Posted in Whathaveyou on January 23rd, 2023 by JJ Koczan
Park myself in Joshua Tree for a weekend just as the winter is turning to spring, catch a ton of awesome bands from and beyond the desert? Yeah, that sounds pretty magical, to be honest. Nothing against San Francisco. I’ve seen videos from outside at Thee Parkside and it looks like an incredible place to see a gig, but if I’m making the trip from the other side of the country — and unless there’s a sudden fiscal windfall in my favor, I’m not, sadly — it’s the desert calling, all the more with All Souls and BigPig and Third Ear Experience on that bill. That’s a memorable weekend in the making.
The 2023 lineups for Heavy Psych Sounds Fest in California are finished, and with the two posters next to each other you can see some of the differences from one to the other, but they’re mostly the same as artists will play in one city one night, the other the other, and as someone who remembers seeing Yawning Man and Fatso Jetson together a decade ago at Desertfest London 2013 (review here), I’d offer up a kidney to do so again if I thought I could be healed in time to actually enjoy the show in March.
Anybody want to buy some… shit I have nothing of value. Alright then.
Here’s the bill:
Heavy Psych Sounds Records & Booking is proud to announce *** HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS FEST CALIFORNIA 2023 JOSHUA TREE & SAN FRANCISCO ***
full lineup announcement
Heavy Psych Sounds together with Plastic Cactus Productions and Subliminal SF presents the full lineup of the Heavy Psych Sounds Fest California 2023 !!!
HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS FEST ***CALIFORNIA 2023*** MARCH 25 & 26
SAN FRANCISCO @ OPEN AIR AT THEE PARKSIDE
JOSHUA TREE @ HI DESERT CULTURAL CENTER
JOSHUA TREE HI DESERT CULTURAL CENTER MARCH 25th and 26th
WINDHAND WEEDEATER BRANT BJORK NEBULA THE ATOMIC BITCHWAX YAWNING MAN FATSO JETSON DUEL HIPPIE DEATH CULT GEEZER KADABRA WARLUNG LOVE GANG WITCHPIT COSMIC REAPER ALL SOULS BIG PIG THIRD EAR EXPERIENCE DEATHCHANT WHISKEY AND KNIVES HIGH TONE SON OF A BITCH
SAN FRANCISCO OPEN AIR AT THEE PARKSIDE MARCH 25th and 26th
WINDHAND WEEDEATER MONDO GENERATOR NEBULA THE ATOMIC BITCHWAX DUEL HIPPIE DEATH CULT GEEZER KADABRA WARLUNG LOVE GANG COSMIC REAPER WITCHPIT DEATHCHANT HIGH TONE SON OF A BITCH DISASTROID
Posted in Whathaveyou on December 26th, 2022 by JJ Koczan
A couple days’ escape to Joshua Tree just as winter starts to wane sounds pretty god damn good right now. And that’s nothing against San Francisco, mind you — there’s an Amoeba Music there, so however otherwise expensive lodging may be, it’s worth it — but a bit of desert rock in its native habitat feels like a win, and with more bands to be announced, Heavy Psych Sounds Fest 2023 in California makes an enticing prospect. Daydream-worthy.
Traveling from the East Coast will be Weedeater, the particularly sludgy Witchpit, Cosmic Reaper and The Atomic Bitchwax, Duel make the trip from Texas, Hippie Death Cult come down from Portland, Oregon, and Brant Bjork and Nebula represent California itself, so already the two-dayers (which will swap lineups from one night to the next) are varied in geography and style, and one would expect no less at this point. It ain’t Heavy Psych Sounds‘ first rodeo. The label/booking empire also recently announced two fests in Italy and if past is prologue, one expects plenty more to come as well spread throughout 2023.
We live in a golden age. Peak riffs.
From the PR wire:
*** HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS FEST CALIFORNIA *** first confirmed bands
Heavy Psych Sounds together with Plastic Cactus Productions and Subliminal SF presents the 2023 edition of the HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS FEST CALIFORNIA !!!
The HPS Fest California will be taking place 25th and 26th of March, 2023 at the Thee Parkside (open air) in San Francisco and Hi Desert Cultural Center in Joshua Tree !!!
HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS FEST – CALIFORNIA @ Thee Parkside, San Francisco @ Hi Desert Cultural Center, Joshua Tree
March 25th and 26th 2023
FIRST CONFIRMED BANDS
WEEDEATER BRANT BJORK NEBULA THE ATOMIC BITCHWAX DUEL HIPPIE DEATH CULT COSMIC REAPER WITCHPIT
+ more TBA
In January we will unveil the full line up and single day line up.
