Freaks of Nature

     Phoenix’s own rock n’ roll soul shakers Freaks of Nature sweat and bleed on stage as if it was 1966 all over again. Their music is as raw as a side of ground chuck and sounds like it could fit right between One Way Streets and The Swamp Rats on a Back from the Grave compilation. Freaks of Nature’s music is by four guys that “get it.” They immerse themselves in this kind of music and culture from a certain time period not because it’s a trend, not to get girls, or to get rich but because they found kindred spirits in the type of music young people made in the mid to late 1960’s in their parents garage, it spoke to them and awakened a sleeping giant in their creative souls. This music won’t dazzle you with technical skill or bore you with metaphysical lyrics and metaphors, but if you can smell what these cats are cookin’, it’s going to exorcize your demons right where you stand! 

Interview by Jay Castro

Please tell me who’s all in Freaks of Nature and what does everyone do in the band:

Steve: Lead Guitarist

David: Drummer

James: Bass

And me, Daniel: Guitar, harp, and singing. 

It is undeniable that you guys are heavily influenced by 1960’s music, in fact some of your past bands have also been influenced by music from that era. Tell me what you think today’s music lacks that yesterday’s music then had?

DANIEL: I honestly don’t think today’s music lacks anything. I respect almost all musicians. I think I’m attracted to its ineptness of the music from the ‘60’s that I grew up listening to. I’m also attracted to bands like The Gories, and early Cramps. Bands that might not have known how to play that well or they just didn’t play that well. The thing with the Back from the Grave albums which are basically this bands bible is that kids heard The Stones, they saved up their news paper route money and got instruments, went into a recording studio and came out with a 45. Your best friend can be the best guitarist in the world but his songs can suck. It happens all the time. Then there can be some guy that can’t play the guitar at all and comes up with an awesome song. That’s what was so cool about it, but there is some romance with the past. Sometimes you can suck and your music will suck, but sometimes you can suck but your music will be cool!

Do you remember who first introduced you to 1960’s rock n’ roll music?

DANIEL: I walked into my friends house when I was like 17 and this Pebbles compilation was playing and it was really tinny and trebly and I asked him what the hell is that?! He said it was his sisters girlfriend’s CD and I said I don’t care I’m taking that home! I’m going to steal that! So as soon as he went to the bathroom I stole it and I still have it to this day and it is still my favorite album, it’s in my truck right now. Then I was hanging out with my good friend Joel McCune and he was in a band called Cruel Daddy Doom and The Hemlocks and they did that kind of music. We started hanging out because he heard I liked Charlie Parker and Charles Mingus and I went over to his house and he played me the Tell-Tale Hearts, so we got drunk and I made two 90 minute tapes with everything on it: all these comps and 80’s reissues he bought when he was a teenager living in Puerto Rico. I think my favorite was this band called Music Machine and he was like yeah good luck finding this because they weren’t reissuing this stuff back then. So one day I was walking to the bus stop and I missed the bus so there was this thrift store right by so I walked in and right there in the dollar records bin there it was: Turn On by The Music Machine! So from then on all my money went into buying records. Then Mike from Eastside Records turned me on to all the Estrus Records stuff when they first started coming out The Oblivians and The Makers.  

Freaks of Nature are currently recording a new album with Jim Waters of Waterworks Studios (Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Sonic Youth, The Drags) how did you hook up with him and how is the recording going so far?

DANIEL: We opened for Jon Spencer’s Blues Explosion at Crescent Ballroom and after the show they were all extremely cool and they knew their shit! They know their ‘60’s and their punk history. We talked forever with them after the show and the next day they were heading to Waterworks to record. The next day I got this call from this guy and he said “Hey my name’s Jim. I own Waterworks Studio in Tucson, I’m sitting here with The Blues Explosion and I’m calling to set up a date for you to come down here and record, these guys loved you and I want to set up a date with you right now.” I told him we couldn’t afford him and we were just a garage band and stuff but he was like “We can work something out man, if Blues Explosion likes you, I like you, and we can figure something out.” So I asked him if he knew how to record just like they did in 1966 and he said “Oh yeah, I know exactly how they used to do things back then.” So we went down there and used the first or second take on each song and it turned out Jim Waters is one of the coolest people I’ve ever met and we all had a blast. I sent the recordings to labels that I’ve bought records from and that I loved and Screaming Apple jumped on it and as of right now our LP is slated for around March. 

You guys play out a lot around the Phoenix/Tempe area and you’ve played with a lot of great bands. Can you tell me about the worst show you can remember playing and what made it so utterly and completely disastrous?

