April 01, 2007
The Black-Eyed Snakes
The Evil Boogie!
At first glance, there's nothing that special about The Black-Eyed Snakes. Four guys playing very distorted, punk-infused, boogie based blues. And they play it very well. Just like 100 other bands out there (The Black Keys being just one example. So what's different about these guys?To be honest, I'm not sure what it is myself. But damn if they aren't addictive. You listen to the music. and something about it just reaches out and grabs you deep inside your guts, getting a big 'ole handful and twisting. Next thing you know, you're feeling downright greasy.
Band leader Alan Sparhawk is better known for his other band, the sedate and melancholy Low, but this band is 180 degrees from their minimalist sound. Maybe that's because the Snakes are actually led by Alan's alter ego, Chicken Bone George? Along with "Chicken Bone George", the band is made up of Justin "the doctor" Sparhawk on percussion, Bob "Big House" Olson on guitar, and "Smokin" Brad Nelson on drums. That's right, The Black Eyed Snakes hit you with a double dose of percussion. Maybe it's voodoo, maybe it's mojo, but The Black-Eyed Snakes have that certain something. Check them out, but be warned - they might grab you and not let go!
The Black-Eyed Snakes at MySpace
The official Black-Eyed Snakes web site