Same line up will play both cities in different days !!!
A lot going on as the festival and its many volunteers — designated by crew shirts from various years — get ready for the first full day. First band is on in about 70 minutes.
I crashed out hard last night after a vigorous round of nesting — pillows here, water bottle there, white noise on, window open to let cool air in, book loaded on tablet so I could look at words for about seven seconds before falling asleep, etc. — and woke up with the alarm at 10AM, which is only ironic because that’s 4AM at home and I might be up then on any given day anyhow. What jetlag?
Hydrated. Took ibuprofen, drank three cups of drip coffee and some assemblage of espressos — two doubles and then some — ate a protein bar and got my head right before coming back here. DVNE growling through soundcheck right now is hilarious. Not everyone can do that without music behind. Now singing clean in French. Chuckles from those lounging nearby.
The sun is out and there’s more of a breeze so far, though it will get warmer over the next couple hours. It doesn’t matter though. FVF provides places to be, whether it’s the seats on the side or this tent or the hammocks under the trees in back, and so on. People go, have a smoke, catch their breath, rest before the next thing. I am sitting in a chair, as opposed to a bench or on the ground. This itself feels like a novelty, and backstage has its own amenities, including bathrooms and places to fill your water bottle.
There are three more bands on the bill today than yesterday and the last of them is Pelican, which I hope will feel like a wonderful moment of arrival after the long stretch. But we’re in it now with doors open and the hangover soon to give way to new drunkenness. Folks went hard last night, and it wasn’t just Mr. Roomtwentynine. I’ll be interested to see how it goes once the music starts, which it will soon enough.
Notes on the day, taken as it happened:
DVNE
What a way to start the day. The largely uptempo UK post-metal outfit probably aren’t used to playing in sunshine, but all the better to see them obliterate. I’ve been lucky enough to catch DVNE live before, at Psycho Las Vegas a few years back (everything was a few years back), but the Etemen Ænka (review here) record that they put out between them and now brought them to a new level. They sound like a band who put work and conscious thought into the atmospheres they create — progressive in that way — and their clear desire to not do the same thing all the time, to distinguish themselves even among the crowded sphere of post-metal is something to deeply respect, all the more because they do it. And just when they seem to get all caught up in a mire of tense, complicated prog-metal noodling, that’s when they turn around and bash you over the head with a riff and if you can’t get down with that, why even have ears? Their sound goes as deep as you’re willing to follow it and on stage they back that cerebralness with due passion-derived force. Or, if you prefer the short version, this is a cool fucking band. I was surprised it wasn’t being filmed, but I guess one can’t have everything.
—
Supersonic Blues
Hey, guess what? Been a few years since I last saw Netherlands classic rockers Supersonic Blues. Shocking, right? Well, earlier this year they put out their awaited debut album, It’s Heavy (review here) on Who Can You Trust? Records, and man, that record is a burner. A boogie burner, even better. Seeing and hearing them play songs from it put them high on my list of anticipated bands for Freak Valley 2022, but that they played as a two-guitar four-piece and seemed to take a special jammy pleasure in doing so made them even more enjoyable to watch. You wouldn’t call them innovative — and that’s not intended as a slight, they’re actively trying not to reinvent the wheel — but their songs and vibes are tremendous fun. One of those bands who are mellow no matter how heavy they get, and who seem to find a sweet spot between ’70s grooves and a kind of laid back melodicism. There’s a part of me that hopes they never add a keyboardist and go prog — which is what a goodly portion of the bands who influenced Supersonic Blues ended up doing — but time will tell of their ultimate direction. Right now, and for the last five or so years, they’re a blast. A party that’s been waiting for you to show up. They brought their own drums.
—
Kosmodome
My first time seeing Kosmodone, whose name I’ve seen around a lot. I’ve played them on the Gimme Metal show before, but not really written about them, but they remind a bit of Hypnos 69’s warm prog, their stage arrangement such that the drummer/vocalist is off to the side rather than behind the guitars and bass, which is kind of where the keys are. They’re young, which means they can play prog without needing to stand still on stage and maybe have some Motorpsycho influence, and it’s hard to be really immersive when it’s broad daylight and still heating up, but whatever, it’s a good time. In the hills around there are hawks circling the woods, or maybe that’s the campsite, I don’t know. Either way, Kosmodome released their self-titled album last December and dedicated “The 1%” from it to all the children in the crowd, and yes, there are plenty of them and a few more clearly impending. I can’t imagine my family, my wife and son, would enjoy this — he might for a while but then would be trying to get on stage, she simply wouldn’t — but it would be an interesting experiment. Kosmodome came here from Bergen, Norway, and it occurs to me I have no clue how far away that is. Hard to get your bearings at a thing like this. But I know today’s Thursday, because that’s when Kosmodome played. They closed with “Orbit,” which also finishes the record, and I might have to buy this album now.