DANIEL: That’s a funny question because with this band the worst show could be our best show! We played a burlesque show for a friend of a friend and we were doing them a favor but it was like, well it was just weird and awkward and we were definitely not fit to play there. I’ve been asked this question before and I always say that I don’t know because I get a kick from people hating us. I think anyone that’s ever played music has to some point. You think: why are we on that bill and you think to yourself on stage, oh man this is going to be horrible so let’s have a blast and when you’re done you walk out just laughing at how bad it went over and the look on people’s faces. So I’ve never had just a bad show because of that. We always tell people OK we’ll do it but I hope you know what you’re getting into. It’s not like we wreck the joint or anything. 

I was reading an interview with Keith Richards where he said that anyone buying digital music is getting short changed.  Do you agree with this?

DANIEL: Shortchanged? Maybe in the same way as reading a comic book online, but at the same time I’m so open to hearing other music and the fact that you can just click on something online or on Facebook. I do it every day, a band will say “hey can we play with you” and I can just instantly click and listen to them. The fact that you can come across a friend of a friend online that’s in Italy and that’s into ‘60’s music and I can just send him stuff and you can make a friend. It’s like holy shit, that guy would never make a friend in Phoenix and that’s how I get turned on to music too, the ‘60’s punk community is very small. The whole digital thing though definitely doesn’t compare to me putting something on the turntable in any kind of way, it’s just not the same. When I listen to something on the computer I will rarely listen to a whole song. I listen to a little bit of it and I think, yeah ok I get that but I never do that on vinyl. So in a way it is devalued. I still go to the record store and I still find gems. It’s weird that I can Google a record while I’m in the record store and hear it. There aren’t that many record labels that will put out a ‘60’s punk album but I can email people our songs. Sending something in the mail to Germany who knows, I may never know but emailing songs, I know they got it. It’s all about hearing that song, does it matter how I hear it? No, because if I love it and I see that album I’m buying it. 

I’ve heard people say that playing/writing music it therapeutic to them in many ways. Have you ever felt this way at all?

DANIEL: Playing live, yeah how many people get to yell at a crowd of people and they applaud you for it? I think there’s something really funny about that. So yeah there definitely is. I get as much out of just practicing every week, turning up the amps, playing loud music and jumping up and down like fools. I do that at practice, it’s the same as playing live. So yes it is very therapeutic. I’ve been a skateboarder for 30 years and it’s the same kind of release. You get into a similar groove. The buzz it hitting you, the volume is up, people are smiling, there’s just a buzz in the air. There’s something therapeutic about not giving a fuck. There’s something therapeutic about being in a room where everybody there is there to have a good time. Everybody’s positive, jumping up and down. The people jumping and dancing in front of us when we’re playing are getting the same shit as we are almost. There’s also something therapeutic from making something out of nothing like writing a song. When an idea turns into reality, that’s cool, even if it sucks but it’s really cool when it turns out really catchy and sticks in your head or someone else’s.  

This is the part of the interview that I like to call “The Fantastic 4” or “4 questions I stole from other interviewers” here it goes:

1.     What was the first album you bought with your own money?

DANIEL: Turn on by Music Machine

2.     What was the first band t-shirt you ever owned?

DANIEL: Pat Benatar, I think it was my sisters! 

3.     What was the first concert you went to without your parents?

DANIEL: U2’s Under a Blood Red Sky tour at Compton Terrace.  I must have been like 14. 

4.     Beatles or Stones?

Stones! 

Phoenix New Times just named you as one of Phoenix’s best front men. In your opinion what makes a good front man and who are some of your favorites?

DANIEL: I would say Jay Reatard because he just did not give a fuck. He was rude, obnoxious, and mean to people and his own band I thought that was punk and that was energy. That’s just the kind of punk that I like. I don’t necessarily need to see blood or have someone throw shit at me. But whom I really like now, in Phoenix is Ryan Avery from Fathers Day. He doesn’t give a fuck, he’s up there having a blast screaming his guts out and he’s hilarious. It’s raw, stripped down punk. I would say Ryan Avery is my favorite front man in town. If I wasn’t on the spot I would probably come up with something else but I like my punk fucked up and I like it raw. I wanna hear Killed by Death type of punk or Back from the Grave style 60’s punk. They’re the most fuck up of the fucked. 

What does the band have in store for 2015?

DANIEL: Other than the LP coming out, we plan to travel a little bit and play with other ‘60’s punk bands. We’ve never toured, we started as an actual garage band practicing in my house, having fun and we just got asked to play show after show. My band loves ‘60’s punk music, we love playing it. I’m lucky to have met these people. If there are any other people that like this type of music please contact me because we’re few and far between or come see Freaks of Nature shows and hopefully you like what you hear and we can talk music! 

Follow @AAmmunition

Labor Party

     Labor Party is a trio of veteran hard rock n’ rollers influenced by bands like The Stooges, MC5 and the Dead Boys that reside in the Phoenix metro area. Their music is fast, loud, guitar fueled rock n’ roll with enough power in the backbeat to run the city they’re playing that night. Their experience really comes into play when you see this band live.  They seem very much at ease on stage allowing them to put on a highly energized, highly entertaining show as they hurl their music at their audience like boulders on catapults.  They have a look in their eyes like all they do is start the engine and where the music is going to take them is anybody’s guess. And that’s what makes Labor Party so undeniably great at what they do.     

