Posted in Whathaveyou on December 31st, 2024 by JJ Koczan
The Parker Griggs-led classic hard psych-funk rockers El Perro will head back to Europe in 2025, and maybe that’s not a huge surprise since they’ve been on the road more or less since the band’s inception earlier this decade — lockdown notwithstanding — and, if you see them, doing it live is definitely a big part of the point they’re making. They note in the tour announcement below that after this run, which will put them in Euro clubs ahead of the Spring festival season, they’ll solidify their studio plans, which to me says maybe by the end of 2025 they’ll have something in the can unless they’ve got a backlog of recordings they’re using, and release either toward the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026.
Of course, once they plug in and hit it, the recording process itself likely won’t take all that long — see “doing it live” above — but there are a slew of logistical concerns in addition to things like finishing the songs that are to be considered. It’ll happen when it happens, I suppose is the bottom line. Cool that it’s even mentioned here. Oh, and in the blue text below, I’m assuming “dog things coming” is autocorrect for “big things coming” or the band playing off the name, but I left it in case that’s some kind of new slang the kids are using that I wouldn’t know about because I’m old and haven’t looked up from my laptop screen in a decade.
That might indeed be another European tour, as El Perro have already been confirmed for Bear Stone in Croatia (July 3-6) and Stoned From the Underground (July 10-12) and will likely have shows between if not also on either or both sides. Guess we’ll find out when we do. They’ll probably have US touring too this year. Madness.
From socials:
MARCH 2025 EUROPE TOUR! 🇪🇸 🇫🇷 🇳🇱 🇧🇪 🇩🇪🇨🇭
Hitting some all new spots this time around, stoked to see you out there soon! Shortly after the tour, making plans for the studio and to start laying down El Perro album number 2, to be released in 2025 🙂. Now and until then just been cooking on new songs and home demos, getting all ready. More news on all these things coming soon. Lots of dog things coming in 2025! Merry Christmas from the Perros!
Thanks to @jalondeaquiles for the amazing poster!
DATES! 10.03.25 SP Castellon, Sala Because 11.03.25 SP Valencia, 16 Toneladas 12.03.25 SP Barcelona, Sala Upload 13.03.25 SP Portugalette, Groove 14.03.25 SP Madrid, Wurlitzer Ballroom 15.03.25 SP Aviles, Factoria Sound 16.03.25 SP Navia, Secret Spot 17.03.25 FR Seignosse, Black Flag Bar 18.03.25 FR Nantes, Cold Crash 19.03.25 FR Lille, Le Brat Cave 20.03.25 NL Nijmegen, Merleyn 21.03.25 NL Breda, Mezz 22.03.25 BEL Harze, Misery Beer Co. 24.03.25 DE Recklinghausen, Backyard Club 25.03.25 DE Onsabruck, Bastard Club 26.03.25 DE Münster, Rare Guitar 27.03.25 SWI Seewen, Gaswerk 28.03.25 SWI Winterthur, Thurbinä 29.03.25 SWI TBA
Posted in Whathaveyou on November 6th, 2024 by JJ Koczan
I swear to you that as I stood in front of the main stage at this past summer’s Bear Stone Festival, I had the actual thought-in-my-brain, “King Buffalo would be incredible here.” And so they will. The Rochester forerunners of US heavy psych join Graveyard, Motorpsycho, The Vintage Caravan, El Perro and a cast of others in the first lineup for Bear Stone 2025, which will be held July 3-6. I don’t have a flight yet or anything, but it’s very much on my calendar in fingers-crossed-golly-I-hope-this-happens fashion, and if you want to take that as a recommendation for a place to try to put yourself if you can, do. This was an unhindered highlight of my 2024, and the 2025 edition already looks like it’s going to be even bigger.
I had the same thought about Ufomammut, by the way…
As with last year’s bill, the 2025 Bear Stone Festival pays particular attention to the regional underground. Representing Croatia are Killed a Fox, Peglica i Komandos, Portman, Bizon and Dark Tree Bark, while Lazarvs come from neighboring Hungary, Marcel Gidote’s Holy Crab are from the Czech Republic, and Savanah are from Austria. There’s also French psych rockers Karkara, and Atomic Mold and Oreyeon from Italy, and US garage rockers The Darts. Don’t worry Germany, I’m sure you’ll get a band in there soon.
It’s an impressive assemblage already and this is probably… a third? of the acts who’ll comprise the final lineup. Here’s official word from the PR wire:
Bear Stone Festival 2025: First Lineup Announced + Early Bear Tickets Now on Sale!