—
Les Big Byrd
Hell yes Swedish space rock. This was my first experience with Les Big Byrd — and they pronounced it “less” on stage rather than the French “lay” Big Byrd — but however you want to say it they brought trance groove to the hottest part of the day, riding motorik groove and a balance between songwriting and jamming with similar ease. As I’d never heard them, their synth-laced sound hit a laid back feel just right, and they also had a side-of-stage drummer, like Kosmodome, except on the other side, and he did backing vocals. They said they’ll have a new record out this Fall, and if I had any idea what month it is, I might know how far away that is from now, but at least I’ll know to keep an eye out for it. I’d dozed in the shade prior to their going on, my new hippie hat over my face, and they made easing back to full consciousness smoother than, say, Mondo Generator probably would. I chased down some coffee later in the set in the interest of remaining upright for the second half of the day’s lineup and they were done by the time I got back, but I’d watched a bit out front on the grass, people dancing on either side of me to the fluid sounds. I’ll take it.
—
Mondo Generator
Would you fuck with Mondo Generator? I wouldn’t. Seems like a good way to get punched. They’re like punk rock aggro taken to its natural extreme; a legacy of dirty, fucked up, angry — and in their case, heavy — rock and roll that is dangerous and in pursuit of danger as the end. Nick Oliveri doubles in Stöner with Brant Bjork these days, but it’s been nearly a decade since last time I saw Mondo Generator (review here) and they were a four-piece then, but they worked well as a trio. The rawer the better. Mike Pygmie I saw a few weeks ago playing with John Garcia at Desertfest New York (review here), but it’s been years since I watched the malleable Mike Amster bash away at a drum kit, and that was a pleasure as well. I don’t think I’ll ever be intense enough for Mondo Generator, but I’m honestly not sure anyone is. All the more reason to put Kyuss and Queens of the Stone Age songs in the set: no one’s gonna argue with “Green Machine” and “Thirteenth Floor,” or at very least no one here. Even when they slow down though, they’re mean, and after they closed with “Tension Head” into “Allen’s Wrench” and “Millionaire,” just to make sure everybody goes home happy after getting their ass kicked., the crowd called for one more and apparently they had time, so they threw in Queens of the Stone Age’s “Six Shooter” with Oliveri putting down the bass and just singing. That was a fun 90 seconds for sure.
—
The Atomic Bitchwax
Yay! If we’re being completely honest with each other, that’s about the extent of my depth of insight watching The Atomic Bitchwax right now. I’ll never claim to be impartial about this band, however many times I may be so fortunate as to see them or write about them, but they’re just one of the tightest heavy rock acts you’ll ever see. A couple weeks ago they absolutely flattened me at Saint Vitus Bar in Brooklyn (review here) and it was nothing but a joy. Similar set here, the lines about songs about Kung Fu and shouting out “Kiss the Sun” to the ladies, etc., but they tore into it and were a blowout and a blast and probably six or seven other adjectives that collectively round down to “quite exciting, indeed,” while also exuding glee at doing so, Bob Pantella, Garrett Sweeney and Chris Kosnik (who I’m starting to think of writing in for the upcoming US midterm congressional election) simply working at another level from just about everybody and giving Mondo Generator a run for their money without the same kind of aggression behind it. What a tour that would be. ‘Too Fast for Your Brain 2022.’ I know things are about to take a mellower turn, but these guys were the kick in the ass I needed heading into the rest of the night. A heartfelt fucking a, The Atomic Bitchwax. Thanks for the boost. And for “So Come On.” And that slowdown and speed up in “Shitkicker.” And the Deep Purple. Right on.
