Incognito Music, Models, and More vol. 11 (February 2013) by Groovy Rutabaga Publications

INCOGNITO

music, models, and more

Surfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Up, Valentine!

Vol. 11, February 2013

music, models, and more

CHIEF WRITER Gary Schwind LAYOUT Rachel “Rae” Park COPY EDITOR Bob Brower STAFF WRITERS Carin Merritt Rachel “Rae” Park PHOTOGRAPHER George Swar CONTRIBUTORS Sarah Coffin Adam Griffith Joe Jennings Ian Miller Randy Mroczynski Rachel “Rae” Park

SUBMISSIONS incognitomusicmag@gmail.com OR PO Box 2070 Mission Viejo, CA 92690

VISIT US!

FEATURES

www.incognitomusicmagazine.com

2 Thee Swank Bastards Incognito’s feature artist 5 Coral Macias This month’s feature model 16 Kill Baby Kill Second music feature

KILL BABY KILL An interview with our second surf rock band feature.

IN EVERY ISSUE

FEATURED ON OUR COVERS

Letter

(front cover)

Beer Reviews

Photo courtesy of Thee Swank Bastards.

(back cover)

Coral Macias photo Photo courtesy of George Swar.

OOPS, WE GOOFED!

Incognito / February 2013

Models, Music, Artists, Writers:

Thee Swank Bastards band photo illustration by Rachel “Rae” Park

CONTENTS

In the January issue we went a little overboard with the cover photo credits. Of course, redundancy is not necessarily a bad thing; we always want to make sure we give credit where it’s due.

Incognito Music, Models, and More (February 2013)

from

the

Editor 24 The Flashback 25 Cinephile

14 The Merritts of Mixology

Monthly movie reviews

18 Have You Heard?

27 Don’t Be That Guy

20 Album Reviews

28 Ask Uncle Sal

22 The Guest List

29 In Our Next Issue

Top 5 Somewhat Recent Punk/Rock n’ Roll bands with a Saxophone Player

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Incognito Music, Models, and More (February 2013)

EDITOR’S LETTER

Get your Incognito gear! (shirts, panties, pint glasses, etc.)

at cafepress.com/incognitomusicmagazine

A surf issue? In February? Admittedly, it’s not very orthodox for someone who abides in the northern hemisphere, as your humble narrator does. But for anyone that has ever met me, it’s pretty clear that orthodox is not something I do particularly well. From my hairstyle to my clothing, unorthodox is kind of where I live. You might say I fit right in there. But here’s the thing. We had two surf bands lined up and ready to go. Now, I could have put them on hold until a time when surfing in this part of the world (particularly in southern California where the water at its warmest is 70 degrees Fahrenheit) seems a little less crazy. Frankly, that’s not what we’re about here at Incognito. Like The Dude, we sort of roll with the tide as it were. Across the sands of time and what have you. So if we can have a surf issue in February, we say why not. Let’s face it. This entire magazine flies in the face of conventional wisdom so why would this issue be any different. Normally in this space, I will fawn over Rae, who does all the layouts. I’ll get to that, but first I have to give kudos to our model Coral Macias. She was the one who felt the greatest effect of having a surf issue in February. She was a real trooper in her photo shoot where the temperature when we started was 50 degrees (F). Yes, I know that’s still warmer than most places in the U.S. at this time of year. However, despite the sunshine it was hardly an ideal day to be at the beach, let alone wearing a bikini, but she did it. And we think you’ll agree that it was worth it to brave the cool temperatures and the wind on the beach. Coral wasn’t the only trooper that day. Our very own mixologist Carin was at the shoot in her fine Incognito gear and we think you’ll agree that she knocked out some pretty good photos too. And yes, loyal reader, I know what you’re thinking. You’re wondering why on earth she has remained unseen by you for so long. Worth the wait, isn’t she? As always I have to praise Rae for her tireless efforts as our layout designer. I should also mention that due to some technical difficulties with my own laptop, she did even more than usual (which is considerable) to get our previous issue to all of you. She is definitely the woman for our time and place (yes, I’m going heavy on The Big Lebowski references; I’ve been reading The Abide Guide) and you should stop by her blog (cuttingedgecreativity.wordpress.com) and let her know how much you appreciate her efforts. I’d also like to thank the contributors, including our beer panelists Adam, Ian, Randy, and Shannon, and our guest columnist Joe Jennings of L.A.-area band JJ and the Real Jerks. They have all made this issue better. And if you’ll allow it (hey, it’s my letter after all), I’ll give you another reference from The Big Lebowski. “That about wraps ‘ er up. I’ll catch you later on down the trail.” Thanks for reading. Gary Schwind

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Incognito Music, Models, and More (February 2013)

Photos courtesy of Kill Baby Kill.

mostly B-sides, and wrote a few that would work with those in a set. These days the song choices are mostly requests from fans or learned for certain shows. We added some Slayer tunes since people yell “Slayer” these days instead of “Freebird.”

our originals up until now. Since we have a lot of requests for vinyl, I don’t mind re-releasing in that format. Mike from Trend is Dead contacted me about submitting something to them. Not sure why they chose us or even heard about us but we are more than happy to accommodate.

JP: They tell me what songs we’re going to play and then I learn them.

Q: Of the over 500 shows you’ve performed, which are your favorite experiences?

JD: Usually I will get a song together then we will go over the other parts in rehearsal. We will pick on it until we all like all the parts. Then we will play it on stage for a few months. There is a stage evolution that then happens until it refines itself to its final state.