Interview by J Castro

Who’s all in the band and what do they do to keep the Labor Party rolling?

Buck Ellis - Drums, backing vocals.

Sharon Labor – Bass guitar, backing vocals, poetry.

Frank Labor – Guitar, vocals.

Tell me a bit about your musical careers and how you ended up here in Phoenix, AZ. I know you guys have some other musical projects going on now too.

FRANK: Buck is a Phoenix native believe it or not. He’s got a long history in the phoenix punk scene going back to the early ‘90’s. He has been in bands like: Hunky Dory, Sam the Butcher, Punk Rock Karaoke, The Shifters, and Balls. I started playing in bands back in Pennsylvania in the late ‘70’s. After playing in a few cover bands, I was in a punk band called The Speds. I think every show we did we played to people who were seeing punk for the first time. In the early ‘80’s I was in a Mod band called The Tickets. I met Sharon at that time. She had a band with her cousin Karen Lynn and the late great Lisa Wack, playing some ‘60’s inspired rock n’ roll. By the mid ‘80’s we were working together in a neo-psychedelic band we called 8Five Kalidocolor. We got an offer to go to San Francisco so we left PA and headed west. We stopped in Phoenix to visit my family who had moved out some years before. We noticed there was a really good scene here for original bands so when things fell apart with our San Francisco people we decided to try it here. Our first band here was The Now. I think we stared that around ‘92. Sharon played keys, we had a good friend of mine who was in The Tickets and 8Five Kalidocolor to play bass and my brother played 2^nd guitar. After that we formed Hubcap, in the mid 90’s, and once that ran its course we started Labor Party in 2001. We picked up Buck in 2005 and he’s been there ever since. I played lead guitar for Jeff Dahl for a few years from 2005 – 2008. Last year Sharon started a band called Battered Suitcases and we are both in that now.

Frank and Sharon; with all the tragic stuff that happens to couples that are in a band together, how have you two managed to keep it going for so long? Any secrets/strategies you wish to share?

FRANK: We’ve been doing this since we were in our early 20’s so it’s hard to imagine it any other way but it seems to me that it’s better for a couple to go out every weekend together rather than one going to play a show while the other is stuck at home or going somewhere else. You can’t really be mad at your spouse for spending so much time working on a band if you’re in it to. Ha-ha.

SHARON: I think it’s because we truly support one another and appreciate that we share the same interests and dreams, that’s priceless. I always thought it’d be tougher to be with someone who isn’t a musician, we’re a strange breed! Aside from all the romance it helps a lot too that we’re best friends! 

Tell me who you consider to be the biggest influence on your music and tell me about the first time you heard this individual’s music and how it changed your life? 

FRANK: I have so many big influences each one as important as the other. Far too many to cover here so I’ll just mention one that just popped into my head: Robert Quine.

I think I was around 17 or 18. A radio DJ who was a fan of The Speds took us to his place in a shitty ass neighborhood in the north end. Everything was dark around there. Not just the streets but even inside there were just a few little lights, some of them covered with cloth to purposely keep them from being too bright. It was a strange place with a bunch of people living there, most of them DJ’s or musicians or both. We were all drinking and high which may have played a role in the experience. We all jammed into a tiny bedroom with a high quality, really loud stereo. He played us a bunch of records most of which we were all familiar with but then he put on Richard Hell and the Voidoids’ Blank Generation. The whole song is great but when that Robert Quine guitar solo hit… HOLY FUCK! That shit just blew me away, so fucking nasty and harsh. Absolutely gut wrenching. It sounded like the amp was inside one of those metal trashcans in the alley. I thought this is it! This is what lead guitar is supposed to sound like! I never thought of guitar solos the same after that.

You guys have been in bands and playing music for a while now. What do you think of promoting music through social media? Is it a better, more efficient way to get the word out or just a huge pain in the ass? 

FRANK: Well it is a pain in the ass but it so much better than the old days of handing out flyers and going on a long flyer hanging trip. The only flyers I do now are just for the bar where the show will be and sometimes for the area just around the bar, if the neighborhood is right for that. I do look forward to the death of Facebook and I hope that whatever takes its place will be more band friendly. I know there are some better sites for bands out there the only problem is only bands are on them.

I feel that the trick to releasing a live recording is to try and capture a quality recording that still accurately portrays the unique energy signature of a band’s live show. I feel that the Live 6 EP Labor Party put out a few years ago does just that.  Can you tell me a bit about that record (where it was recorded etc.)?