Bear Stone Festival 2025 marks a bold step forward in expanding the diverse range of genres we celebrate. While we remain rooted in the classics—Stoner Rock, Psychedelic Rock, and Doom Metal, along with everything in between—our 2024 edition teased an exciting exploration of modern subgenres that are oriented towards a modern fusion of Neo-Psychedelia dipped in Acid Rock that we’ll continue to explore in the future. Join us in our ever-lasting quest of musical exploration.
Even though we’re not big on statistics, we are particularly proud that 12 out of 17 bands that are forming the first part of our lineup were formed after 2012 and 8 out of 12 foreign bands will be coming to Croatia for the very first time!
Without further ado, we’re introducing the first 17 bands that will grace our stages in the upcoming edition.
Since forming in 2006 in Gothenburg, Sweden, Graveyard has carved out a distinct niche in the rock world with their gritty blend of Hard Rock, Psychedelia, and Blues, led by the powerful vocals and guitar of Joakim Nilsson. Rising to prominence after their self-titled debut in 2007, they quickly earned a reputation for raw, authentic rock with a dark, soulful edge.
After five acclaimed records and years of relentless touring, Graveyard’s latest album, “6”, continues their journey, adding introspective depth to their already renowned, riff-heavy sound.
KING BUFFALO (USA)
King Buffalo is a Rochester, New York-based Heavy Psych trio consisting of Sean McVay (vocals/guitar), Dan Reynolds (bass), and Scott Donaldson (drums). Since forming in 2013, they have earned recognition through numerous releases and extensive touring with bands like Clutch, Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats, and Elder.
Their latest album, “Regenerator” (September 2nd, 2022), is the third in their pandemic trilogy and further solidifies their sonic identity, establishing them as one of the brightest lights in underground Rock today.
MOTORPSYCHO (NOR)
Motorpsycho is a Norwegian band that fuses elements of Grunge, Heavy Metal, and Indie Rock with experimental, progressive soundscapes. Known for their genre-defying approach, they continuously push the boundaries of modern Rock with complex arrangements and sonic exploration.
THE VINTAGE CARAVAN (ISL)
The Vintage Caravan is an Icelandic trio that blends modern Prog Rock with Classic Rock influences, known for their energetic performances and skilled musicianship. Their latest album “Monuments” (2021) showcases their unique fusion of ’70s-inspired guitar work with fresh, Psychedelic, and Progressive Rock elements, solidifying their place as one of Europe’s standout rock acts.
LAZARVS (HU)
Budapest-based Lazarvs is a three-piece heavy rock band fronted by guitarist and songwriter Aron Andras, known for their raw energy and aggressive live performances. With a strong presence in Hungary and beyond, they have shared the stage with legends like Saint Vitus and Crowbar, and in 2023, they released their 5th studio album Blackest, showcasing their darkest and most refined sound yet, which they will continue to promote on their upcoming 2024 European and UK tour.
KARKARA (FR)
Karkara, a Psychedelic Rock trio from Toulouse, France, was formed in 2019 by Karim Rihani (guitar/vocals), Hugo Olive (bass/synth), and Maxime Marouani (drums/vocals). Drawing influence from bands like The Oh Sees, King Gizzard, and Black Sabbath, their sound is a hypnotic blend of Psych Rock, Stoner, and Krautrock, infused with Mediterranean elements. Known for their explosive live shows, they returned in 2024 with their third album, “All Is Dust”, a post-apocalyptic concept record.
THE DARTS (USA)
The Darts, an all-female Garage Rock band formed in 2016, blend Vintage Punk energy with modern Garage Rock grit. Known for their high-energy performances and bold sound, they’ve toured extensively across the US and Europe, earning praise from fans and media alike, with their latest album “Snake Oil” (2023) receiving rave reviews and sold-out shows.
KILLED A FOX (CRO)
Formed in 2006 in Zagreb, Croatia, Killed a Fox is a band known for blending heavy, rhythmic grooves with Psychedelic Rock influences and an electrifying live presence. With three albums under their belt, including the acclaimed “Crown Shyness” from 2019, they’ve become a fixture in the Croatian underground scene, sharing stages with bands like Alice in Chains and Orange Goblin. Currently, the band is working on their highly anticipated fourth album, slated for release in 2025.