SC: The joke police are always fun. One person in the back of the room trying to say the jokes aren’t funny is always a good time. A night at the Double Down Saloon in Las Vegas four lesbian couples started making out to our music. Glasses getting thrown at me because someone was offended by a joke. Most of the great times had are after the shows when we get to chat with the locals. I don’t like to go into specifics because the details are a little blurry.

Q: This year is a big one, with three albums coming out. How did you manage that?

Thee Swank Bastards by Carin Merritt

hee Swank Bastards is an instrumental surf trio from Las Vegas. By email the band members discussed the benefits of not having a vocalist, their favorite places to play, and the three albums (yes, three albums) coming out this year.

Bastards has been around for over ten years. What keeps you going?

Q: What was the inspiration for the band? Why surf rock?

JP: The feeling I get playing onstage is better than anything else I ever experience. Good crowd or shit crowd, it still feels the same.

SC: Jesse and I were in a band just before this that was doing 50’s soul/frat rock kinda stuff. The singer left and we decided to be instrumental. I kind of wanted a singer but no one seemed right. Also I really liked garage rock when I started playing music and at the time it was heavily influenced by surf susic.

SC: I get to hang out with good friends, play fun music, and constantly meet new people.

JD: I couldn’t imagine not playing in this band. Over the years I have played in many other bands on many other instruments. This is the only one that has remained a constant. There is nothing as much fun as getting on stage with these guys and playing for a crowd.

JD: Surf music is great because we don’t have to Q: Your originality is genius, including a full deal with a singer. The music is allowed to speak album of Black Sabbath covers. What’s that for itself. creative process like? Q: Even through a few changes, Thee Swank 2

SC: In the beginning we chose old surf tunes,

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SC: Yup, three albums. Two with Dionysus and one with Trend is Dead Records. I am looking forward to writing again. We have been talking to Lee, the guy that owns Dionysus, for a couple years. Both the band and Lee have been putting it off but we finally said we are going to get it done. Only one of the Dionysus records will be new material. The first coming out will be all of

JP: Wheeling, WV; Boise the second time; Reading, PA; Swan Dive in Austin, TX; and Wichita was amazing. JD: Playing on the Huntington Pier was an amazing experience. The Haight Street fair was awesome. Our annual Tiki Oasis performances

have all been really fun. The night we released our Black Sabbath recordings, we played with two drummers and four other instrumental bands. I could go on and on with some of the amazing show experiences we’ve had. We have gotten to perform in 35 US states and we are looking to get into all 50 eventually.

SC:The drink choice varies on the day. I have always enjoyed apple ciders, shandies, maybe a Stella with a lemon, Sapphire and tonic, rough days always call for Jameson on the rocks.

JD: Depends on my mood. I like Stella or Harp when I want something light. Or maybe a Tanqueray and tonic. Ciders, like Strongbow or Q: Would you ever add vocals to your set again? Woodchuck, are good as well. For something heavier, maybe a Guiness or some sort of rum SC: Not interested in adding vocals permanently and coke. If I want to do some real drinking, I’ll but I have been really into the idea of doing a sip some Jameson, neat. I’ve also had lots of fun record with a guest singer. If we ever get caught with some rum-filled tiki drinks. I sometimes up with our own projects that just may happen. like a glass of wine with dinner, preferably something red. Overall, I’m really not all that If anyone is interested get in touch. picky. I will drink most anything. JD: I’ve played in lots of vocal bands and they are fun in a different way. We don’t really have a need for a singer in this one. Years ago, I used to do one vocal song per set, but not anymore. It’s just not necessary. Q: Let’s assume it’s a day ending in ‘Y,’ so you’re having a liquid lunch: what would you choose? JP: Something with whiskey. 4

Incognito Music, Models, and More (February 2013)

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Incognito Music, Models, and More (February 2013)

Photos courtesy of Asia Mone’t. www.AsiaMonet.com

What was the best thing about your shoot for Incognito? The best thing about shooting with Incognito was the whole environment everyone was so funny. I was laughing the whole time. I felt relaxed. The photographer was super-chill and what can I say about Karen (hair/makeup)? She was awesome. She did a beautiful job on my makeup. Oh and I can’t foget the hot cocoa. What is the next thing to cross off your bucket list? Next thing I wanna cross of my bucket list would be finishing up my sleeve and starting my back piece.

oral Macias is a model from Orange County, California, who has done runway and pinup modeling. She discusses her first modeling gig, her tattoos (particularly her first and next tattoos), and her advice to a model who is just getting started. You started modeling when you were 16. What was your first modeling job? Yes, I started modeling at 16. I began with beauty pageants but my first actual job was Classic Glamour Dolls in 2009. I was chosen to be the face of their business which is doing hair/makeup. I also modeled their clothing line.

How many tattoos do you have? I have 17 tattoos and counting. What was your first tattoo? What is going to be your next one? I got my first tattoos when I was 17. I didn’t get one but two tattoos. I got a nautical star with a banner on each of my lower calves. Inside of one banner says PA and the other says MA for my parents the stars represent guidance and protection. My next tattoo...umm I have no idea. I have so many ideas that I don’t know which one would be up next.

What advice would you give to someone who is How long did it take you to become comfortable in just starting modeling? front of a camera? Don’t give up. This is a tough industry to be in To be honest it took me little while I was always but you always have to believe in yourself have the shy quite girl when i was yourger. But I just confidence. Believe that you can do it. Stay foknew that I liked modeling and if I wanted to cused and relaxed and have fun with it. You get live life to its fullest I had to break out of that better results that way. And always be careful shell and that’s what I did I took risks and just and watch out for scams. kept pushing forward.

