussion, horns and the solo woodwind on stage played by clarinetist Jessie Demaree.Her clarinet is a lovely addition to their intriguing sound. The horn section really adds to their carnivalesque style, which includes alto sax player Austin Rickert from such projects as Bacchus and the Demonsluts as well as Naked Pizza. Guitarist Chris Del Favero rocked out for the crowd in what appeared to be red vinyl like something out of the eighties. Bassist Isaac Parker got hella funky for the crowd as well. Considering how overwhelmingly awesome these cats are, it feels required that they need to be seen more than once.

Photo by Joe Maier

Gothic rockabilly punks The Limit Club set the stage for one helluva performance like they’ve always done over the past ten years. Few rockabilly bands have captured my interest in general, let alone locally. But everything about these cats is noteworthy. Bandleader Nick Feratu stands out by shredding away on guitar and thrashing around the stage. Upright bassist NickDave got the crowd shakin’ as he slapped the bass. Maintaining the backbone of the band is Juan Carlos, not just because he’s a stand-up drummer (he literally stands while he plays) but because of his vivaciously energetic technique. And when guitarist Monty O’Blivion isn’t rockin’ out, he’s wailing the hell out of his sax. The Limit Club has gone the distance, from Arizona to Austria, and they’ve shown that they’re certainly worthy.

Photo by Joe Maier

Punkgrass band The Haymarket Squares have been a mainstay out here in our community for over the past five years and it shows. They’re one of the hardest working bands out here. They started off their set proving this by debuting their latest music video for their latest crowd pleaser “Let’s Start a Riot”. All the energy and time that they’ve put into it is definitely noticed. The quality is impressive as it stands and, short of giving away any spoilers, let’s just say that it definitely riled up the crowd for the Haymarket Squares live performance. From there, the band jumped right into their amped set. Stand-up bassist Marc Oxborrow led us story to story through their set while laying down his bassline that gets the crowd dancing. Guitarist John Luther threw down to get the joint rockin’ while he crooned. Mark Sunman shredded on mando, screaming, when he wasn’t serenading everyone on accordion. Slide guitarist Mark Allred swooped around the fretboard frantically when he wasn’t booming out his bass vocals. Fiddler Jayson James went to town on the violin like it’s going out of style. And, if that wasn’t enough for the audience, they unplugged to join the crowd at the end of the show to rock out with everyone surrounding them and shouting along. As always, The Haymarket Squares know how to entertain just about any crowd and throw one helluva party.

~ Garyn Klasek

The Rev Heats Up the Valley of the Sun

Photo by Joe Maier

Rockabilly isn’t meant for everyone. Yet, somehow, there are some musicians that can fuse the genre quite well with other styles and make something unique despite sounding classic. Reverend Horton Heat is just such a man, capable of blending rockabilly with old-school country, punk, rock and even surf music. Seeing them at Denver Riot Fest, there’s no surprise as to why this band has a loyal following. Even the crowd that had collected for L7 on the neighboring stage was enthralled with the stage presence and energy of the Rev. That’s exactly what’s in store for those who catch Reverend Horton Heat.

Photo by Joe Maier

Kicking off the show was L.A.’s The Lords of Altamont, a rock band heavy in roots music, rhythm & blues and garage punk. The first thing that made them stand out was their intense energy as lead singer Jake Cavaliere leaped atop his keyboard, mic stand and all, while the band rocked out. If there’s one thing these cats can do, it’s maintaining their dynamic power and audience interest throughout their invigorating performance.

Photo by Joe Maier

Next up was Riverside’s soul punk combo The Bellrays. Anyone who’s heard them before, or been lucky enough to see them play, can certainly see how a band like this has been able to wow anyone and everyone over the past 25 some-odd years of their existence. Vocal frontwoman Lisa Kekaula alone riles up crowds like it’s nobody’s business. Her soul powered voice and parlance make her stand out among many of the vocalists of today. Equally tantalizing, however, is the rest of the band. Guitarist Robert Vennum doesn’t just shred but also entices fans when he solos. And that’s when he’s not harmonizing or singing an entire song. Bassist Justin Andres, as well, got the crowd shaking with his superb bass playing abilities. Even drummer Stefan Litrownik really threw down hard at the kit.