FRANK: Thank you! That’s exactly what we were going for. We even left in a few flubs here or there. There’s one song where my mic was knocked over by some guys acting up in the front. The vocal drops out for a couple seconds but we thought it added to the feel so we left it in. There’s a spot where you can hear someone busting on Buck for wearing an American flag shirt. There was no way that wasn’t going on the final cut. We recorded 2 shows for that. One was at Jugheads and the other was about a week or 2 later on the 4^th of July at the Chop and Wok. We set up a bunch of mics on the front of the stage facing the audience and one above the crowd about half way back. We were just as concerned about capturing them as we were about us. Andrew Roesch produced it for us and did a great job. Him and our road manager at the time Kody Thames did all the engineering and set up. They did all the hard work we just had fun. It was set to be released as a 10 inch vinyl record. Our record label fucked us over and dropped us right before it was going into production. We had a show in Baltimore with our former label mates The Jukebox Zeros from Philadelphia. They had just left the label because of discrepancies over digital sales. We were on an east coast tour and the label told us we were not allowed to play with them. Of course we did the show. And that was the end of that.

We liked it so much we put it out ourselves. We couldn’t afford to do vinyl so we just did it as a CD.

Tell me about a record that you own and enjoy that you feel Labor Party fans may be surprised you are in possession of?

FRANK:  I got a lot of ‘em but the one that seem to surprise people the most is The Allman Brothers – Live at the Fillmore East. They started a genre of music that I am not a fan of but I love Duane Allman.

SHARON: Madeleine Peyroux – Careless Love.

Describe the music scene here in the metro Phoenix/Tempe area now as compared to when you guys first got here? 

FRANK: The scene here always flows in waves. It’s up then it’s down. We’ve been lucky enough to ride a couple of those up waves. Things have been slow for the last couple of years but I do think they are picking up.

What types of things usually inspire Labor Party song lyrics? Are there any subjects you guys purposefully avoid and have you ever written a song that in hindsight you regret writing? 

FRANK: I write a shit load of songs I regret. The good thing is they don’t make it on to any CD’s. If they never got recorded they never happened. I never know what’s going to inspire me but it seems a good portion of my writing comes from working class struggles. Right now, we’re working on some song inspired by things like street art, the under belly of society, mental break downs and age. The only subject we avoid is politics. Not everyone in the band has the same opinions so it best to just lay off that subject.

What’s coming up in the near future for Labor Party?  It’s been a while since the last LP, any new recordings coming out soon?

FRANK: We are pretty close to finishing a new album. Hopefully we will find a label interested and get it released soon. If not we’ll just release it ourselves. We’re hoping to get back on the road in 2015. It’s been a while since we toured and we really miss it.

Email newsletters for bands at ReverbNation.com

Follow @AAmmunition

The Venomous Pinks

Venomous Pinks are an all girl punk band from Tempe, AZ. With that being said these four aren’t your typical twinkly pop punk princesses with spunky haircuts. In fact you might find a few of those types of people stuck in these girl’s boot heels. This band plays hard and fast as if they’re the Allied Forces storming the beach at Normandy. If you’ve seen this band live you know what I’m talking about. First you hear the vocals growl the battle commands; next the guitars come in relentlessly spraying sonic projectiles into the battlefield and whatever unlucky bastard is still left standing gets knocked on their face by the heavy guns of the drum kit. It’s a kill or be killed world out there and Venomous Pinks take no prisoners.    

Interview by J Castro

Who’s currently in the band and what do you all do in Venomous Pinks?

The Venomous Pinks are: Drea Doll – Vocals/Guitar, Jukie – Drums, Gaby Kaos – Bass, Corrie Zazzera - Guitar

Does being in an all female punk rock band still pose its unique challenges or do you feel the ground has more or less leveled out? If not what sorts of things do you feel Venomous Pinks endure that an all male punk band otherwise wouldn’t have to put up with?

JUKIE: We don’t put up with it anymore. We pretty much still get comments and predispositions that go along with the stereotypical characteristics of being an all girl band. It’s all in how you handle it. It used to bother me a lot when we first started out 4 years ago, but today it goes in one ear and out the other. We are established as musicians and if people can’t see past our gender then it is their problem.

On your Bandcamp page one of your tags is Riot Girl. Did Kathleen Hanna and the whole Kill Rock Stars scene of the 90’s have a big influence on you? 

JUKIE: Last year Drea and I went to see her documentary, The Punk Singer. After viewing the film I was able to come to terms with being in an all girl band; it meant the judgments were never going to stop, and it isn’t worth getting all upset over it. We have it a lot easier today than the riot grrls did in the ‘90’s. What inspired and impressed me was how they handled it. Everything they went through made the movement stronger. Sometimes at shows we call on all the grrls to come to the front and rock out with us and it is amazing...it’s a tribute to the OG riot grrls and to all of our awesome female fans. 