Incognito Music, Models, and More (February 2013)

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Incognito Music, Models, and More (February 2013)

Beer bottle photos courtesy of our very own Gary Scwind.

Adam: This is smooth chocolate goodness. Gary: The roasted characteristic carries through to the palate. It’s very dry with a nice hop finish. This goes down real easy. Ian: Coffee with a smoky aftertaste. Randy: It’s even. There’s not a ton of development. It’s consistent and bland in a good way.

I would drink this... Adam: When I feel like getting my drink on. It seems like I could drink a lot of this. Gary: Anytime it’s offered. Ian: In cooler weather...at a house party for the NFL playoffs or an early-morning tailgate. Randy: On a hot day instead of a Budweiser.

Hey! Porter!

I would recommend this to...

February Beer Reviews

Adam: Someone who has never tried a porter. Gary: This is a good intro for someone who is unfamiliar with porters. Ian: People who love burgers and pork. Randy: Anyone scared of dark beers.

Overall impression

How it works Gary provides five beers of a certain style (in this case, porters) for everyone to taste with the general guideline that he has not tasted these particular beers. He pours everyone a sample. As the panelists drink, they make notes about the characteristics of the beer you see in this article. When all the panelists have finished rating the beer, Gary reveals what it is and the panelists discuss their notes on the beer. That's it. Now on to our reviews of porters.

While in previous beer panels, we have had an array of food, this time our only foodstuffs were moonshine cherries and Adam's fruitcake. You'll see why I mention that. Meet the panel: Adam - One of the three guys at 3guys1movie. com and fantasy football freak Gary - The waterboy

Ian - The sensei Note: Both Jason and Shannon were unable to attend this tasting. Sitting in this time around are Randy - Keyboardist for The Fab Lushes and Ian (our new permanent panelist) and Randy. beer enthusiast 8

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Scuttlebutt Brewery Porter

Food-pairing suggestion

Technical stuff Adam: It’s dark brown, with minor head retention. It smells like chocolate. Gary: The nose is very roasty, like coffee beans. It’s espresso-colored and opaque with a minimal head. Ian: It’s black with red at the rim and transparent. It has a smoky smell. Randy: It’s deep brown with ruby at the edges with no head and a weak nose.

Taste incognitomusicmagazine.com

Adam: It’s lighter-tasting than it appears. Gary: Even with the heavy roasted flavor, this goes down real easy. It is balanced and a good example of a porter. Ian: It’s not overly sweet and has a nice bite. It’s smoky without being overpowering. It doesn’t fill you up too much and can be consumed consistently. Randy: It’s pretty darn good although it’s a pretty unacrobatic beer. It’s good drinking and doesn’t try to kill you. This is a dangerous beer. I could drink a lot of this.

Adam: BBQ ribs and corn on the cob Gary: Pulled pork Ian: Pastrami on rye Randy: Burgers, Scotch eggs, prawn cocktail, potato chips, CornNuts

Score (out of 10) Adam: 8.5 Gary: 7.7 Ian: 9 Randy: 6.5

Incognito Music, Models, and More (February 2013)

Taste

Adam: Flavor is like chewing on a coffee bean. It has a bitter finish. Gary: This has good balance and finishes with a dry hop note. It tastes like espresso. It’s very clean and complex. Ian: It tastes like coffee soda with a kick. It’s a little too smoky. Randy: It has a 15-minute aftertaste reminiscent of sucking on a tugboat’s tie-off rope.

Adam: It tastes like oaky whiskey and burnt coffee. Gary: It fills the mouth really well. It’s very dry and heavy. Ian: It has a slight sweetness to go with the roasted notes and the charred oak barrel. It’s dense, more like a stout. Randy: It has a creamy mouthfeel. I’m a little disappointed with the first taste after the perfect nose. It tastes more like cocoa than chocolate and gets a little more complex as I drink it. It’s a classic porter style: very proper.

I would drink this... Adam: When I’m looking for a porter with some complexity. Gary: While wearing a smoking jacket. Ian: At a Cherry Poppin’ Daddies concert. Randy: On a coffee break and because I’ll drink anything.

I would drink this... Adam: If I was mad at myself. Gary: Before operating heavy machinery. Ian: Around a bonfire and never before going on a rollercoaster. Randy: In front of the fire in a wood-paneled library on the Orient Express.

I would recommend this to... Adam: People who like a good laugh. Editor’s note: This beer was accompanied by a fair amount of hilarity. Gary: Disgruntled employees everywhere. Ian: A good piano player at a whorehouse. Randy: The stinky beer god.

I would recommend this to... Adam: Someone looking for a more traditional porter taste. Gary: Marauders and marathoners. Ian: Fighting cats. Randy: People who like classical-style beers.

Overall impression

Drake’s Black Robusto Technical stuff Adam: It’s the color of motor oil after 8,000 miles with a small head. Gary: It smells vinuous and has a pretty good head. It’s as dark as an oil slick on a dirt road. Ian: It’s dark and opaque like used oil from an ‘88 Mazda. It has a burnt sweet smell with a slight head. Randy: I smelled it when it was taken out of the fridge. Scott’s Liquid Gold in smell and color.

Taste 10

Adam: It’s good but not spectacular. It tastes a little too much like a dark cup of joe to me. Gary: It’s complex, a little smoky, and has just the right amount of coffee bitterness. It goes down so easy; this beer could be trouble. Ian: It’s a little too smoky and dark coffeeflavored. Randy: Not so much.