Photo by Joe Maier

Closing out the show was the incredible Reverend Horton Heat. Straight out of the gate, it was absolutely noticeable how much the size of the crowd increased just before their set. And there was no end in sight to the vitality being thrown right back at the audience by the band. Early on, a small pit broke out but don’t mistake that for lacking venom, as security broke up a fight. This didn’t sway the band one bit, though. The Reverend himself, Jim Heath, serenaded fans on guitar while crooning into the microphone. After 30 years of performing, the man’s talent for entertaining is certainly noticeable. Accompanying him was upright bassist Jimbo Wallace who seems to have a fan base all on his own. He got the crowd moving with his fierce slap bass technique. At one point, Jimbo laid his bass on its side and continued playing while the Rev prance up onto it, rockin’ out for the audience. If their unique friendship and stage presence wasn’t enough, drummer Scott Churilla showed off his amazing skills, going so far as to play a song length solo that only so many drummers could keep up with. This was one helluva killer show to catch throughout.

~ Garyn Klasek

Losing Our Minds With Off With Their Heads

Photo by Ben Talty

The last time Off With Their Heads came toured through town, it was with The Menzingers and both bands put on one helluva show. This time was no different for Minneapolis melodic hardcore punk band Off With Their Heads, who stopped in Tempe with Pennsylvania pop punkers Spraynard and Portland indie punk rockers Lee Corey Oswald. Opening up the show was Tempe melodic punk band New Colonies.

While they were certainly melodic and talented, they didn’t have quite the poppy energy that I was expecting to encounter at this particular show. I could certainly enjoy their resonance and drive, though. The guitarists in particular provided a great mix of both momentum and harmony. The more punk rock elements that New Colonies provided led well into Lee Corey Oswald’s set. Despite obviously being heavily influenced by punk, I really noticed their more rock leanings. Even with that fierce power, they seem to balance it well with indie pop melodies similar to Jets to Brazil, which was very noticeable between the guitarists and Lee Ellis’ Blake Schwarzenbach-ian vocals. Corey Ciresi’s frantic drumming definitely drew attention as well.

Up next, Spraynard brought incredible energy and fun to the show. At the same time, they maintained intriguing melodies between guitarist Pat Graham and bassist Pat Ware. Regardless of their poppy intensity, they still know how to rock hard. I had heard this band talked up for days before the show and I wasn’t let down. Following this was yet another great show by Off With Their Heads. They stole the show with their more hardcore elements while maintaining some sweet harmony. The energy bounding back and forth between guitarists Ryan Young and John Polydoros truly enchant listeners. This is only built on by drummer Ryan Fisher and bassist Robbie Swartwood. If their fun thrashiness wasn’t enough, Young’s chaotic vocals are the topping on the cake. Overall, this was a fantastic show to catch some new and old fascinating punk bands.

~ Garyn Klasek

Hooten Hallers' Scorching Chillicothe Fireball Album

Photo by Brian Heffernan

They say that there’s nothing new under the sun which can make things complicated when trying to make unique music that’s both fresh and inspired. But that’s exactly what Missouri trio The Hooten Hallers accomplish with their brash take on Americana roots and blues. They’ve developed what they call hillbilly soul yet don’t stop there by fusing it with their brand of Americana swamp country blues rock. If that wasn’t enough, they add a twist of junkyard stomp through both their instrumentation and performance. Their latest release, Chillicothe Fireball, sets the bar for an eclectic meld of traditional and current music.

"O, Jolene" Chillicothe Fireball

The album kicks off with a high energy Americana blues tune “O, Jolene”, which The Hooten Hallers made a killer music video for through Boxcar Films. The vocals alone are incredible, whether talking about John Randall’s soulful and haunting Tom Waits-esque singing, Andy Rehm's sultry swing-jazz style vocals reminiscent of Katherine Whalen from Squirrel Nut Zippers or the rest of the gang-style sing-along backing vocals. Straight out of the gate, however, Paul Weber’s harmonica swoons the listener along with Kellie Everett’s sax. Even the faint piano tickling of Chris Baricevic slowly builds in volume. The band builds on the blues in “It’s Hard to Trust Your Baby” while rocking it a helluva lot harder, especially as far as Randall’s sick guitar playing. The band simmers things down for more N’Orleans styled blues jam “I Know Everything”.