Venomous Pinks have opened up for a lot of legendary bands like The Adicts, P.I.L., Channel 3 and The Weirdos).  One of them was also The Queers, whose lyrics have been deemed somewhat sexist and homophobic by the “politically correct internet punk posse.” How do you feel about that?  As women, have you ever been offended by a bands lyrics or onstage antics? 

JUKIE: Funny you asked us this. Lately we have been getting a lot of crap from people claiming we are not punk because we don’t sing about politics or piss people off with our lyrics. Apparently to some of our “judges” punk means having green hair and slamming down Mickey’s malt liquor while screaming into the mic about everything that is wrong with the world. To me, and my band mates, punk rock is about being who you are and owning it. It also means coming together and accepting one another for who they are. People’s inability to do that is unfortunate and ignorant. So if bands in the punk category want to sing about controversial subjects that may cause people to become angry and uncomfortable, that’s great...that’s what they identify with….and guess what? That’s probably what they want...to get a rise out of you.  

Speaking of playing with a lot of influential bands, there’s an old saying: “Don’t meet your heroes.” Have you ever come across anyone in all the bands you’ve played with that made you think that statement true or made you think “I really enjoyed this person’s music a whole lot more before I met them.”

JUKIE: Yes, this happened to me once after meeting a certain prima donna drummer at Punk Rock Bowling. Now when I listen to their music I don’t enjoy it as much, and it sucks because they are a really kick ass band. Out of respect for them, and their huge contributions and influences to punk rock, I won’t mention who it was.

Last year the band covered Hall and Oates “Maneater.” What led to the decision to record that song and what other kinds of music do you listen to that you feel may surprise some Venomous Pinks fans?

JUKIE: Drea and I were inspired by our former bass player to include this song in our set. We love a lot of old school rock n roll from the ‘80’s, ‘70’s, ‘60’s, and ‘50’s. That may surprise some of our fans...our love for music goes way beyond punk rock...back to the musicians who inspired some of our favorite modern bands. I enjoy listening to a lot of hard rock, metal and old school hip hop. My main love though is pure, raw, rock and roll; mostly the classic rock from the ‘70’s and alt/grunge rock from the 90s.  

DREA: When I hear older songs, I hear the potential it could have to be a punk song. That’s basically what happened with “Maneater.” I brought the idea to the table and the girls were down to try it. There are a couple of older songs I’d like to cover some day.  As far as music goes, I like a little bit of everything. I think having a diverse music taste can help you grow as a musician. I love ‘60’s rock n’ roll like the Animals and Jimi Hendrix all the way to the ‘80’s with bands like New Order and The Cure. But my true love will always be punk.

Venomous Pinks have been around since 2011 and you’ve just released your second EP but the band plays out in the Phoenix/Tempe area quite a bit. Do you enjoy playing live as opposed to the meticulous process of making records?

JUKIE: Yes, playing live is so much more fun than being stuck in a recording studio. However, our last EP session was an amazing experience. We recorded at Villain Recording studios in Phoenix with Byron Filson...he is the man! I would record anything with him in a heartbeat. 

DREA: Playing live and recording are both hard work. I equally love both. 

Like I said before, the band plays out quite a bit, can you tell me about the most memorable show you’ve played, good or bad and what made it so unforgettable?

JUKIE: The most memorable show for me was when we opened up for Betty Blowtorch at Hollywood Alley. Getting to share the stage with Sharon, Blair and Judy was incredible. It was even more special because it was at Hollywood Alley...one of my favorite places to play and the venue I played my first show ever as a drummer. 

DREA: A memorable show for me would be our CD release because it had been a project in motion since April. It was really cool to see it come full circle. It was awesome how many came out and supported us. Thank you!

Where can people go or log on to get your music?

JUKIE: Pick a place...Xbox music, Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, our Bandcamp site….BUT the best place to get our music is from us at a show. 

What can we expect from Venomous Pinks in 2015? 

JUKIE: Expect more music videos, more out of town shows and an LP. Expect bigger shows and events from us. Expect an amazing experience when you see us play live that will leave you wanting to hear more. Expect the best rock/punk rock/metal/all girl (or whatever category you want to throw us in...we don’t care) band, The Venomous Pinks.   

Follow @AAmmunition

Man Hands

     Man Hands is a tightly coiled powerhouse of a band with apparitions of Chrome and The Fall swirling around them. The band released their self-titled debut LP in the winter of 2012, which was a powder keg of frenzied lo-fi anxiety. In the middle of the sweltering summer of 2013, Man Hands hit the dehydrated youths of Arizona with their second long player titled Misadventures. This time the band came out sounding darker, chaotic and agitated; emotions many Phoenicians can relate to in the sweltering 120° weather. The band has been touring, playing SXSW and have become a fixture in the local music scene in the Phoenix/Tempe area, steadily gaining a loyal following. Soon it won’t just be the good people of the Grand Canyon State, but the entire country, then the world will pledge their allegiance to Man Hands!