EL PERRO (USA)
El Perro, led by Parker Griggs (Radio Moscow) and former Blues Pills guitarist Dorian Sorriaux, is a Heavy Psych supergroup blending Psychedelic Funk Rock with elements of Latin Rock, Soul, and Psych. Their fresh sound showcases blistering guitar work and high-energy Rock, while retaining the signature cranked guitar energy fans know from Griggs’ previous work.
PEGLICA I KOMANDOS (CRO)
Peglica i Komandos is a rock band from Zagreb, Croatia, that emerged from the Jeboton collective in 2014. Known for their psychedelic, progressive, and humour-laced Blues Rock, they’ve released two studio albums and one live album, captivating audiences with introspective yet often humorous lyrics and extended instrumental solos that make their live shows particularly engaging.
PORTMAN (CRO)
Portman is an instrumental band formed in 2004, known for blending Post-Rock with elements of Math Rock and ambient passages to create airy, atmospheric soundscapes. After releasing their debut “Pereskesije” in 2009 and “The Man Who Carries a Light” in 2013, the band has toured extensively and released their latest album, “Stamina” in July 2024.
OREYEON (ITA)
Formed in 2014 by members of bands like Woodwall and Mexican Mud, Oreyeon quickly made a mark on the Heavy Rock scene with their debut album “Builders of Cosmos” (2016). Drawing inspiration from the heavy music genre, especially Black Sabbath and Stoner Rock icons like The Sword, they deliver monolithic guitars, powerful bass, and intricate vocals that captivate fans of Classic and Stoner Rock alike.
SAVANAH (AT)
Hailing from Graz, Austria, Savanah is a Heavy Rock band that burst onto the scene in 2015 with their acclaimed debut “Deep Shades”. Known for their intricate improvisation and progressive sound, they deliver powerful riffs and mesmerising melodies, as showcased in their latest album “Olympus Mons” (2021), which reflects their evolution as musicians and has earned widespread acclaim.
BIZON (CRO)
Bizon is an instrumental rock duo from Split, Croatia, formed in 2012 by guitarist Luka Krstulović and drummer Dragan Ðokić. Known for their complex rhythms, distorted guitar riffs, and powerful soundscapes, Bizon released their latest album “Garnizon” on vinyl in 2023, drawing listeners into intense, looping sonic journeys filled with dissonant climaxes and expertly crafted effects.
MARCEL GIDOTE’S HOLY CRAB (CZ)
Established in 2019, Marcel Gidote’s Holy Crab is a Czech Psychedelic band known for their unique blend of Rock, Kraut, and Jazz influences, characterised by a modern sound. They gained recognition with their debut EP “Bay Of Roots” in 2020 and their self-produced album “Humidity Breaking Limits” in 2021, showcasing a more complex musical expression. Their latest album, “Farm Alarm”, highlights vocal harmonies and acoustic instrumentation while addressing the climate crisis, solidifying their status as one of the most progressive Psychedelic acts in the Czech Republic.
DARK TREE BARK (CRO)
Dark Tree Bark is a five-piece band from Zagreb, founded by guitarist and vocalist Josip Šustić, who gathered the current lineup in 2023. Blending Progressive Rock with elements of Post-Rock, Math Rock, Krautrock, and Jazz Rock, their debut album “Kameni spavač”, released in 2024, on Geenger Records, uses analog equipment to craft a rich, conceptual narrative that invites listener interpretation.
ATOMIC MOLD (ITA)
Atomic Mold, formed in 2014 in Italy, is a powerful instrumental band blending Psychedelic Stoner and Doom elements. Known for their visceral soundscapes and intense live performances, they’ve released several albums, including “Hybrid Slow Flood” and a split with Chilean band Arteaga, all while evolving through lineup changes and expanding their musical horizons.
Posted in Whathaveyou on July 11th, 2024 by JJ Koczan
Parker Griggs and his somewhat rotating cast of funkified purveyors El Perro have both a new drummer and a slew of European festival appearances coming up throughout the next month-plus with club shows to tie them together. I was lucky enough to see the band — which includes former Blues Pills guitarist Dorian Sorriaux, who also has a mostly acoustic solo album out on The Sign Records — at last year’s Freak Valley Festival (review here), and I remain convinced they should be putting out live records basically nonstop. I don’t care if they bootleg themselves and put it at the merch table, whatever. As long as it’s streaming somewhere and I can check it out too.
Note Griggs mentions new songs in the set. I imagine some of the hammering out will take place around live jams and how it all comes together and feels onstage, but have no idea when they might do a follow-up to their first LP, 2022’s Hair Of… (review here). Unspoken in all of this is what’s the status of Griggs‘ maybe-former main project, the classic-rocking bluesblasters Radio Moscow, but the last couple years have shown that this is where it’s at at least for now if not for good.
