| ..Battlehooch..
I have a friend who knows something about my taste in music, so every once in a while he turns me on to some new stuff he thinks I might like. This very friend turned me on to Battlehooch. They were playing a house party next door to his San Jose residence one Saturday night, and just from hearing them playing in the distance, my buddy got the feeling I'd dig these guys. Indeed, I think Battlehooch is really cool.
They entertain me completely! The band attacks each piece of music with a calculated passion, while Pat and A.J.'s vocals effectively convey a feeling of restrained rage straddling the edge of insanity. Their playful stage presence and vibrant, often zany, personalities make for a wonderfully engaging live performance! Full of interesting time signatures and punchy, angular transitions, the layers of sound that make up Battlehooch's music deserve more than a single listen.
Initially, I sought the Battlehooch myspace page for a sample of their tunes, but within minutes I already had plans to hit an upcoming performance at The Crepe Place in Santa Cruz. Incedently, I love this little gem of a restaurant. The food is great and it's also a bitchin' little place to see live music up close and personal, so this wasn't a tough decision. These guys just blew me away! The only thing I would’ve liked more is if the band
had played longer! That night, I bought Battlehooch's “Oof Owf” and I love it. I highly recommend everyone take at least a few listens to this record.
I recently saw Battlehooch at Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco. They were sandwiched between “White Cloud” and Maus Haus. A great line up,
since I'm a fan of Maus Haus as well, but I'll write more about them in a future installment. As before, Battlehooch did not dissappoint. They killed!
I got a chance to talk to the guys before they went on stage. They're a nice bunch. Here’s a postage stamp summary of what went on in the green room prior to their outrageous set.
T: Hey guys, how would you describe your music?
BH: It's what we like to call Shapeshifting Orchestral Roll music.
T: How long has Battlehooch been playing together?
BH:As Battlehooch, for 2 solid years, but it's a little more complicated.
We all met in college. Pat, A.J., and Ryan lived on the same hall. Battlehooch has grown and shrunk
multiple times between 4 to 11 members, but 6 seems to be a magic number.
T: Can you name a few of your influences?
BH: A running Kenmore washing machine with some chain links, and being humiliated and depressed
by our failures. Oh, and Beethoven.
T: Yeah, cool. I often think I hear some Frank Zappa influence in there.
BH: Who?
T: Where'd you get the name Battlehooch?
BH:The newest member of the group, Grant, our bass player's nickname is Battlehooch. And our
wireless network at home is named Battlehooch, too.
T: Your myspace page mentions an upcoming release. Do you have something new in the works?
BH: Yes, there is an album in the works. We'll be playing the whole thing tonight, plus a deep cut from the
Oof Owf EP.
T: Will you be touring in support of the new record?
BH: Yeah, we'll be doing a West Coast tour in April.
T: Thanks for being so friendly and willing to talk to me. You guys rock. Is there anything else
you feel is important for the public to know?
BH: We're gonna be the first band to play on the moon!
I'd like to thank Battlehooch for allowing me to interview them before their set that night,
and for helping me realize that I should use a tape recorder instead of a notebook for interviews.
They absolutely kick ass!
Check out Battlehooch's myspace page at www.myspace.com/battlehooch
Battlehooch suggests you check out Deerhoof at www.myspace.com/deerhoof. They're the band that originally brought this style to the
San Francisco music scene.
If you would like your local (bay area) band's music reviewed on this site contact Tobone at myspace.com/tobone66
or The King at www.myspace.com/kingkaoa | 