Interview by J Castro

So, who’s all in the band what does everyone do in it?

JACKIE: Man Hands is: Marcus Berry: guitar/vocals, Matt Spastic: drums, Colin Sick: bass, Jackie Cruz: guitar/vocals

What types of things typically inspire the lyrics to Man Hands songs?  Can you recall any particularly bizarre person or event that prompted you to want to write a song about?

JACKIE: We gather inspiration from personal experiences and daily life. I don’t think I can tell you who any of my songs are about without pissing someone off ha ha, but a lot of the songs I write are about situations I’ve had with certain people. I have a song called “Cat Life” which is about my desire to be a cat. I have a feeling that one day I’ll probably end up living alone in a house surrounded by cats. I also write about my mental issues and personal struggles I’ve dealt with.

MARC: Man Hands’ songs are mainly inspired by our frustrations and the weirdness of daily life. “I’m afraid of Crazy Women” was inspired by a long period where I felt completely and inescapably surrounded by unhinged women. “Ghost in the Hotel” is about the Monte Vista Hotel in Flagstaff, AZ which is supposed to be haunted. Most songs, though, are about our mental health.

Your second album (2013’s Misadventures) is quite a bit darker than your debut self titled album. Is this something that was done consciously or is that just how it turned out? 

JACKIE: That’s just how it turned out. Marc started messing around with more pedals and I think we started feeling comfortable playing together as a band. I’ve always been into darker, heavier stuff but we all have a ton of different influences. There are so many sounds that we love that it’s hard to focus on just one style. We want to play everything. Misadventures just happened naturally and I think it’s a product of us maturing as a band.

And speaking of your second record, the cover art kind of reflects the sentiment of my last question. Can you tell me about the cover art for Misadventures?

Jackie: A local artist named Sierra painted that and we all thought it was great. I think it perfectly fits us as a band because there’s no way to really describe it. I have struggles with anxiety and depression so when I see this image, it conveys the way I feel inside, at times. Plus we all dig really weird creepy looking stuff.

You did a West Coast tour over the summer. How did that go?  Do you guys enjoy touring or do you feel it’s just something a band kind of has to do?

JACKIE: The tour was fun. It’s always nice to get out of town and play your music for new people. The shows we played were great and all the bands we played with were awesome. It’s amazing to me how supportive people are. Maybe we just get lucky but people are always willing to take care of us and make us feel at home. Touring is my favorite thing to do but I know others in the band don’t feel the same way. We might be a bit divided on this question. I think it’s something that a band has to do if they’re trying to get new fans and move forward but I also see it as an exciting adventure. We’ve made so many friends and had some pretty crazy and wonderful experiences. I wish I could quit my job and do it all the time.

You guys played SXSW earlier this year too, your second trip out there I believe.  What did you think of it? Has it reached its peak potential or is there still some good that can still come of it for smaller bands to try and get some national attention? 

JACKIE: We like to do it for fun. I’m sure good stuff can still happen for smaller bands but there seems to be an over abundance of them (us included). We don’t really go out with the intention of getting national attention. It’s just a good chance to see a ton of awesome bands and meet up with friends from all over. We only get a few shows so we have more time to enjoy the experience. I know it’s a lot more hectic and stressful for other bands. People like to complain about SXSW a lot. It’s still new to us so I guess we haven’t become jaded about it yet. We’ll see how we feel in a couple years ha, ha.

MARC: I doubt small bands can get attention from it, but at least its fun.

The online magazine IX Daily did a piece on you guys that described your sound as fitting right by Buzzcocks and Stiff Little Fingers. Do you think that’s a proper description? If not, what bands out there do you think Man Hands has a more comparable sound to?

JACKIE: We’ve been compared to so many different bands that I don’t even know what an accurate description of us is. All of us love ‘70’s punk so I can see how people hear that. We’ve gotten Dead Kennedys a couple times too. Some of our major influences are: Devo, Chrome, Nirvana, The Intelligence, The Fall . . . so I hope people hear some of these bands in our music.

The same article posed an interesting question they said: “Now that punk rock has been in mass production for some years now, has the genre been perfected? Are there still new trails to be blazed in that field?” What do you think?

JACKIE: I think there’s always new music to be made. I wouldn’t say that punk has been perfected but I definitely think that the older bands did it better. It might be harder for newer bands because people are trying to have their own sound and maybe it was easier to do that when punk was new. I’ve been really impressed by a few bands that can create amazing music and sound completely unique such as: Indian Jewelry, White Fence and The Horrors. These bands restore my faith in modern punk music.

MARC: The genre was just barely perfected when Jules Casablancas met the Voidz.

Jackie, you have been doing an annual festival here in Tempe, AZ for the last five years called Vagfest. Can you tell us a bit about that?