—
Toundra
After 9PM just now and still very light out. I guess that’s why I was disoriented last night, because night happened at a different time. Also the no sleep. I’ll admit to being relieved watching Toundra. I was expecting a big post-Bitchwax comedown, but that’s not at all what Spanish instrumentalists Toundra delivered. I’ve heard them before, written about them before, but as dug-in as their style is in that vaguely-My-Sleeping-Karma-ish progressive-meditative-sans-vocal heavy, they were jumping around on stage while they played it. It can be done! And even the dreamier stretches were given a push that was a perfect accompaniment to the richness of their tones and the lead guitar lines floating overhead. For a crowd who’ve largely spent already the last seven-plus hours drinking, or just for me who could use another coffee (perpetually), they were outright engaging to the crowd — very definitely a show — without giving up their progressive aspects. That’s not an easy thing to pull off, and they were treated with due respect by the crowd, I’m sure some of whom saw them here when they played in 2016. As I didn’t, I’m glad I’m seeing them now. If that makes me late to the party or whatever, fine. Story of my life. And yes, they had their “Stones From the Sky” moment. Someone in the back behind the lawn, by the merch and food, was burning incense. Balloons were being batted around until meeting their inevitable end. Kids sat on parents’ shoulders. Freak Valley could give classes in how to define heavy peace. Subsection on the syllabus for this set right now. How lucky I am to be here.
—
Endless Boogie
The app I use to order pizza just sent me a “hey you should order a pizza notification.” It’s like somehow it knew Endless Boogie were playing. It’s usually right anyway, and the theory applies here if not the logistics. Paul Major, center stage, guitar in hand, occasionally grumping into the microphone while grooving out — this is kind of a band you need to see live to understand. And they’re from New York. And I live in New Jersey. And I’ve seen them once before this. And it was in Europe. If you have a “go figure” file, that can go right in there. They’re hitting it though. As mellow as their records can be, and as only-on-their-own-clock as they come across, their material isn’t staid or unipolar. It’s a classic kind of dynamic and nothing fancy on paper, but if you want dig a band Endless Boogie are a band to dig, and that’s a compliment. What they’re doing on paper couldn’t be simpler — starting out and seeing where it goes — but what distinguishes them is their personality as players — and that’s not just Major either — and the conversing they do as they ooze through one movement to the next, one jam to the next. I’ll spare you wax poetics in the spirit of Manhattan concrete, but whatever they might have in common with whoever, they are their own thing. Once again, people are dancing, even bigger bubbles are being blown, and meanwhile the band is on stage ripping it up. They dedicated the entire last half-hour of their set to one song, a flowing jam with repeated cycles about smoking in the house that also magically became space rock. There really is nothing like a band who keep their word.
—
Pelican
I’m going to try to assemble a few coherent thoughts, but I can’t promise anything as regards making sense. What I didn’t realize throughout today was just how much it was building toward Pelican, and just how much the veteran Chicago instrumental four-piece were positioned as a culmination. They were the point of convergence. I’m not going to list the tie to each act, because why would I?, but as well as setting the course for an innumerable amount of acts in terms of their influence, they also kick a good deal of ass. That is to say, they’re a headliner on paper as well as in reality. I lost my left earplug right before they went on — I’d left my bag on the other side of the photo pit, and getting there was a journey; just trust me — but even with two full festival days left, I’m less distraught at the ringing in my ear with them as the cause than I might be other under circumstances. It got chilly after the sun went down, but I found a spot in back to watch them for just a bit before moving elsewhere and the swirling lights, the presence of the band on stage, the volume even after I replaced that earplug — staggering. I don’t even know how many times I’ve used the word “beautiful” in the last two days at Freak Valley, and this probably won’t be the last one either, but that’s really what it was. The end of a long day, people slouching with fatigue, booze, whatever. And then Pelican comes on and it’s this massive waveform of positive energy. A celebration, maybe. I don’t know, but it felt like resonant joy pushed through all that crunching tonality, all that hugeness of nod. Heart. In a universe where authenticity is a myth, Pelican communicate something essential — not quite primal, but not far off — for those ready to accept the invitation to hear it. That’s all. No big deal.
—
06.17.22 – Fri. – 10:54AM – Hotel
Liebe freunden — as the fellow says; it’s a kind of catchphrase for the fest and an appropriate, organic one — it occurred to me last night that I hadn’t had a meal since before I flew out on Tuesday, and that that last meal was composed entirely of Swiss cheese. So yes, breakfast. Some peppery eggs, assorted slices of cheese, coffee. The Karma to Burn of meals. Keep it simple as much as possible. Hydrate. I drank about half a liter of water per band yesterday. Take Advil. Sit down. Breathe to the extent that whatever allergy it is allows. Exist.
I’ve said a fair amount about the music so far, but the atmosphere here shouldn’t be neglected either. The spirit of the place, the green trees, green grass, yes. But also the kindness of the people. I was in the photo pit last night and someone up front in the crowd tapped me on the shoulder and said he probably wouldn’t be there if not for this site. I met a married couple (who’d gotten engaged at the festival in 2017) who were lovely and whose names I remember but won’t say, because, you know.