The Hooten Hallers mellow out beautifully with their more country influenced blues song “Trouble Is” while Randall serenades on guitar and he and Rehm croon together seductively. The country side of the record stands out on “Here Comes Authority” by way of both Randall’s acoustic strumming as well as his ability to swoon on slide guitar with the assistance of Weber’s harmonica. They pick up the pace again on country rock jam “Garlic Storm” when Rehm really goes to town on the drums only to slow things back down with bluesy N’Orleans gospel country tune “Grinding Up the Bones”. They really rock it out between Randall’s guitar, Everett’s sax and Baricevic on keys.

Chillicothe Fireball’s energy picks right back up through Rehm’s fierce drumming and Randall’s wicked guitar licks with country rock song “Coming Down the Mountain”. The Hooten Hallers get back around to the blues while reaching peaks of rockin’ out in “Used to the Truth”, especially with Randall’s hypnotic guitar. The album winds down impressively stripped down to Baricevic tickling the ivories something fierce with some light percussive assistance from Rehm and Randall and Rehm carrying the listener out with their invigorating vocals in N’Orleans flavored Americana tune “One More Heavy Mile”. Whether one has seen and/or listen to these cats before, Chillicothe Fireball is one helluva sensational record that will leave the listener foaming at the mouth for more.

The Hooten Hallers are scheduled to play Tuesday, Aug. 25th at Rips Bar located at 3045 N. 16th St. in Phoenix.

~ Garyn Klasek

Whiskey Shivers Delivers on New Album

Courtesy of Whiskey Shivers

Many bands try to blend traditional music with modern and rarely do it well. Austin’s bluegrass Americana quintet Whiskey Shivers does just that. One minute, they’re playing bluegrass at punk blitz speeds and the next they slow down for an Americana tune while still rockin’ out with an alternative edge. Their latest full length album, which is self-titled, has an impressive spread of folk tunes with their own current flair.

Whiskey Shivers kicks off with an intense bluegrass track called “Free” performed at a supersonic punk tempo. Immediately, frontman Bobby Fitzgerald stands out with his amazing fiddle skills alongside percussionist Joe Deuce who blows minds with his washboard abilities. Even James Bookert’s banjo playing is hands down magnificent and guitarist Jeff Hortillosa lays down some astounding solos. The following few songs reduce the pace down to a more old timey Americana feel. “Friends” has a train-hopping feel to it with occasional sing-along moments. The next song, “Pray for Me”, is more of an uplifting gospel country jam that has just enough of a poppy melody to make it catchy. This is followed by sprightly country song “Angel in the Snow”.

About a third of the way through the album is “There is a Time” which features vocalist and violin player Kelsey Wilson from Austin indie pop band Wild Child whose vocals wonderfully complement Fitzgerald’s soothing country tenor-ish voice. A radical direction is then taken in “Graves,” a gospel tune that sluggishly and eerily brings the hammer down with Deuce’s percussion being accompanied by full band vocals. The momentum is immediately picked back up again with the punkgrass jam “Hot Party Dads”. Fitzgerald’s talents on harmonica are very noticeable on the next song “Give Me a Reason”.

Whiskey Shivers gets extremely eccentric on “Been Looking For” by experimenting with a more alternative sound with astonishing acceleration and solos from everyone in the band. They immediately simmer down for a somber country jam called “Long Low Down” which is when I noticed Andrew VanVoorhees gifted upright bass skills in the forefront. The album is closed out with the swift bluegrass sounds of “Swarm”. In the long run, not only is this Whiskey Shivers album worthy of being played on rotation but it pumps the listener up to see their ingenuity in a live setting.

Whiskey Shivers are scheduled to play Sunday, August 23rd at Rebel Lounge located at 2303 E. Indian School in Phoenix with Some Dark Hollow and The Shivereens.

~ Garyn Klasek