If you heard that LP, you likely don’t need to be told there’s plenty for the new band to explore, especially as it brings different players on board. I don’t know Jason Kendall‘s other band, Magick Potion, but I’m happy to take Griggs‘ recommendation to check them out. A quick googling later and it turns out they’re on RidingEasy Records with a first album slated for the Fall. Another easy recommendation to follow. They may have formerly been called Head? Look at me, learning stuff.
Dates from socials:
EL PERRO – EUROPEAN SUMMER TOUR DATES!
Tour starts in less than a month. CANT WAIT to see y’all again soon! With this tour we’d also like to announce and welcome new drummer, Jason Kendall! A super talented skin slappa, I became aware of his talents with his band, Baltimore rippers @magickpotionband (great new band on the scene). This cat fits right in with the perros and we’re stoked to have him barking with us 🙌🏽. Glad to have ya in the pack and looking forward to the jams @billbruford! Of course also want to give a big shout and thank you to @muchodrums for crushing it on the last few tours.
Going to be debuting some new tunes this tour and if all goes as planned, I’ll be adding a whole new spice on a couple new jams (the honest hint and truth is…just trying to get it ORGANised). Can’t wait to show you the next stage of El Perro! See ya soon! -PG
Major props and love to for the super awesome poster artwork @mr.brainxless! And @callahelia for the graphic design / layout and text. Yall absolutely killed it. Thanks so much!
July 26 Fulda, Germany @herzberg_festival_official July 27 Cottbus, Germany @blue_moon_festival July 29 Dussledorf, Germany @pitcherrocknrollhq July 30 Cologne, Germany @sonicballroom July 31 Aschaffenburg, Germany @colos_saal_aschaffenburg with @thedevilandthealmightyblues August 1 Rotterdam, Netherlands @soundvillerotterdam August 2 Beelen, Germany @krachambach August 3 Oberstdorf, Germany @grubengrooves August 4 Munich, Germany at Free and Easy Fest with @sienaroot and @theobsessedofficial August 9 Torino, Italy @blahblahtorino August 10 Tuscany, Italy TBA August 11 San Zenon @vam_villaalbrizzimarini August 15 Salzburg, Austria @rockhouse.bar.salzburg August 16 Schlatterweiher @ Rock the Frog Fest August 17 Plaidt, Germany @ Pellenzer Open Air Fest
Posted in Whathaveyou on January 31st, 2024 by JJ Koczan
I’ve been trying to post this for like a week. This happens to me now. I’ll be sitting on the couch at like 7PM or some such — well past what I consider ‘Obelisk time’ in my feeble brainclock — and see some relevant item on my phone. I haven’t covered Krach am Bach much in years past, so I probably said something like, “Oh shit right on, I can post about something new,” and started to put the thing together. I don’t remember if I squared the poster image or the fest did — probably them. But then I get in the actual back end of the site and there are like 50 other things and then I’m already late and blah blah fucking blah here I am with another festival lineup post. I’m sure by now the lineup has been completed and the festival — which is set for Aug. 2-3 — has already taken place. Because time would bend over backwards just to screw me up, and I say that as the voice of experience.
But the lineup. Seems likely The Devil and the Almighty Blues will be out on tour, ditto A Place to Bury Strangers, Wine Lips, Deathchant, El Perro. You’ll notice Elder-offshoot Delving among the confirmations, which might mean another studio offering from that project is on the way, and I’ll go to bat for each of Karkara, Humulus, Travo and Black Helium being worth your time based solely on my experience with their recorded output. There’s more to come here, but I’m not sure how much more you really need.
Check it:
+++ First announcements || Tickets available +++
In case you’re wondering about some news for the 29. Krach am Bach Festival, we’ve got the finest selection for a ride through heavy, fuzz-drowned and hypnotic space trips.
Orange Goblin |UK A Place To Bury Strangers |US The Devil And The Almighty Blues |Norway Wine Lips |Canada Tuber |Greece Deathchant |US El Perro |US Madmess |Portugal delving |US Verstärker |US KARKARA |France Humulus |Italy TRAVO |Portugal Black Helium |UK ᴉGeRaldᴉ |France
Posted in Whathaveyou on December 21st, 2023 by JJ Koczan
It’s a pretty traditional singer-songwriter arrangement put to the new solo single from Dorian Sorriaux, which comes from his debut LP, Children of the Moon, set to release through Sweden’s The Sign Records. Best known for his work on the first two Blues Pills albums as well as the sundry other releases around them and the heavy-impact touring that band did during that era, which one could argue was their most influential, he’s been playing alongside Parker Griggs (Radio Moscow, whose former rhythm section was also in Blues Pills earlier on, might still be, etc.) in the revamped El Perro for most of 2023 and it’s looking like that will stick going forward as well. His debut solo release, an EP called Hungry Ghost, came out in 2016 and was issued through Soulseller Records in 2018.