It’s not for me to be taking pictures of the crowd, of people who aren’t performing, who are there to hang out and enjoy themselves. It seems intrusive. But understand that, being here, the kindness of everybody I’ve met has been as essential as the music, as the setting. The people, the place, the thing. It is all the nouns, spiritually restorative.
Today I will pack a hoodie for the nighttime. Forgive me for being out of practice. I was burning yesterday afternoon and ended up buying a hat as well, so yes, you learn and relearn as you go. But strangers, friends, and strangers who become friends help along the way. Maybe not with showering — that I’ll do on my own — but the rest of it. As loud and raucous and go-go-go as it can be, it’s serene too. An existential butterfly landing on your nose. Just for a moment, I know. Two more days.
Posted in Whathaveyou on June 2nd, 2022 by JJ Koczan
New Jersey stalwarts The Atomic Bitchwax soon head abroad for a run of dates this month that will go from Freak Valley in Germany to Hellfest in France, and the trio have now announced that less than a month after that, they’ll be back for another stretch of UK and European dates between July and August, playing at Stoned From the Underground and in club shows with King Buffalo, Nebula and Pentagram on their way toward SonicBlast in Portugal.
Having recently seen this band and looking forward to doing so again at Freak Valley, I can tell you outright that they absolutely bowled me over. It had been a few years, and The Atomic Bitchwax got on stage and just destroyed. Like a straight line to kickass drawn with precision at top speed. I won’t deny anyone their favorite era of the band, but they played like an act on fire and they had a blast doing it. It was astonishing.
That’s probably enough for now. Dates follow as seen on social media:
Its on! Summer Tour 2022!!!!! UK-Europe
13.07.22 DE Osnabrück Bastard Club 14.07.22 DE Erfurt Stoned from the Underground 15.07.22 DE Wiesloch R´n P 16.07.22 DE Idar Oberstein Rock Im Daal 17.07.22 NL Deventer Burgerweeshuis + King Buffalo 18.07.22 DE Hamburg Knust 20.07.22 UK Milton Keynes The Craufurd Arms + Nebula 22.07.22 UK Birmingham Asylum 23.07.22 UK London Underworld 24.07.22 UK Bristol Exchange+Nebula 25.07.22 IRL Dublin Grand Social+Nebula 26.07.22 IRL Cork Crane Lane Theatre 27.07.22 UK Belfast Voodoo+Nebula 28.07.22 UK Huddersfield The Parish+Nebula 29.07.22 UK Manchester Breadshed 30.07.22 UK Edinburgh Bannermanns 31.07.22 UK Durham Dominion Festival 03.08.22 ITA Milano Magnolia+Pentagram 04.08.22 ITA Fortunago Birrificio Stuvenagh 05.08.22 ITA Roma Traffic Club+Pentagram 06.08.22 ITA Livorno+Pentagram 08.08.22 AT Vienna Arena+Pentagram 10.08.22 DE Düsseldorf Pitcher 11.08.22 NL Nijmegen Merleijn 13.08.22 POR Moledo Sonic Blast Festival
Previously announced June tour: Sound of Liberation proudly presents: The Atomic Bitchwax – Live 2022 16.06. (DE) Nephten – FREAK VALLEY FESTIVAL 17.06. (DE) Stuttgart – Goldmark’s 18.06. (DE) Passau – Tabakfabrik Passau 19.06. (DE) Dresden, Chemiefabrik Dresden (Chemo) 21.06. (AT) Salzburg, Rockhouse Salzburg 22.06. (DE) Nürnberg, MUZclub 23.06. (DE) Berlin, Wild At Heart 24.06. (DE) Wiesbaden, 17 years Sound of Liberation • Wiesbaden 26.06. (FR) Clisson, Hellfest Open Air Festival
The Atomic Bitchwax are: Chris Kosnik – Bass Bob Pantella – Drums Garrett Sweeny – Guitar
Is it real? Doesn’t feel yet like it could be. I was at Desertfest New York in 2019, and it was a blast while obviously shooting as well to be a proof of concept in terms of whether or not a DF-branded thing could work here. It was also 10 lifetimes ago.
And before we go any further, I propose the official game of Desertfest NYC 2022 is that, whoever feels so clever as to point out that Brooklyn is indeed not a desert ecosystem gets punched in the arm. “Ah you said it!” Punch. Doesn’t have to be a hard punch.
This is the pre-show, which makes the coffee I pounded at the shop down the way as the pre-pre-show. It’s been the better part of three years since I was last at a festival like this, and with coordination by the powers that be at Desertfests London and Berlin, this second DFNY has significantly upped the scale from its lone predecessor. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, packed. Tonight is “just” four bands. An easing in, if you will.