JACKIE: I started the fest with my friend Dusty as a way to reach out to other female musicians. I knew there were a lot of ladies making great music in Phoenix and I thought it would be fun to bring them all together. I had a lot of struggles finding my voice, growing up in a male dominated punk scene. It took me a long time to feel confident and comfortable playing. Not to say that there aren’t many great dudes out there that has always been really supportive. It’s just empowering to be surrounded by a bunch of badass lady musicians. Each year it’s gotten bigger to the point where it gets pretty stressful but it’s still a blast. Last year we had Alice Bag headline which was a dream come true. Every year I have great bands that travel from other states to play the fest so it’s pretty exciting. We have DJ’s, raffle drawings and this year we had people put out tables to showcase and sell their art. I hope the fest continues to grow and thrive because I have an endless list of bands that I’d love to have play.

What’s coming up for Man Hands in the near future? 

JACKIE: We’re about to record out third album. Once that’s finished we’ll be planning our SXSW shows and then our next tour. Other than that, just playing fun shows and being crazy weird punks.

Follow @AAmmunition

The Smoke Bombs

     The Smoke Bombs smash and grab fistfuls of British Street Punk in one hand and early 1980’s Southern California hardcore in the other. They then take it to an old abandoned warehouse downtown where they mix it up and add some secret ingredients.  They then stuff some ping pong balls full of it and create a device that emits a dense, hard hitting brand of punk rock into the atmosphere immediately upon ignition. They hurl these handmade concoctions at unsuspecting audiences and it causes the foundation beneath the arid desert floors to quake. So remove any loose articles of clothing and strap your shoes on tight, The Smoke Bombs have arrived and the room you’re in is about to turn upside down!

Interview by J Castro

Introductions!  Please tell us who you all are and what’s your function in The Smoke Bombs:

LAYTON: Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar

BRANDON: I’m Brandon Meunier and I play guitar in The Smoke Bombs.

JASON: Jason Stone - Drummer/Cheerleader

TODD: Todd Joseph: Bass

What’s the conception story of The Smoke Bombs?  How did you all meet and decide to play music together?

LAYTON:  Bored with my last band Asses of Evil. I wanted to start something different.  I got Jason our drummer and Todd from AOE. Jason suggested Brandon for lead guitar. I knew him from his work as a guitar salesman, and liked him a lot. Never had heard him play but hired him over the phone because I liked him, turned out pretty well.

BRANDON: I met Jason (our drummer) through work. I told him I was looking for another band. A few weeks later he was asking if I’d like to try out with Layton and Todd.

JASON: My world changed in like a 30 day period, got fired from a band, lost my wife, son, house and my studio in one big fat Fuck You from the World. I ate as many pills as I could afford, apparently not enough? Next Day, I got a call from Layton to start something new.

TODD: Layton and I were in the Asses of Evil and then split and formed The Smoke Bombs in the wake of the Asses.

When I hear your music, I get a street punk vibe. I can hear elements of Cocksparrer, Sham 69, and Stiff Little Fingers. Were any of these bands influences to you guys growing up and do you remember who got you into punk rock in the first place?

LAYTON: I am not so much into those bands as much. Brandon really likes that kind of stuff. I like the 80’s southern California stuff, Circle Jerks, Descendents etc. I also was a huge fan of Todd’s first band Junior Achievement, as well as all the great hardcore bands in Arizona like JFA, Mighty Sphincter, Soylent Greene, Conflict etc.

BRANDON: Yes it’s a huge influence for me even still. Those are three of my favorite bands of all times. No one really got me into it. Punk itself got me into it. With the few friends I had I was able to meet people who I’d trade music back and forth with. It’s been that way since day one.

JASON: Stiff Little Fingers for me. 1st punk band I was turned on to was Junior Achievement “TJ’s band from the 80’s.” I had an older guy next door to my parent’s house that was SICK and TIRED of hearing R.E.M.’s Green while I rode my skateboard. He charged over and said “TURN THAT SHIT OFF!!!!!!” I thought he was going to kick my ass! Instead he handed me Junior Achievements 12” and a cassette he already made.

I never looked back, that was 1985.

TODD: I grew up on The Clash, Generation X, The Damned, Sex Pistols, and SLF. I’m also a big CA punk fan: T.S.O.L, Social Distortion, Bad Religion, Adolescents, and Shattered Faith.

I see you guys play out fairly regularly, how would you describe the music scene in Phoenix/Tempe?

LAYTON: Too many bands. It seems like since Nirvana broke, and Guitar Centers were put up all over the place, everyone thinks they can do a punk band. I have been doing this since 84. It used to be that when an out of town band came through either JFA or Junior Achievement, ONS, would get a gig opening for a big band. Also everyone went to one show, wherever it was Tempe/Phoenix. Now there are too many shows competing against each other on the same nights for a dwindling amount of punk rockers.

JASON: Strong, easy to bash the scene but it’s easy to bash any scene. Phoenix is full of good people and it’s not hard to find them if you look & listen.

