Ding Dong Devils

Bio:

The Ding Dong Devils are a four-piece band made up of equal parts of the species (that is, two boys and two girls) who bring forth a new musical hybrid, which might be called Polynesian twist punk, asphalt jungle exotica or even luau garage-abilly. The music is stylistically diverse, blending raunchy rock and roll—including touches of 50’s rockabilly, 60’s garage and even 70’s punk—with the smooth, intoxicating sounds of Hawaiian-steel driven exotica and echoey Joe Meek production-style guitar sounds. Into this mix is heaped a heavy dollop of jungle drums, tribal chants and throbbing bass. The vocal numbers feature lyrics steeped in the spirit of “tiki modern” culture (including karmic payback for the wanton destruction of beloved Polynesian restaurants, as dramatized in False Idols Put a Curse on You) and paeans to exotic cocktails (including the Mai Tai, the Sufferin’ Bastard and the Rob Roy). Instrumentals conjure up the flavor of “Las Vegas Grind/Jungle Exotica/Frolic Diner” numbers (such as “Yes Master” by the Whips). The songs are mostly originals written by the band, with a few choice covers. And, as might be expected, the group wears green fezzes for every performance. The four band members have played in a number of groups over the years playing hillbilly, garage, punk, hot rod/surf and unclassifiable rock and roll in such outfits as The Henpeckers, the Fleagles, Cheeseburger, Del Noah and the Mt. Ararat Finks, The Omlits, Bangers & Mash, the Rotters, Moist and Meaty, the Pivot Foots, Several Pamelas, King Dapper Combo, Hillbilly Varmints, Thirsty Brats, the Controllers, the Tuffies.

Member Since:

October 21, 2008

Members:

Rama Lama – guitar, vocals; Nepheria – bass, vocals, whip; Caltiki – guitar, vocals, steel guitar; Puka von Pele – drums, vocals

Influences:

Jerry Lee Lewis, Arthur Lyman, the Sonics, the Enchanters, Elvis (60’s movie-era), Joe Meek, the Continental Cousins, Cramps, Martin Denny, Jan Davis, Vic Mizzy, Les Baxter, Gene Vincent, the Trashmen, Chaino, The Coasters, Spike Jones, Jerry Byrd, Sol Hoopi

Sounds Like:

…Sol Hoopi with the whooping cough. …the perfect music for swingin’ and twistin’ to…from the highest yardarm of Captain Kidd’s galleon. …eating a live blowfish, while a glass fishing float shatters on your head.