I don’t have a coverage plan for the next few days. I’m going to write when I can, take pictures when I can, do my best to stay hydrated and unconcerned about shit like catching the plague or where to stand so I don’t feel like an asshole. That’s gonna be a big one in terms of difficulty.
But I got to the Vitus Bar early, which is fine because I’d rather sit in a coffee shop than traffic, and apart from needing to use the restroom [I did avail myself of the W.C., labeled as such], I was reasonably comfortable if restless. I took a Xanax before I left the house but am otherwise lucid. I made and brought pecan butter to eat in the car, because that’s who I am. And I have to feed the meter sometime between 5 and 5:30 so I don’t blow it on parking. All of this felt very urgent, because I was nervous about the show.
—
Druids
Their new album is about to come out on Pelagic. They have it for sale in the back, reportedly, which I may have to investigate for myself. The Des Moines trio were supposed to be touring with Planet of Zeus, but so it goes. They did well in the opening spot, had a good and celebratory crowd on their side from the start. Some sludge, some more modern progressive heavy, and they carried it across well in a short set. I could tell you how long it’s been since I’ve seen a band for the first time, but frankly it’s embarrassing. Druids made it easy to remember why I enjoy that kind of thing. Circumstances permitting, they should tour as much as possible. And for having had their tour essentially pulled out from under their feet, they were putting in admirable work on stage and making the most of what they had. For being unfamiliar, I was impressed by their range.
—
Freedom Hawk
Freedom Hawk are one of at least two bands on this bill about to put out their best album to-date. They played two new songs in “Take All You Can” and “” and their older stuff was a joy to revisit. Doesn’t seem like that long ago since the last time I saw them here, but turns out it’s been a few years. Live there’s always extra heart in their stuff and the fun they’re having comes across more when you can see them having it, even though Mark Cave’s bass had to be turned down because it was “insane.” And so it was. While I’m thinking of the rhythm section, watching the drums during “Blood Red Sky,” which might need to be moved to a set closer position, have me a whole new appreciation for the snare work in that song and elsewhere throughout Freedom Hawk’s oeuvre. Mostly they were a blast though, whatever you were paying attention to, and they must certainly found welcome in the increasingly packed out room.
—
Valley of the Sun
I didn’t drive 11 hours to be here tonight, but Valley of the Sun did, and I don’t know about for them, but it was certainly worth the trip for me. It’s been a decade easy since I last saw them and they too are about to put out the best record they’ve ever made. They had the songs in their set to prove it. “The Chariot,” “Devil I’ve Become.” And I won’t say a bad word, ever, about “Riding the Dunes,” but with so much good new stuff around it, it was just one of a number of highlights even if the last one. They tore it up, and Ryan Ferrier has assembled a lineup for the band that feels built for the stage. They were a joy enough that my neck will be sore tomorrow and I feel lucky to have seen them right now. I asked immediately when they were going on tour and the answer was soon. I’ll be keeping an eye out for that announcement, and if you’re reading this sentence, you should too. What a night this is.
—
The Atomic Bitchwax
Fuck, I think I got motion sickness from The Atomic Bitchwax’s riffs. No, really. From the stage, Chris Kosnik, “You wanna hear a fast one or a slow one? Trick question, they’re all fast ones.” I mean, it’s been years since I’ve seen just about anybody, but I feel like it’s even more too long when it comes to these guys. To wit, this is my first time since Garrett Sweeny joined on guitar, and it just works. I’ve seen him play with Monster Magnet — same goes for all of them, I guess — but this band is all about letting loose and ripping it up. And especially in a style where so much is about slow groove and nodding out, here come the Bitchwax just daring you, the other bands they’re playing with on any given night and humanity in general to keep up if you, they, all can. As a band, their oneupsmanship is unreal. It is right that they are headlining. And they did “Kiss the Sun,” and “Birth to the Earth” and “Hope You Die,” and oh, the years since the last time I saw them just melted. T-t-t-total. Freedom. To think a few hours ago I was sitting at the bar reading a book and the place was dead. Now this. How is it not magic? I guess it is. I think I’m gonna throw up though. Still dizzy. Might die. But I’ll die with “So Come On” stuck in my head, so mark that a win.