TODD: It’s pretty good! Good local bands to play with. The Clubs/Bars are pretty accepting of loud music. It could always be better, but it could also be a lot worse. When the weather gets cooler the scene gets better!

You guys are playing (and have played with) some pretty big names in punk. Some of your upcoming shows are with Rikk Agnew Band (Social Distortion, Christian Death, Adolescents, D.I.) and Eddie and The Hot Rods here in Tempe, AZ. How do you feel playing shows with such influential bands? 

LAYTON: The best chance of getting a good draw is having a good headliner. These guys are just like us, but came together in the right time and place to get big. I don’t mean to say our music is as good as this classic stuff, but Todd and I talk and feel like if we were together in ‘84 playing Mad Gardens we would have gotten some notoriety, more than we get now. 

BRANDON: It’s awesome!

JASON: Honestly, it’s just another show. The thrill is standing in the crowd watching the “influential” band. The bummer is after it’s over I have a car load of gear to take home. I like meeting the heroes / legends, I don’t take much seriously anymore so if the hero is an asshole, whatever.

TODD: I love it, that’s what I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve been able to play with The Bad Brains, Black Flag, Circle Jerks, T.S.O.L., Shattered Faith, Crucifix, Youth Brigade, on and on it’s always a blast!

Speaking of playing live, do you guys remember the worst show The Smoke Bombs ever played and tell me about what made it such a disaster?

LAYTON: Not really, all in all we have had some good shows. Weeknight shows are pretty pathetic. We have had some low turn out shows with Dime Runner, and Black Irish Texas which were weekday shows. 

JASON: I played one high on cocaine, that didn't go so well, won’t do that again.

I like them all; we haven’t really had a disaster show. It would have to be pretty bad for me to call it a disaster. I like playing drums as long as nobody dies, it’s good.

TODD: Maybe the time we played with Scorpion vs. Tarantula up in Cottonwood. We played OK, but the crowd was weak. We had fun anyway, we always do.

What sorts of things typically influence your music?  And can you remember the most unusual thing that inspired a song?

BRANDON: Lyrically: life, the day to day. Nothing is that unusual anymore really. Musically, it’s when I get around my gear I just want to hear it. I’ll start riffing around and that’s that.

JASON: A hot October Night. Hey, I’m just the drummer I follow along to what the boys write.

TODD: Most songs are spontaneous; they just come out with all of us adding our input.

I was watching an interview with Fat Mike and he was saying he regrets writing some of the early NOFX songs, he went on say that change of mind is a sign of intelligence. What do you think about that quote and have you ever written any songs you regretted later?

LAYTON: Not a NOFX fan. I know they come from the old school, but just never got into that kind of music. I can’t remember regretting anything I have written. 

BRANDON: I think everyone regrets early material at some point. It doesn’t bother me really. I’ll reflect back on it and pull ideas out. It is what it is and it always makes you a better writer.

JASON: Not in this band….

TODD: Sure, but I don’t dwell on that.  The more you write the more you improve.  I don’t really regret anything; it’s all in good fun.

What sorts of things do you enjoy doing other than playing music, any hobbies or anything like that?

LAYTON: Hanging out by my pool drinking beer and listening to ‘80’s hard core.

BRANDON: Honestly this is all I do. I collect musical gear and listen to and write music.

Those are my main hobbies.

JASON: Skateboarding, Snowboarding, Bicycles I dig all that shit. Go fast and take chances.

TODD: Art, skateboarding, partying, picking up chicks, eating.

What are some records you like putting on that can guarantee to lift you up when life’s kicked you down?

LAYTON: I don’t know that music does that for me. I just listen to it when I fell like it.  Toxic Reasons Kill by Remote Control comes to mind. 

BRANDON: The Crack – In Search Of…

JASON: NOFX - The Decline, Freeze - Talking Bombs, Malignus Youth - ALL OF IT,

The Clash – Supermarket, AC/DC - Sink the Pink (Makes me Laugh every time)

William Shatner - Common People, U.S. Bombs - That’s Life, Frank Black & the Catholics - I Want Rock & Roll, Black President - Not Amused, Etta James - In the Basement, Alkaline Trio - Maybe I’ll Catch Fire, Plump Tones - Fire Chicken

TODD: Whatever I’m into at the moment.  Right now, it’s The Horrors, Jason Isbell, Temples, Dum Dum Girls, and Drive-By Truckers.

What do the Smoke Bombs have in store for the remainder of 2014?

LAYTON: We just finished recording our first full length album.  We’re getting the artwork together to have it pressed, should hit store shelves by fall.

BRANDON: New album coming out very soon and continuing to write more material.

JASON: New record coming VERY soon.

TODD: Finish our record, do a video for one of the songs, write new songs, play a few gigs, party!

Sell your beats online at ReverbNation.com

Follow @AAmmunition