You’ll hear piano and acoustic guitar, a sweet vocal delivery, and soothing melodicism. There’s a tinge of the psychedelic to it, but it’s a stretch for the ears and Sorriaux doesn’t really need to hide behind effects, either as a guitarist or a singer. Folk roots showing up for sure, and it’s classic-feeling in a ’70s singer-songer sense, but produced modern and clear in its purpose.
Something different, if from a familiar name. The PR wire brought the following. Hope you dig:
Former Blues Pills member Dorian Sorriaux signs with The Sign Records
-Release first single and music video from upcoming studio album
The Sign Records are proud to announce that Dorian Sorriaux has joined the label for the release of album Children of the Moon. Best known for being the lead guitarist of Blues Pills for 6 years, Dorian has toured extensively all around Europe and Australia with Blue Pills playing some of the biggest European Festivals like Rock Am Ring, Hellfest, Download, Rock Werchter, Wacken, Roskilde, Sweden Rock, and opening for bands such as Deep Purple, John Fogerty, Rival Sons, and Europe. He released several EP’s, two studio albums and two live albums before leaving the band in 2018.
Many young players look to the guitar heroes of the 60s and 70s for inspiration, but very few are able to channel their influences as mesmerizingly as Dorian Sorriaux. When the young French guitarist burst onto the scene with rockers Blues Pills, he displayed an incredible maturity and expressiveness as a musician that was captured on their 2014 self-titled debut. Comparisons with legendary bluesmen Peter Green and Paul Kossoff weren’t hyperbole; you could hear their quality in Dorian’s playing touch. Following the success of Blues Pills’ second album Lady In Gold (2016), Dorian Sorriaux revealed surprising new depths to his talent as a singer / songwriter with his debut solo EP Hungry Ghost. The EP received wonderful reviews and allowed Dorian to tour all over Europe as a solo act opening for Myles Kennedy. He now reveals a much more personal style of music and songwriting with his upcoming record Children of the Moon coming out in 2024 on The Sign Records.
The first single from Dorian’s upcoming album is called “I Believe That You Can Change” and is released on all streaming platforms on the 15th of December together with a music video. Dorian comments on the single:
The song “I Believe That You Can Change“ talks about having a spiritual experience, communicating with the elements and believing that a change for the better is possible. It´s about realizing that we are all connected and that hurting one another is not the way to go and suggest to go within to find the answers. Musically it has a nice mid-tempo groove, a strange tuning and slide guitar, piano and organ as well as beautiful backing vocals by my friend Adeline Haudiquet.
Posted in Whathaveyou on December 12th, 2023 by JJ Koczan
Back out they go. In October, funkified classic heavy rockers El Perro — founded and led by guitarist/vocalist Parker Griggs of Radio Moscow, with a lineup that now features Dorian Sorriaux (Blues Pills) also on guitar and Mucho Drums (Great Electric Quest) on, you guessed it, drums, percussionist Jeremy Davy and bassist Joaquin Escudero, formerly of Prisma Circus — completed a tour of the Midwest that I’m pretty sure was the last region of the States they had to check off their list after East and West Coast tours supporting their 2022 debut album, Hair Of… (review here), and I guess with that done, they’re free to head back to Europe after stints there the last two summers.
I’m a little curious to see when El Perro, whose lineup around Griggs has completely changed since the record, will get back to the studio. They’ve toured hard to support the record and spread the name, all that stuff, but especially with the players they have on board now, it might be worth their time and characteristic of their ’70s-rooted ethic on the whole, to get the lightning of their current stage show in the bottle of a studio recording, but that’s probably just me being greedy. Seems silly to say for an act who have one LP, but I’d take a live album from this band anytime they wanted to throw one out there, thanks. The Freak Valley set (review here) was certainly worth preserving, and it was recorded by Rockpalast, so it’s not like it’s some half-assed recording job, though I’ll admit I’d be up for hearing some unmixed, off-the-board, classic-bootleg-style stuff from El Perro as well. That wouldn’t work for every band, and I don’t think they’d actually do it, but it would be fun from them.
