Mark: Tell us some about the history of this band?
Rick: Can�t really remember dates, but it started in Philly by Keith, and then he moved to LA. I met him in `01 or `02 through StonerRock.com. He met Clay and Tom Oz, played with them a while, then I came in.
Mark: What are you currently working on?
Rick: Writing songs for CD #3, TRYING to line up a Euro tour and more US dates. IF the gas prices don`t get too fucked up.
Mark: You changed bass players last summer. How is the current line-up working out?
Rick: Great! We knew Cas from other friend`s bands, plus we shared a rehearsal space with him already. Great guy, responsible, plus he is Italian! Now we have an all Wop band!
Mark: Is Cas from LA or did he move them from some place else like he rest of the band?
Rick: He is from Chicago and used to play in the Small Stone band Tummler.
Mark: What is the most difficult thing about adjusting to living in LA?
Rick: Traffic, crowded, expensive to go out, rent, competing with trendy "scenester" band bullshit to get good shows at good clubs.
Mark: Has your approach to playing and writing changed any since this band formed?
Rick: I think just by staying together long enough, makes you want to try new things. We try to be somewhat consistent as well. We don`t really mess with alternative/artsy/odd time/curve ball shit in songs. We still focus on a groove and a hook. It`s all about "songs."
Mark: You toured Europe with Roadsaw last year. How did that go?
Rick: We never did get to do that, the thing kinda fell through with the booking agent. This year hopefully.
Mark: How are audiences in Europe different than over here in the states?
Rick: From what I gather, they seem to be more "into it" or appreciative of bands that come all the way out there to show them a good time. That is just plain bad ass cool! In a lot of those countries, it`s all those kids have and they really show up and support. Here they seem to be more "trend followers."
Mark: Obviously you like a lot of 1970�s hard rock/metal. What do you think made bands from that decade so special?
Rick: Feel, Soul, Identity, great singing and Blues influenced guitar playing. All that is really non-existent anymore. Listen to the acoustic song "Nikki" from our second CD. That`s old school singing.
Mark: Since you are in LA have you shared a bill with any bands that you thought were way different from your style of music?
Rick: Well, not by our choice, but sometimes we end up playing with a punk influenced band, or a college/alternative/underground band or a "modern" style metal band. We prefer the latter. Not a lot of "our kind" of style rock around here. You play on a mixed style bill; that band�s crowd sometimes ends up leaving after they get done. Wankers.
Mark: On your Myspace page, you talk some about your live show. What are you guys doing live that no one else is doing?
Rick: I would say focusing on good, old school guitar leads for one. Kind of a lost art it seems. A shame really.
Mark: What do you hope to accomplish in 2008?
Rick: New CD and playing out more, Europe and here.
Mark: Are you Planet of the Apes fans or did you just think that picture would make a good cover for your second album?
Rick: Both! Roddy McDowell ruled! Plus, it symbolized the 70`s influence and the ape/Sasquatch connection.
Mark: Pick the band from the following pair that you prefer and tell why.
Fireball Ministry or Nebula
Rick: Both. Fireball for the old school solid Brit metal (Priest/Saxon) that we dig. Nebula for the loose trippy blues, Detroit/garage vibe.
Cactus or Mountain
Rick: Both. No explanation needed! Rest in peace, Rusty.
Budgie or Pentagram
Rick: Budgie. More bluesy and rock `n roll. But the darkness of Pentagram is great as well.
Electric Wizard or Orange Goblin
Rick: We are into more rock than doom, so I would say Orange Goblin. I like the more rock stuff from OG better than their older, punk influenced. stuff as well. I like the Electric Wizard stuff the same way I like the Pentagram stuff. Jus and Liz are nice people as well. Wish they would come back soon, we want take them to the pub for some beer and grub again! We can do German this time.
Mark: Is there anything else that you would like to say about your band or your music?
Rick: Just that we hope to make some sort of mark and re introduce kids to the way heavy rock used to be like and should be like. Again, bluesy influenced guitar leads and singing, feel, good hooks and grooves, solid drumming with a slight jazz influence with nice little fills... I am the drummer, so I must throw that in... ha ha...
Cheers, brothers and sisters!