Heretic Shallow Grave

Food-pairing suggestion

Technical stuff

Adam: A breakfast sandwich Gary: Mississippi mud pie Ian: Steak and eggs (late night or Sunday brunch), or peanut butter and jelly Randy: Cigarettes

Adam: It’s as dark as a gargoyle’s urine and smells like oaky whiskey mixed with coffee. It burns my delicate nostrils. Gary: It darker than the fifth circle of hell and opaque. The head is the color of cafe au lait. It dissipates quickly but comes back strong when I swish it around. It smells like it was aged in a whiskey barrel. Ian: It’s as dark as Vader, smells like burnt coffee and has a fizzy head. Randy: The nose is awesome. It smells like chocolate cake with whiskey overtones. I think this was aged in a whiskey barrel.

Score (out of 10) Adam: 7.2 Gary: 8 Ian: 7 Randy: 3.5

Incognito Music, Models, and More (February 2013)

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Overall impression

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Adam: I found this a little too oaky for my taste. Gary: I can feel this all the way to my feet. It takes some time to get through this, and you’ll only need one. Ian: It’s good but you only need one. Randy: Very favorable. It is what it should be.

Food-pairing suggestion Adam: The mystery nut dish sitting on the bar Gary: This doesn’t need food. Ian: Manna Randy: This is an after-dinner drink.

Score (out of 10) Adam: 5.6 Gary: 7.5 Ian: 7.5 Randy: 6.5

Incognito Music, Models, and More (February 2013)

The Wiz. Randy: It’s ruby red.

Taste Adam: It’s complex - a mystery wrapped in an enigma. Gary: I taste anise, molasses, and a smoky flavor. This is very dry. Ian: Pretty good. Randy: It’s very forward and complex with a lot going on.

Taste Adam: It has a really mellow flavor considering the color. Gary: It has a very smoky flavor, but it’s thin and dry. I get smoke flavor but little else. Ian: It has a little too much of everything (too fruity, hoppy, smoky, and burned) without direction. It’s not great. Randy: It tries to straddle the line between easy-drinking and funky but ends up bitter like an ex-girlfriend.

I would drink this... Adam: When I have some time to spend. Gary: Very slowly. Ian: With sips by a fireplace. Randy: When I need to feel confused.

I would drink this...

I would recommend this to...

Adam: If it was all that was available. Gary: When I’m already hosed. Ian: When it’s free...maybe. Randy: Probably never again.

Adam: People who like a little mystery in their lives...or are cold. Gary: Philosophers and engineers. Ian: A statue of Adonis while standing next to it. Randy: Confused people.

I would recommend this to... Adam: People who want to pretend they’re drinking a porter. Gary: The annoying people that pop into my cubicle. Ian: Like the label says, “Perfect for the boss”... after not receiving that promotion. Randy: I wouldn’t.

Overall impression

Adam: The Coors Light of porters. Gary: It’s thin and not very good. Randy: Fair to poor. It tastes like your buddy’s home brew.

Adam: This beer left me confused. A lot is going on with this brew. Gary: This warms me up and makes me feel all tingly. It takes a lot of consideration and it’s hard to wrap my head around it, but it’s a damn fine beer. Ian: It is sweet at the start with a slight hop middle and a dry effervescent finish. I would drink this once a week maximum. Randy: This is Dickensian. I like it until I hate it and I hate it until I like it.

Food-pairing suggestion

Overall impression

Ass Kisser Pounder

Smoked

Porter

Technical stuff Adam: It’s as red as a moonshine cherry with a minor head and a mild nose. Gary: It’s ruby-colored with a pale head that dissipates quickly. Ian: It’s ruby red like the glass slippers from 12

Adam: I would eat a lot of whatever to cover the flavor Gary: Why ruin good food? Ian: Moonshine cherries to wash the taste out of your mouth. And donkey meat. Randy: Mac and cheese

Score (out of 10) Adam: 2.4 Gary: 3.3 Ian: 2 Randy: 2

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Shipyard Imperial Porter Technical stuff Adam: The giant head sticks in my ‘stache. It smells like al-key-hall. Gary: It’s espresso-colored and opaque with a big, foamy head. It smells like a good alcohol content. Ian: It’s as dark as Batman’s blood after fighting Bain and has a full head.

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Adam: Fruitcake Gary: Cookies made with molasses Ian: Fruitcake Randy: Food is afraid of this beer.

Score (out of 10) Adam: 7.2 Gary: 8 Ian: 8.5 Randy: 7 or 4 or 6

Incognito Music, Models, and More (February 2013)

Photo courtesy of Manny Medrano. mmimagery.com

The Merritts of Mixology Mongolian on Fire by Carin Merritt It’s surf month here at Incognito, so I’ve been racking my brain and researching an assortment of traditional surf and island drinks. Most of them, unfortunately, contain Malibu coconut rum. Here’s how I feel about Malibu. If I had matches and lighter fluid near a warehouse full of Malibu products, I would line up explosives, pour a line of lighter fluid, light a match, drop the sucker and watch the place burn. I understand it is 2013 and no one goes to the beach without skin protection anymore, but did the creators

really have to take it so literally? I would rather drink Listerine before I drink a bottle of sunblock, which is exactly what Malibu tastes like. That being said, I do enjoy a nice tropical drink, especially when I’m in my backyard inflatable pool and want to pretend I’m at the ocean. Mai Tais are traditional and they don’t have to contain Malibu, just rum. Yet something is lacking there as well. There are two certainties for me when I am at the beach (or pretending to be); I will be in

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a bikini and I will be drinking. Baring all is less fun when adding loads of alcoholic calories to the mix. This is why I love those “one and done” drinks, which brings me to the Mongolian. The Mongolian, like its comrades the Long Island or Adios, contains at least three parts liquor: rum, gin, and vodka. The standard recipe calls for melon liqueur and banana liqueur, but I detest those too. Melon and banana liqueur to me are like a tofu substitution for chicken or steak. It just isn’t right. The Mongolian has great bones for a Tiki drink, with grenadine and juices, yet it needs just a little tweak to be perfect.

