Hillstomp - One Word
(Self-released)
Since June of 2002 Portlanders Henry Kammerer and John Johnson have been bangin’ out what they appropriately label “hill country punk blues” by taking rhythmic elements of traditional blues, layering them with distortion and fusing them with a gritty punk tautness. Hillstomp’s visceral moonshine rock may focus on stories of women and woe, yet the album leaves you feeling enlightened, as if you just stepped out of an Appalachian house of worship. The duo is set to embark on their first West Coast tour and they will be playing at the Double Down Saloon on Saturday, April 24, 2004.
- Poizen Ivy
The Black Jetts – Bleed Me
(Dead Beat Records) Printed in Smash Magazine
It’s quite true that the Black Jetts are simply lauding the holy trinity of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll as preached by The Stooges and MC5, but the Las Vegas band is quickly becoming known on the Left Coast for their fast and ferocious live shows. Charismatic vocalist Gabe Stiff snarls lowbrow lyrics about heroin and heartbreak, while guitars sizzle and drums pound in an insanely primal manner. Their first album (released on both CD and vinyl) successfully captures this raw, sweaty and high-energy sound. This is no perfectly retouched studio album; it’s 35 minutes of menacing, switchblade-sharp music.
- Poizen Ivy
