Max Macfarlane -Guitar, Vocals
Mike Oz-Banjo, Backing Vocals
Jeff Foster- Bass, Backing Vocals
Influences
16 Horsepower Woven Hand Gogol Bordello Devotchka Devil makes three Operation Ivy Descendents Against Me Johnny Cash Avail Block Party Radiohead Minor Threat Social Distortion Skateboarding Drinking Whiskey to name a few.
Sounds Like
For fans of Against Me, Chuck Ragan, Tim Barry and/or Johnny Cash, checking out Feels Like Fire is a must. Oakland, Calif. may not sound the most likely setting for the country folk punk created by Max Macfarlane and Mike Oz - with the varied instrumentation of acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, accordion, harmonica and various percussion - but the band is more than adept when it comes to putting all the elements together.
And the duo is able to muster plenty of variety in its 16-minute debut EP. From the opening dual-guitar work of "Waves of Whiskey" that will make Ragan fans fall in love, Feels Like Fire demands attention. With "One Last Ride" the band provides a more traditional, galloping country sound. It transitions well into "Laughing Bitch" and "Tattered and Torn," both of which harness a gypsy feel that calls to mind Gogol Bordello, made possible by great choices in instrumentation. "Rumors," the EP's closer, is a bit moodier and darker than its predecessors, and it does not quite work. The gents are not able to pull off the lower vocal register as well, leaving the song feeling less powerful than it should.
No matter, everything else is so good and energetic that the band gets away with it. Lyrically, the album is well-written all the way through, and it sounds surprisingly good for a self-produced effort. Keeping acoustic tunes mixed right and engaging proves difficult for many, but the band nails it spot-on. Readers looking to get their hands on one of the 250 numbered copies the band produced (available through their Myspace page) should also know that the art and packaging are very cool as well.
-William Jones (punkband.com)
Alice Ann Live at the Rockit Room SF
Laughin Bitch Live at the Rockit Room SF
"Ticklin' The Strings" by Sweet Hollywaiians
Amazing Japanese hot string band playing 1920's, 30's, 40's style hawaiian, swing, calypso, blues, italian music and originals,featuring vintage instruments.3 songs with Robert Armstrong and Tony Marcus(from Robert Crumb and His Cheap Suit Serenaders)
"The Sweet Hollywaiians have probably the best feel for this 20's music of any string band working today. They manage the rare feat of sounding relaxed even when their playing is hot, are top notch musicians with tasteful arrangements and a full, rich, warm sound.Plus, they have a nice gamut of tunes, from King Nawahi to Giovanni Vicari to Bobby Leecan. See them live, if you can, for an unforgettable experience. If you can't, buy their Cds!" ~ Terry Zwigoff
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