Pour ice into a mixing tin and fill your glass full of ice. Pour all of the ingredients into the mixing tin. Shake the mixing tin to blend the contents and then strain the mixture into your drinking glass. If you want to add bubbles, top the drink off with Sprite. No garnish is necessary.

By taking out the wannabe flavors and adding sweet yet strong, substitutions, the Mongolian is morphed into the Mongolian on Fire. Delicious! Don’t just take my word for it either. I always test drinks on worthy subjects usually barflies that become victim to all my experiments whether they like it or not. Amazing how easy it is to get someone in a bar to drink. The consensus is that the Mongolian on Fire is a new favorite for many. Men can keep their man-card too; its hue is just far enough away from pink to allow it. Here’s another tip: the ingredients are high-quality and versatile. So if purchasing so many products seems a bit excessive, remember that they have various uses. Or just go to your local bar, give them this recipe and tell them to make it: Ingredients: - 1/2 oz vodka - 1/2 oz gin - 1/2 oz gold rum - 1/2 oz southern comfort - 1/2 oz amaretto - 1 oz orange juice - 1 oz pineapple - 1 oz cranberry Tools: - Mixing tin - Strainer - Use a 22oz glass if you prefer to add more juices, or use a pint glass if you like the taste of alcohol and would like to use less juice.

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Incognito Music, Models, and More (February 2013)

Photos courtesy of The Imepllers’ Facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Impellers/49639811082

Kill Baby Kill

ill, Baby...Kill is an instrumental (mostly surf) band from Anniston, Alabama. By e-mail, Noah Holt (guitar) and Josh Jackson (drums) discussed the band’s sound, new album and some of their non-musical inspirations.

this new record we’ve pushed the boundaries. So we use the term ‘surf band’ loosely. Progressive punk surfcore maybe? Q: How does a band from Alabama come to play surf music?

Q: Someone you’ve just met asks about your NH: Surf music has a nice history in this state. It all started in the early 90’s with the formation, band’s sound. How do you describe it? and subsequent success of Man or Astro-man? Noah Holt: We started as very much a straight in Auburn, Alabama. This led to other notable experiment in modern instrumental Surf music. bands such as The Penetrators, The 3D’s, But as time went on our backgrounds in punk, Daikaiju, Jonny and the Shamen, and quite a few metal and indie-rock started to heavily influence others. what we were writing. I like to tell people that we sound like 60s instrumental surf music As for Kill, Baby…Kill!, this is just something filtered through the late 80s-early 90s DC that I have wanted to give a try. I spent 1988-2000 Dischord Records sound of bands like Fugazi playing in punk rock bands. I wanted a new challenge. Of course the band was inspired by the and Ignition. previously mentioned Alabama surf bands, but Josh Jackson: First off, that’s a question I think also through a love for other bands like Agent we all cringe just a little when we hear. We are Orange that were mixing punk and surf back in an instrumental surf band, but especially with the early 80’s.

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JJ: For me, I was in large part unfamiliar with surf until I joined KBK. Of course I was familiar with some of the bigger names, but I was unaware of the ‘wave’ of talent that our state has contributed to the surf community. So to answer the question I think we’ve all really been inspired by some really phenomenal surf bands from here in our state. That being said, it should be no surprise at all that a band from Alabama would come to play surf. Q: What are some of your non-musical inspirations? NH: Obviously I am inspired by all of the creative people we are surrounded by. But my children really inspire me. I don’t necessarily want success. I more want to leave a small legacy of recordings behind that they can look back on and be both proud of and inspired by. Beyond that, I take huge influence from classic horror and science fiction, as well as pulp novels and sleaze cinema. JJ: I’m inspired every day by the people and events around me. Most recently the birth of my daughter has been a huge inspiration to me. Q: How does the new album differ from previous recordings? NH: Well, it has been nearly two years since we recorded our previous EP. At that time we, as the lineup existed, were only about nine months old at best. I think the last EP did a great job of representing what we were at that time. But with time comes growth and lineup changes. We are a much tighter and more focused band at this point. We lost a few members and gained a new one. Even more, the past two years has really been about defining what the ‘Kill, Baby…Kill! sound’ is. We are no longer leaning on the horror aesthetic or film samples and more letting our songs speak for us.

Q: Why should I have the new album in my collection? NH: It is a product of over two years of writing and hard work on our part. We could have rushed out a product shortly after our debut EP, but we wanted to make sure we had both grown as a band and could deliver something that would stand beside the other great instro/surf recordings of today. Even more, we wanted to create a sound that would stand out among said recordings. There are tons of great surf bands in America alone, not to mention Europe, South America and Asia. We all wanted to create a sound that had a place, yet would set us apart from the others. Q: What would you be doing if you weren’t making music? NH: The same thing I do now when not playing in the band. I would be working as an engineer and be a father to my girls. In the grand scheme of things, they are really all that matters. I play music to fill the time in between. JJ: I like to think that I’d be doing something that’s equally rewarding. That’s anyone’s guess though. Playing drums and writing have always been what I’ve done. It’s scary imagining a life without that outlet.