Posted in Whathaveyou on May 4th, 2022 by JJ Koczan
Although they and I both hail from my beloved Garden State of New Jersey, it’s been long years since I last saw The Atomic Bitchwax, and since they’ll be headlining the pre-show next Thursday night at the Saint Vitus Bar in Brooklyn with support from Freedom Hawk, Valley of the Sun and Druids, I can only say that I’m looking forward to it in a special, special way. I would say the same of seeing them at Freak Valley in Germany as well on the newly announced run of European shows that will take them from that fest to Hellfest in France, but, well, next Thursday is first. I can look forward to Freak Valley after that. And I will.
The Neptunian trio continue to support their Scorpio (review here) album on Tee Pee Records, which had the misfortune of being released in Summer 2020. They’ve been out since then in the US, but these dates — and Freak Valley specifically — will mark their first shows abroad since before the pandemic. They have hinted at more dates to come for July and August, though whether that’s in the States or not, I don’t know at this time.
Whenever, wherever you get the opportunity to see them, it is worth taking advantage. Even outside of the fact that they’ve been a band for more than 20 years and nothing lasts forever, it’s a show you’re going to want to talk about afterward.
Dates follow courtesy of Sound of Liberation on Facebook:
THE ATOMIC BITCHWAX – JUNE 2022
Friends, we’re stoked to bring New Jersey’s most powerful power trio The Atomic Bitchwax over the pond this summer!
Get hyped for balls-to-the-wall rock’n’roll, smashing 60s & 70s riff rock and proto-metal. The Atomic Bitchwax deliver a unique „thunder boogie“ and finest celebration of the riff, we can’t wait!
Sound of Liberation proudly presents: The Atomic Bitchwax – Live 2022 16.06. (DE) Nephten – FREAK VALLEY FESTIVAL 17.06. (DE) Stuttgart – Goldmark’s 18.06. (DE) Passau – Tabakfabrik Passau 19.06. (DE) Dresden, Chemiefabrik Dresden (Chemo) 21.06. (AT) Salzburg, Rockhouse Salzburg 22.06. (DE) Nürnberg, MUZclub 23.06. (DE) Berlin, Wild At Heart 24.06. (DE) Wiesbaden, 17 years Sound of Liberation • Wiesbaden 26.06. (FR) Clisson, Hellfest Open Air Festival
See you there! Your SOL Crew
The Atomic Bitchwax are: Chris Kosnik – Bass Bob Pantella – Drums Garrett Sweeny – Guitar
Posted in Whathaveyou on May 2nd, 2022 by JJ Koczan
My flight is booked and I’m beyond excited to say that after years of longing to do so even before the covid-19 pandemic, I’ll be attending Freak Valley Festival for the first time in June. I’m not sure yet where I’m staying or how I’m getting to the actual event from the airport, let alone back afterward, but you know, a flight isn’t nothing and I’m honored to have that like I’m honored to see a logo for The Obelisk on the poster. I wrote the announcement below — composed it in the back end of this very post, as it happens — and I’ll drop a hint and say that I know who the special guest is if you can make a fantastic getaway to get to see them. Actually that’s way too vague a hint. Sorry, I can’t think of anything else. If you have your head keyed into early aughts Nasoni Records releases, maybe you’ll come up with it. If not, sorry.
In any case, to say I’m looking forward to this — seeing Geezer and The Atomic Bitchwax on foreign soil, seeing friends in and out of bands, seeing IAH and Temple Fang and Villagers of Ioannina City and Duel and Supersonic Blues and The Midnight Ghost Train‘s reunion and Planet of Zeus and Pelican — well, hot shit, to say I’m looking forward to it borders on laughable. In my head, I’m already there.
Here’s that announcement:
Freaks!
Spring has come to Freak Valley, and somehow the universal image of the season meaning new life manifests for us in an especially killer lot of band announcements. Hey, we don’t judge. Don’t you either.
Did we mention BAND ANNOUNCEMENTS?
Good. Here they are:
THE ATOMIC BITCHWAX
More than 20 years on from their legendary debut album, The Atomic Bitchwax are the train of riffs that wouldn’t stop anyway if it could. They are nothing less than stoner rock royalty and we’re thrilled to welcome them to our lineup. Top frickin’ shelf rock and roll.
ENDLESS BOOGIE
The New York City jammers are nothing if not aptly named. If you’re not familiar, check out last year’s ‘Admonitions’ LP and we know you’ll find it stunningly easy to get on board. When these guys play they’re in their own world. We look forward to getting a glimpse of that.
DVNE
We’re just going to assume that, yes, you heard ‘Etemen Ænka’ when DVNE released it and so you don’t need us to tell you how excited we are to welcome these progressive metallers to the Freak Valley stage. Duh, right? We thought so. Years from now you’ll brag about seeing this band.