More, I guess, is what I’m looking for from El Perro. And here they are, with more. The announcement of the tour (which still has a couple TBAs; fests?) came through socials:
Europe! Super psyched to announce we will be returning early 2024! Marking tons of new territory this run, can’t wait to see y’all out there soon! Thanks to @soundofliberation for making it happen and @_anna_dina_ for the tour poster 🙌🏾
Dates!!!
2/16 Fulda, DE @kreuz 2/17 Jena, DE @kuba_jena 2/18 Utrecht, NL @dbs_utrecht 2/19 TBA 2/20 TBA 2/21 Bielefeld, DE @forum_bielefeld 2/22 Sittard, NL @poppodium_volt 2/23 Munster, DE Rare Guitar 2/24 Hannover, DE Faust 2/25 Berlin, DE @urban_spree 2/26 TBA 2/27 Koln, DE @clubvolta_cologne 2/28 Stuttgart, DE @goldmarks_stuttgart 2/29 Innsbruck, AT @pmk_ibk 3/1 Munchen, DE @feierwerk_ 3/2 Bolzano, IT Pippo Stage 3/3 Bologna, IT @freakout_club 3/4 Zero Branco, IT @altroquandotreviso 3/5 Ilirska Bistrica, SI @mknz_ilirskabistrica 3/6 Belgrade, RS @anti_shop_elektropionir 3/7 Zagreb, HR @hardplace 3/8 TBA 3/9 Montreux, CH @nedmusicclub 3/10 Colmar, FR @legrillen
Posted in Whathaveyou on September 18th, 2023 by JJ Koczan
Parker Griggs-fronted heavy rockers El Perro will tour next month — who won’t, amirite? — in the Midwest. All well and good, except as I recall from seeing them this past summer, a decent portion of what at least was then the current incarnation of the band was based in Europe, including guitarist Dorian Sorriaux of Blues Pills and Joaquin Escudero of Prisma Circus. Mucho Drums from Great Electric Quest was holding down that position, and so far as I know he’s US-based — his band is, anyhow — so he might still be on board and it wouldn’t be the craziest shit in the world if the Euro El Perro contingent flew over, but, well, it was a new lineup when the band went to abroad, so I guess maybe I’m a little bit expecting a domestic incarnation.
Will there be one? I have no god damned clue. Nobody tells me anything. But if there is, whoever is on board, it’s Griggs‘ band. And as El Perro seem to take priority over from his other outfit, the heavy blues mavens Radio Moscow, it seems likely that trend will continue. Not complaining. El Perro‘s debut album, Hair Of… (review here), was a funkified burner of the highest order. One of last year’s best debuts. And even though that version of the band didn’t last, Griggs is a reliable enough songwriter and player that I only look forward to what a follow-up might bring.
Dates were posted on socials thusly:
NEWS! OCTOBER USA TOUR DATES announced!!!
Stoked to be making our way east and hitting some rad new spots! Dates below! See y’all on the road! (#128021#)(#128062#)(#128588#)(#127998#)(#129304#)(#127998#)
Huge shout to @callahalia for the poster! Poster photo @jeremyjensen76! Thank y’all (#128588#)(#127998#)
10/6 Iowa Falls, IA @timbukbruiowafalls 10/7 Chicago, IL @reggieslive 10/8 Louisville, KY @portal_louisville 10/11 Columbus, OH @rumbacafeoh 10/12 Pittsburg, PA @brilloboxpgh 10/14 Greenville, SC Fall For Greenville Festival 10/17 Memphis, TN @hitonememphis 10/18 St. Louis, MO @sinkholestl 10/19 Burlington, IA @thewashingtonburlington 10/20 Davenport, IA @bootleghillhoneymeads 10/21 Oskaloosa, IA @rockislandtap
It’s good to be here. I rode in with Besvärjelsen, as my late flight ended up coinciding with their also landing at Frankfurt. It was nice to meet them. Did a bit of stretching in the parking lot of their hotel and a couple of them joined in. Warrior one, two, stretching the back. Maybe next year I’ll convince Jens, who runs Freak Valley, to let me host doom-yoga. Not gonna count on it.
Stopped off at the hotel to take a shower that I knew I needed but didn’t realize how much until the water hit me. Flight was oof. Not much sleep, delayed takeoff, shake-shake-wobble-wobble turbulence, the whole bit. I decided before we were actually over the ocean that if the plane went down I was tired enough that I’d be at least conceptually alright with it. Started watching the third Hobbit movie at one point. Watched them kill the dragon and left it at that. At the hotel, showered, changed clothes, brushed teeth, drank some water, headed back out.