JJ: I think collectively we’ve challenged ourselves to deliver a super-solid product that really pushes the boundaries of what we call surf. Even the tracks that were on the Sometimes They Come Back EP have evolved, thanks in large part to the addition of Erek on bass and an overall better sense of who we are as a band.

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Incognito Music, Models, and More (February 2013)

Have You Heard? Thunderosa (Austin, TX) reverbnation.com/thunderosa

Wadadli Riders (Antigua) http://surferjoe.bandcamp.com/

Loyal reader, once upon a time, someone found the Incognito blog with the keyword search “spaghetti western horror surf band.” (No, I am not making that up.) So I did what anyone would do in that situation and Googled the same keyword search, which led me to Thunderosa. Then I went to the band’s ReverbNation page and saw that it bills itself as rock, southern rock, and greasy Texas stomp. It’s like this band was made for Incognito. So what is this band all about? Well, it believes in uptempo songs with heavy doses of loud and fast guitar. Oh, and it doesn’t take long to figure out that greasy is a great term to describe this band’s sound. This is definitely some southern-fried rock and roll...but louder. It’s fair to say that if you like Nashville Pussy, you will like this band.

Ballad of Nikola Tesla.” This was an unexpected treat for me. I never expected a cowpunk song about one of the most revered scientists in history. “Sand Leviathan” sounds like what would happen if Deadbolt added a fiddle and cello to the band. Obviously, this band is not afraid to mix it up. I can easily recommend this band for fans of Murder By Death or any rockabilly or cowpunk band.

The Frightnrs (New York City) theFRIGHTNRS.com/ When you start looking for reggae, you’ll encounter a lot of bands like Sublime who have some mild reggae influence but really don’t sound anything close to traditional reggae. That is not the case with The Frightnrs. This band plays real reggae that sounds like it is from another time. It brings Toots and The Maytals and Black Uhuru to mind. If you are looking for something that will get you grooving while you’re getting your mellow on, this is a band you should get to know.

With instrumental surf music, it seems easier to think of what would be the perfect setting to listen to a particular band or album. Some surf bands make music for bonfires on the beach. Others make surf music for getting into the car and heading to the beach to catch some waves. I’m not sure I could come up with a perfect setting for listening to Wadadli Riders because it seems like any time would be a good time to listen to this band. One thing is for sure: even if you know nothing about surf guitar, you will be impressed with the guitar in “JBL D130F.” If you were going to put on a surf guitar clinic, this would be a good song for it. This band makes upbeat and very clean surf music that is bound to get you in a good mood. Pour yourself a rum drink, then just sit back and enjoy. Scrap Iron Saints (N. Las Vegas) scrapironsaints.bandcamp.com This band calls its sound folk-apocabilly. I don’t have to tell you that I like bands that come up with their own genre description. What exactly does folk-apocabilly mean? Well, I’m not really sure, but this band blends folk (“Nowhere Left To Go” features cello and mandolin), rockabilly, and cowpunk. Speaking of cowpunk, this band’s most interesting song is called “The 18

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album reviews Mumblin’ Caveman Bluesy, Greasy, Hairy mumblincaveman.bandcamp.com

Eddie and the T-Bolts Medium Rare http://eddyandthebolts.bandcamp.com

St. Dallas and the Sinners Hail Mary

Like a lot of bands I find, I came across this band randomly while searching on Bandcamp. This is a band that bills itself as blues, punk, rockabilly, and psychobilly. Like you, I wondered if a band can incorporate all of those things into one album. The answer is yes. You’ll hear tones of rockabilly (the bass in “Shake, Rumble, and Quake is a great example) but this is not 50s Eddy and the T-Bolts (from Glasgow) most rockabilly. The first time I listened to this, I definitely are real rock and roll and you can thought that this is like rockabilly...if it were get that sense before you even hear a note on being played by a band like American Dog or this album. What else would you call it when a Five Horse Johnson. It’s safe to say that I was band has songs called “Hey MF” and The Devil hooked from the first song which is an ode the Has the Best Tunes”? The latter song includes favorite beer of the state of Illinois (the band is the lyrics, “If you want to be a singer in a rock from Springfield): Old Style. n roll band, you better throw out that Bible and embrace Satan.” With lyrics like that, I don’t If I were working in a record store, I would file think this band is going to be invited onto Fox this band under punkabilly. No matter what News anytime soon. label you slap on it, Hail Mary is no doubt an album that would earn Mojo Nixon’s seal of My first impression of this band was that it approval. Why? Because it’s loud, raucous rock sounds like Supersuckers (and that’s not a and roll. If you want something you can blare bad thing). The more I listened though, the out the windows of your home and car while more I realized that this album is what would you sing along, this is a great album. happen if Supersuckers collaborated with a metal band (and that’s not a bad thing either). There is nothing terribly complex here. This is an album to get your fist pumping. Your neighbors might hate this album, which is all the more reason to play it loud and sing along. If you’ve ever glanced at the Who We Are section at the beginning of this magazine (intentionally missing from this issue), you have seen that we promote the rock and roll ethos. Part of that of course is that we promote real rock and roll.

