What more would you need to learn about a band that has made the original yet slightly creepy decision to hold their album release party at a world-renowned Hollywood cemetery? Turns out it's quite a bit. We had the opportunity to pose a few questions of our own to this monstrously entertaining group of swampy, rockabilly infused musicians and got some interesting answers for you.Describe your music for our readers who may not be familiar with you.
Well, at our very first show, a semi-famous Drag-Queen named Constance introduced us as a "Pimpological phenomenon of musical mayhem." Well, she was swishin' around pretty close to the truth with that one. But since then we'd describe our music as haunted swamp garage rock, or what our sax-man Steve Carr likes to call New Orleans vampire rock. We like to play around with horror and gothic themes in our lyrics, but not in an Emo way; it's more of a laugh-as-you-burn vibe. Musically, it's a basic rock trio of drums, bass and lead guitars with banjo, sax, organ, and occasionally flute, clarinet, and trumpet layered over it for a rootsy bluesy swampy sound. But the main thing about us is RJ's vocals--he's a baritone bazooka with a lot of soul.
Who are your musical influences and idols?
Oh shoot, with six guys all who've been around since before the Walkman, we could do a Ken Burns documentary on that one. Currently we'd say Southside Johnny & Asbury Jukes, Nick Curran & the Lowlifes, and Jack White's phenomenal record with Wanda Jackson. Goin' back a ways: The Cramps, Electric Flag, The Meters, early Kinks and Rolling Stones. Goin' way back: Louis Jordan and his Orchestra and whenever Gene Krupa & Benny Goodman teamed up, somethin' bumpin' was gonna happen. You can hear all of these influences in the songs on Beast For Love. No doubt RJ channels some Elvis and Lux Interior in our live shows—-but only young cool sexy Elvis and he's promised us never to wear jumpsuit or a cape.