It was supposed to rain today, still might I guess, but there’s an awful lot of blue sky and sunshine for that. I’m under a tent by the side of the stage anyhow, so whatever, but it wasn’t my plan to be in this spot all night. The cigarette smell would get me after a while, but, outdoors, so that’s it for that. The crowd once again is a dope mix. Oldschool heads, newschool heads, kids, a whole mess of volunteers. First band is on soon and the vibe is already on standby waiting for them to start.
And now I’m reading that Pat Robertson died. Well, this is a special occasion. Shall we make a day of it?
Sorry in advance for the typos:
—
Tuskar
Heavy start to the proceedings with UK duo Tuskar, who were not at all held back in terms of heft for not having another two or three dudes in the band. Some shades of Black Cobra in the faster parts as there almost inevitably would be, but they weren’t shy about the sludgier aspects of their sound either, and thus they were able to change up when they needed to, sounding all the more explosive coming out of a midtempo groove locked into a High on Fireish thrashy shove. But thick in tone they were and intermittently aggressive, more so than anyone else playing today, despite the proggy/post-metal explorations happening in the material and the Conan-born barking vocals. If you’re not Om, atmosphere can be hard to come by as a duo, but they laid it on with ferocity, and while some were no doubt surprised at what took place after they dug in, the early crowd showed up. The band said from the stage they didn’t have merch because of Brexit, told people to go online. I popped half a Xanax while I was at the hotel. The nod is doing better by my head right now than the intense parts, but put them together as they are and it’s killer all the way. Would be devastating at The Black Heart.
—
Astroqueen
It started to rain a couple songs into their set, slow at first then picking up. It was supposed to, but it was still a bit of a surprise when it actually happened. Surrounding sky was still at least partially blue — and I wouldn’t call it smoke-free, necessarily, but at least it’s not Canadian wildfires like at home — and Astroqueen were classic-heavy-rockin’ hard enough that I’m not sure they ever noticed. I saw them in December, but their reunion is still pretty fresh. There was some issue with the kick drum and then that was sorted and riffs were had. I’m pretty sure they called 2001’s Into Submission “their last album,” which is hilarious. Most of the crowd just stayed in the rain, but I headed for shelter in tone to hear “Soulburner” riffed out like a direct forebear to Truckfighters, with “Superhuman God” following after, and I stayed until the cigarette smoke got abrasive. For what it’s worth, there was an actual toddler in the tent, and he seemed fine. I’m ready to bet on another Astroqueen record though. You heard it here, probably not actually first.
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Besvärjelsen
There are arguments to be made for each of the acts playing today, but for me personally, Besvärjelsen were the one I was most looking forward to seeing. They’re a band with some pretty stark differences in personality — and here I’ll note that Johan Rockner, who generally handles bass, was absent and they had a fill-in — but across the stage from guitarist Staffan Stensland Vinrot to guitarist Andreas Baier with drummer Erik Bäckwall behind, they each seemed to bring something individual to the expression of the whole in a way that was unexpected but welcome. Eclectic, they were. The vocals of Lea Amling Alazam are a definite focal point and uniting factor, and around those, the band drew pieces of different styles under the heavy umbrella — Baier’s history in more extreme metal also makes more sense seeing him on stage — from doom and psych to heavy post-rock and so on, never quite only one thing at one time. They had a pit going out front for a minute or two there — three bands in, the people are ready to throw down, apparently — but went into “Clouds” from last year’s Atlas (review here) and so put the crowd exactly where they wanted them at least twice. Was psyched already to hear to what they did next in the studio. That is only more the case now, and I feel like I have a better sense of who they are as a group as well. Total win. And they were also awesome, and finished with the massive riff of “I skuggan av ditt mörker” from 2018’s Vallmo (review here), so, bonus.
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Komodor
They were putting on a show in a way no one else here yet has been, stage costumes, ’70s strut and all, but nothing about France’s Komodor seemed phony or cheeky in an ironic sense – definitely otherwise cheeky – and they had and used three guitarists on stage, at least one of whom played her last year with Djinn? Might’ve been someone else. In any case, they ripped it up and were energetic, catchy, young, well-mustachioed, and able to pivot in terms of their arrangements with two guitarists, their drummer and their bassist also handling vocals. They drew a good crowd though, and held most of it for the duration. I kind of like it that the conventional wisdom is vintage-style rock is “done.” Makes me want to make buttons that say “Boogie Lives” or some such nonsense. I’ll confess that as they played I started to feel the length of the day, which really began when I went to the airport yesterday, never mind landing this morning, but there was fun to be had and I had it watching Komodor. Hey man, I love boogie, and I hear it’s making a comeback!