TYLER BRYANT AND THE SHAKEDOWN
Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown’s 2020 album, ‘Pressure,’ was a high point of a shit year, and we knew immediately we had to have this Nashville-born blues rocking outfit to our stage. They’ve toured with the likes of Guns ‘n’ Roses and AC/DC, and their swagger is backed up by chops. You will not regret being here for this one.
MADMESS
Hell yes. That fuzz. That drift. That vibe. For a good time, call Madmess’ 2021 LP, ‘Rebirth.’ These Portuguese heavy psychedelic expansionists cast a warmth that’s cosmic and earthy in kind. Their jams are memorable and organic, and they deliver with an energy that’s raw power. Oh it’s gonna be so good. You don’t even know.
DJIIN
That’s not a typo. These French heavy proggers put out their ‘Meandering Soul’ album last year, and we’re still tripping on it. Ambitious landscapes of sound and scope meld fluidly with thoughtful songcraft and gorgeous vocal melodicism. They’re retro enough to be from the future, so it must be the sound of right now. We stoked to meet it in-person.
SPECIAL GUEST!!
Luckily we will also be able to sell some returned full festival tickets soon.
Also Wednesday Tickets for those who already own 3 Day tickets are still available.
Please buy them now!
Rock on – your Rock Freaks
Freak Valley Festival // No Fillers – Just Killers
This isn’t the first time I’ve done this — an all-request show — but I’m especially happy to have put word out for people to pick tunes in this instance, because look at that middle block of songs! It’s like a guided tour through classic stoner rock. Not Slomosa so much, though they certainly emphasize the enduring influence of ’90s and ’00s heavy rock on new bands — or Circle, who end that block in avant-sludge fashion, but the rest of it is right in there. Unida. Goatsnake, Astroqueen. Lowrider. Acrimony. I’ll say them again. Acrimony. Even newer Bitchwax. I could’ve put Spirit Caravan in there as well, I guess, but I like the way this one flows as is, and you can see, they all came by request.
Some were just bands — play Slomosa, etc. — but some were specific to the songs included here. Playing Tin House and Funkadelic back to back is my idea of a good time. See also Lowrider and Goatsnake. I was thinking I might do blurbs in the Gimme chat for these bands while the show’s on. The last episode was pretty dead — I think it was also Good Friday? so maybe that had something to do with it — but just to help people kind of understand some of the context here, because I’m guessing that the more headbangerly contingent is going to see stuff like 500 Ft. of Pipe and not know what the hell is going on. Fair enough.
I may do that, I may not have the energy later today. I’ll be around in any case. Come say hi.
Thanks if you listen, thanks if you’re reading. Thanks in general.
The Obelisk Show airs 5PM Eastern today on the Gimme app or at: http://gimmemetal.com.
Full playlist:
The Obelisk Show – 04.29.22
Blackfinger
Waiting for the Sun (for Abraham Ram)
When Colors Fade Away
Tenebra
Moon Maiden (for Marco Gargiulo)
Moongazer
Telekinetic Yeti
Ancient Nug (for Matthew Parness)
Primordial
Spirit Caravan
Fang (for Tim Waits)
Jug Fulla Sun
VT
Slomosa
On and Beyond (for Steve Janiak)
Slomosa
Lowrider
Convoy V (for Rob Godfrey)
Ode to Io
Goatsnake
Black Cat Bone (for Sven Mueller)
Trampled Under Hoof
Astroqueen
Tidal Wave (for Max Mountain)
The 2003 Sessions EP
Unida
Wet Pussycat (for Rob Godfrey)
The Best of Wayne-Gro
Acrimony
Hymns to the Stone (for El Pez)
Tumuli Shroomaroom
Sheavy
Savannah (for Darryl Felstead)
The Electric Sleep
500 Ft. of Pipe
77 Burnout (for El Pez)
Dope Deal
The Atomic Bitchwax
Easy Action (for Mark Richard)
Scorpio
Circle
Rakkauta al Dente (for Amy Johnson)
Terminal
VT
Wartime
Under Your Light (for Juan Lopez)
Volumen II
King Woman
Golgotha (for Caleb Dub)
Celestial Blues
Achachak
Celebration for the Desert (for Mile Mijac)
Planet Hashish
Funkadelic
Qualify and Satisfy (for Scott Hamilton)
Funkadelic
Tin House
Be Good and Be Kind (for Cheri Pi)
Tin House
The Obelisk Show on Gimme Metal airs every Friday 5PM Eastern, with replays Sunday at 7PM Eastern. Next new episode is May 13 (subject to change). Thanks for listening if you do.
