Between the Sandy shores of San Diego, California to the rocky beaches that inlet to the Puget Sound of Seattle, Washington, there lies a vast array of a diverse western coast line. Terrain so wonderous, dangerous, peaceful and deadly, with powerful waves that mercilessly beat down upon every grain of sand and pebble never-ending but yet truly giving the Ocean it’s beauty. All up and down this west coast there also can be found a vast array of diverse people. A big melted pot of Weirdos, Red Necks, Beatniks, Geekniks and Acid-Heads who live from pill party to pill party! Paper Pushers, Ticket Takers, Pedal Pumpers and even Ham & Eggers! The Do-Gooders and No-Gooders. All living on this beautiful coast together! But most of all you will find a small conglomerate of Psych-Heads and Way-Outs that came together in the one communal thing that moves us all, SOUND, and comprise a musical group what is now called “THE FREEKS!”
A movement you say? Quite possibly, but more so a collective of greats who finally met together to move together and yes, groove together. Scattered about this 3000 mile long west coast shore line has held no limits for the FREEKS but only extends to them new found freedom’s sought out by each one of these individuals. Each one is different but together each one is the same! Each one is their own yet each one makes the whole! It’s pure perfection!
From San diego, the most southern point of this union comes the loveable clown
“ISAIAH MITCHELL”, known for his prodigal guitar engineering with his ever so powerful and unrelenting instrumental three piece “EARTHLESS”,(teepee records) he brings to this FREEK-SCENE such sweet licks and guitar harmonizing that would make Steve Gains of Lynard Skynard flip in his grave! Throwing in some uncontrolled behavior only goes to make the name FREEK fit better than a glove.
Continuing North up the coast into the O.C., you will find “RUBEN ROMANO”, the gatherer, the one who realized that this FREEK union was in reach. A foundation builder not just for the “THE FREEKS” but also a founding member of both “FU MANCHU” and “NEBULA”, two seminal bands of the STONER ROCK ASSAULT. His movement from drums to the front with voice and Guitar in hand adds the different element that distinguishes “THE FREEKS” from his preceding outfits. You can think of him as the fearless-FREEK leader, but with out receiving his choice of this trusty crew of like-minded FREEKS the ship would not have set sail.
San Francisco CA., well know for it’s phenomenal musical history and contributions also brings forth and gives it to “THE FREEKS” line-up. Originally from the Delaware/Philadelphia area and relocating to San Francisco, the rhythm duo of “CARL HORNE” and “ANDY DUVALL” were smoking audiences minds not only in the USA supporting 2 albums on “JELLO BIAFRA’S label “ALTERNATIVE TENTACLES”s but especially all over Europe for “EPITAPH RECORDS” while laying it down in the highly energized “ZEN GUERRILLA”(rip) Thereafter both “CARL HORNE” and “ANDY DUVALL” have participated in other great efforts. “CARL HORNE” rolled with “THE SUPERSUCKERS” on their infamous double set headlining tour. Lending his low bass lines during the country portion of the set so “EDDIE SPAGHETTI” could strum his acoustic 6 string and howl to the moon. “ANDY DUVALL” was invited by “BEN SHEPARD” of “SOUNDGARDEN” to join and drum for his other project “HATER”. A band that also featured guitarist “BUBBA DUPREE” who founded the “DISCHORD RECORDS” punk genius’ “VOID” and “JOHN MCBAIN” of “MONSTER MAGNET”
To the far north of “SEATTLE”, the “GRUNGE” capital of the world, resides “THE FREEKS” secret weapon. “GLEN SLATER” The keys and synth guy with lights shinning on his head! With an amazing history of playing keys in major label “THE WALKABOUTS” and then having a roommate named “MATT CAMERON” of “SOUNDGARDEN” must be a novel of tales and fables galore. Then joining “MATT CAMERON” and “JOHN MCBAIN” in “WELLWATER CONSPIRACY” tops the cake with more tales after tale. His swirling sounds of synth array and pounding honky tonk ivory completes the real “ORDER OF FREEK” like no other can. As mentioned before “GLEN SLATER” is “THE SECRET WEAPON!”
With THE FREEKS self titled debut already on the streets by “CARGO RECORDS GERMANY”, an up-coming slot at Spain’s Basque Country “AZKENA ROCK FESTIVAL” with a full tour to follow in the fall 2009, shows no signs of stopping the FREEK-SCENE from spreading like a new plague. A plague of good times, kaleidoscopic adventures and the true union that we all dig, “THE SOUND OF MUSIC!” Thus, “WELCOME TO THE WEST-COAST-FREEK-SCENE!
The gate has been opened and the FREEKS have been released! This album hosts a smorgasborg of musical contributions by fantastic freeks such as:
Ruben Romano (Nebula / Fu Manchu)
John Mcbain (Monster Magnet / Wellwater Conspiracy)
Scott Reeder (Kyuss / Across the River)
Isaiha Mitchell (Earthless)
Lorenzo Woodrose (Baby Woodrose / On Trial)
Jason Corbin (Bartenders Bible / The Casbah)
John Cobett (Hammers of Misfortune / Ludicra)
Jack Endino (Skin Yard / Earthworm)
Mr. Bernie Worell (Wizard of Woo & Woo Warriors / Funkadelic / Parliament)
Out Now! on Cargo Records Germany! get it here:
http://www.cargo-records.de/de/p3205/news.html
or in the states via:
http://www.allthatisheavy.com/info.asp?item_num=ATH-5232
Photo credits:
Florian Schade, www.knipsr.net
Ricardo Carles, www.myspace.com/jellmunekita
Terrance McnNally, www.flickr.com/photos/terrencemcnally
deAnna Caldwell, www.Toblyn Photo.com
The Freeks take their bow @ Azkena
Pic by: www.myspace.com/lamaquinadehuesos