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Beat Mark Howls of Joy

If you’ve read this magazine or our daily blog at all, you will know that I have a thing for oneman bands. And when that one-man band calls himself Mumblin’ Caveman, well...I don’t need much more to sell me on it. Greasy and bluesy are great words to describe this guy. He plays a mean (if primitive-sounding) slide guitar and backs it up with a solid beat on his kick drum and a cymbal. This EP is short, but he packs a lot of good stuff into the five songs. I think my favorite song on the album is “She Was Gone.” It features not only some excellent slide guitar work but also some good harmonica. That’s the thing about these one-man bands. They have figured out how to play four instruments at one time when a lot of us have a hard time mastering one. If you like one-man bands or blues, check out this guy from Montpellier, France.

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I don’t receive a lot of music I would describe as pretty. That being said, Beat Mark (from Paris) makes music that can only be described as pretty. If you want a good example, check out the song “Saw a Cold Mirror.” All I can say about this song is “Wow!” This band makes psychedelic songs with a touch of French pop. What really makes this album pretty is the harmony vocals. In some of the songs, the harmony vocals bring The Beach Boys to mind. Every song on this album is filled with layers of sound that seem to wrap around you as you listen. Yeah, it’s a psychedelic album, but don’t let that scare you away. This is probably one of the most beautiful albums you’ll hear anytime soon.

Incognito Music, Models, and More (February 2013)

The Guest List: Top 5 Somewhat Recent Punk/Rock n’ Roll bands with a Saxophone Player by Joe Jennings

The Flashback

traditional surf music (especially if it’s not from a traditional surf spot), pick up this album.

Los Twang! Marvels Jungle of Twang

Kamikaze Records (2008)

Our guest list columnist this month is Joe Jennings, who plays guitar for JJ and the Real Jerks (facebook.com/pages/JJ-The-Real-Jerks/184 553435050) and bass for The Legendary Swagger (facebook.com/thelegendaryswagger), both from Los Angeles. He gives us his top five recent rock n roll bands with a saxophone. Sure, one of them is his band, but we don’t have any trouble with selfpromotion. If you don’t promote yourself, who will? A couple things are immediately surprising about this band. First, with a name like Los Twang! Marvels, you probably wouldn’t expect that this band is from Berlin. That’s the first surprise and it comes even before you hear the music. Then you hear the music and you realize this is a surf band...from Berlin.

1) Hanoi Rocks - Michael Monroe is one of the best rock n’ roll frontmen I have ever witnessed. The Real Jerks first gig was opening up for him, and it was a really great time. A great high energy show man, almost like a cross between Iggy Pop and David Lee Roth. Hanoi Rocks incorporated a lot of cool sax and blues harp in their music which I think set them apart from a lot of the other glam/punk bands of the time. 2) Rocket From The Crypt - One of the main influences for forming The Real Jerks. Really great songs with good hooks and great lyrics too. Super catchy horn parts. The best part is they’re back for 2013. 3) Legendary Swagger - Sax-driven L.A.-based punk/rock n’ roll band that I liked so much, I eventually got them to play in my band! I met these guys at one of their shows in the South Bay a few years back, and became pretty good friends with them over the years. I play bass with them now as well. Great high-energy stuff, Geoff Yeaton sings and plays some really cool tenor sax. 4) Andy G. & The Rollerkings - A long defunct band that featured the Fabulous Andy G. from the Devil Dogs, and Candy Del Mar from the Cramps on bass. These guys were around 22

Joe Jennings (above), guitarist for JJ and the Real Jerks & bassist for The Legendary Swagger. Photo courtesy of Joe Jennings.

very briefly from the late 90’s to early 2000’s. I got to catch them a few times, and they were amazing. A five piece that consisted of guitars, bass, drums, and tenor and baritone sax. Kinda 50’s doo-wop influenced party rock n’ roll. One of the best bands I’d ever seen. Check out their self titled 2001 EP. 5) Prima Donna - LA band that has been around for about 10 years now. I always enjoy catching them play live, they’re really tight and put on a good show. 5 piece band with a guy that switches between tenor sax and keys. Kind of 70’s glam, similar to Mott the Hoople.

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So the band is not from some place where the sun is always shining and the surf is tremendous. However, this band clearly knows its stuff. The album kicks off with two fairly traditional surf songs, “Sea of Glory and “Kaha Huna.” This has the really clean sound you expect from traditional surf music. From there, the band turns to the more trashy 60s surf sound with “Somos Los Twang! Marvels.” This one (it’s one of only two tracks with any vocals) even includes the “papa ooo mow mow” that you hear in the classic “Surfin’ Bird.” This album contains a version of “Balihai” from the musical South Pacific. I’ll tell you one thing for sure, musicals might be much more durned interesting if they had more music as cool as this. Jungle of Twang has upbeat surf songs that will get your head moving (especially “Return of The Space Cossack”) as you think about perfect days for surfing. It also has slower and more pensive songs like “Sad on Mondays.” If you’re a fan of incognitomusicmagazine.com

Incognito Music, Models, and More (February 2013)

Cinephile

Movie Reviews

The characters are likable, the story is cute, and there’s a good amount of humor as well. I also thought for once even the antagonist was pretty likable in his own way. It’s one of those movies where when I came out of the theater, I couldn’t help but say to myself, “Gosh, I wish they’d make more like this.”

The Ratings 5 Stars: A great movie that can be considered timeless or classic. (Equivalent to an A+)

By Rachel “Rae” Park

character’s OCD father. The plot, while it does have its quirks, is also fairly predictable. While I can see the appeal for diehard football fans (parTwo of the movies I’ll be talking about are ticularly Eagles fans) and for those who believe November releases. Due to unforeseen in the saying “two wrongs make a right,” I don’t circumstances, I was unable to really hit the know how much I believed the story. Is it a cute theaters this month. Sorry all! Also for those idea? Absolutely. Realistic? I’m not so sure. keeping up with my blog, thank you! I know this month has been even sparser than usual when it comes to entries. Hopefully I’ll be able to get back into the swing of things soon! In the meantime, here’s our three picks for the month.