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El Perro
For a dude who spends as much of his day thinking and talking about riffs as I do, I’m not actually a huge guitar guy. I never learned to play, don’t know gear or theory or scales. But I know damn well that I could watch Parker Griggs play guitar for an entire evening and go to bed afterward feeling like night was well spent. This is a new lineup of El Perro, Griggs, Dorian from Blues Pills, Mucho Drums on… wait for it… Drums. Percussionist and bassist also seemingly picked out for the purpose of this tour and maybe more. The band that put out Hair of El Perro last year blew up, so here’s a new one, and the curated sensibility is palpable. It’s Griggs’ band and he’s pretty clearly chosen specifically people he wants to play with. Radio Moscow might also have been that, but the dynamic is different here, as well as the music, emphasis on funk over blues filtered through heavy rhythms bolstered by percussion. Demon Fuzz, anyone? You ever hear that Mandrill record? Doesn’t matter. Chaos is part of it, always with Griggs. Shit might blow up, amps or otherwise, but the guy has a genuine vision of the music he wants to make and he’s a virtuoso on guitar. It had been a long time. It was a pleasure to see him play again, and I’m glad the wah didn’t catch fire.
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Total side note: there are two dudes here in robes. Like, bathrobes. Two! Maybe even three! And at least one of them has a backpatch! They’ve got clothes on underneath, otherwise security might have something to say about it, but when was the last time you went anywhere, let alone a show, and found at least two guys Lebowskiing it up? And they’re not even here together, so far as I can tell. This is a pretty special fest.
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Urlaub in Polen
Whatever else they may be, Urlaub in Polen is the reason I know that “urlaub” is the German word for vacation. The long-running krautrock duo, who are actually from Germany, they apparently just vacation in Poland, were about as stark a left turn from El Perro as one might make and still be at the same festival, synth and organ and guitar and drums sounding like a much fuller band. Thinking back to how this day started, Tuskar used the duo configuration to emphasize rawness. Urlaub in Polen — the day’s only other two-piece — were on a different trip. Repetitive rhythms, explorations of melody and heavy impact, quirk galore and groove to match. I’ll admit that my prior experience with the band is limited to having checked them out before coming here, but they’re heavier live than anything I managed to stream, and people were still dancing. Not moshing. Actual dance, to a kind of mostly-organic techno rock. It was cool and a reminder that sometimes Freak Valley throws in a shift in vibe and it works of course because it just does. Cool shit. And I swear it’s not a slight against them that I’m falling asleep sitting up. I’m just very, very tired.
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Clutch
Ripper of a start to the set with “Impetus” into “Subtle Hustle,” “Earth Rocker” — hard to believe that record came out a decade ago — and “Firebirds” back to back to back to back. Then the new stuff, “Sunrise on Slaughter Beach,” “We Strive for Excellence.” Not arguing. They didn’t even let the intro song about money that they always play finish before they hit it, and that’s probably fair enough because it was already pushing past their 11:35 start. “Burning Beard.” Fast. “The Regulator.” Groove. I was standing in back by then and kind of teared up feeling grateful for being here. I am so incredibly fortunate. “Ghoul Wrangler.” No, it’s not my first time around the block with Clutch. But to be here, in this place, with these people. As beat tired as I’ve been all day, this has been an incredible start that I expect will be momentum leading into tomorrow and Saturday. Not everyone gets to do what I do. I’m not trying to take over this post and talk about feelings or some shit — we’re here for riffs, damnit! — but I am lucky to be here right now, tonight. “Boss Metal Zone.” It went on like that, Clutch tearing it up, me feeling feelings; a coda on the evening. Maybe it never stops. Maybe that’s the story. Maybe some part of me lives here. “Nosferatu Madre.” Extra groove. I wonder if they’ll put this set out. “D.C. Sound Attack.” I was in the room when Neil Fallon laid down the vocals on this hook. “The Mob Goes Wild.” Indeed. “Electric Worry,” “Noble Savage,” “The Face,” fucking “Spacegrass.” Best set ever.
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Thanks for reading. More tomorrow, and more pics after the jump.