4.5 Stars: Solid story, but may leave a few plot ends loose or there may be inconsistencies. (Equivalent to an A, A-) 4 Stars: Good story, but there’s clear room for improvement in some areas. (Equivalent to a B+, B) 3.5 Stars: A movie lacking in “wow” factor. (Equivalent to a B-) 3 Stars: Flat average viewing experience; not great, but not horrible either. (Equivalent to a C+)

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

2.5 Stars: A movie that passes the time; watch Starring: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Rich- in theaters if you have an itch to see a movie. (Equivalent to a C) ard Armitage Runtime: 169 minutes 2 Stars: More of a DVD rental type of movie. Fans of The Lord of the Rings (2001 – 2003) (Equivalent to a C-)

Rise of the Guardians Silver Linings Playbook

Starring: Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law, Isla Fisher, Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo Runtime: 97 minutes

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker, Julia Stiles I thought this was a solid children’s movie Runtime: 122 minutes that really did seem made mostly for the kids. I don’t think I heard a single bad word or I know this is getting all the Oscar buzz, but re- inappropriate reference. So in that regard, the ally, I don’t think this is going to be a movie that adults that are expecting something of the sort stands out in my mind down the road. Jennifer are likely going to enter a snoozefest when Lawrence was amazing, as usual. I really see a they see this film. Aside from the fact that I lot of potential for her future. Admittedly, Rob- disapprove of teaching kids throwing snowballs ert De Niro sort of surprised me here; I think I at each other’s heads as a good idea, I think this completely believed him as Bradley Cooper’s movie did a great job with most everything else. 24

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trilogy may find themselves a tad disappointed. In my opinion, this movie wasn’t nearly as intense as those were. However, what it lacks in drama it makes up for with plenty of humor. This is the kind of movie that will likely make people want to go back and watch the trilogy with Elijah Wood. Speaking of which, he has a very tiny cameo here, so if that’s who you’re going for, you’re wasting your time. I personally went for Martin Freeman, who I became more aware of after his role in the Sherlock series on BBC. (If you haven’t seen him and Benedict Cumberbatch in that, and you’re a Holmes fan, then you should see it. They’re amazing and exactly how I picture a modern-day Holmes and Watson.) Be warned, this is one very long movie with an obvious cliffhanger to make room for more.

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1.5 Stars: Very difficult to stay interested; at times seems to drag or go on too long. (Equivalent to a D+) 1 Star: Very little perks; consider as a rainy day movie. (Equivalent to a D) 1/2 Star: A very select few may enjoy this movie. (Equivalent to a D-) 0 Stars: Boring; great movie to catch your Z’s in–may have been a pain to finish or impossible to finish–possibly even a movie someone would walk out on. (Equivalent to an F) Ratings scale based on, but differs slightly from cuttingedgecreativity.wordpress.com. Visit CEC for more extensive reviews of each of these movies, including those not featured in Incognito due to space limitations.

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Don’t Be That Guy If you hear him before you see him, you’re in luck because then you can avoid him. Chances are you won’t be so lucky. You could be standing at the urinal taking care of your business and he will come in and start talking to you about whatever project he’s working on. You don’t really care about his project (why would you?), but that’s not even his greatest offense. No, that would be breaking the code of the guy and talking while you’re both taking care of your business. Eyes on the wall, pal. You want to talk, we can do it when we’re both washing our hands. But he doesn’t just tell you briefly about his current project. That alone would not be unbearable enough for you, his audience. He will tell you all about it, including what must be a transcript of a conference call he had with a customer in some far-off country. He’ll tell you about how he had to wake up early and come into work to get in on the conference call. You know he doesn’t really mind that because what else is he going to do? Sleep? Not when he could be working. He works about 11 hours a day and wears that like a badge. You just happen to know that he spends so much time talking to people that he needs 11 hours to get in something resembling eight hours of work.

about work. The person to whom he is talking is desperately looking to you for rescue, but you figure if you had to be subjected to it, you’re not going to rescue anyone else. Despite the nonverbal pleas for rescue, you make your exit before this vortex can draw you in again.

ASK UNCLE SAL

Hey Uncle Sal: There is a woman at work who gives me a hug almost every day. And I don’t mean just a little hug. She hugs me like my aunt who wears too much makeup and only sees me twice a year. What’s your take on hugging in the workplace? Dead Fish in Deltona Dead Fish, what’s my take on hugging in the workplace? I reckon that depends on who’s doing the hugging. I mean, I used to work construction and I sure wouldn’t want a hug from any of the guys on that crew at any time. Say, ya really oughta be thanking yer lucky stars yer not gettin’ a daily hug from that sweaty guy in marketing that always smells like garlic. Ever think about that? Maybe this daily embrace won’t seem so bad if ya think about it that way. Anywho...I gotta guess that it ain’t the most attractive woman in yer office that’s huggin’ ya. That were the case, ya wouldn’t need my take on hugging in the workplace. You’d have yer own. It sounds like yer downright uneasy about this and ya don’t want these daily hugs. So, here’s what I’d do if I was you. I’d go a couple days without showerin’ or usin’ deodorant. And maybe add some extra onions to yer omelet. In other words, make the idea of hugging ya so appalling that she won’t wanna touch you with a thirtynine-and-a-half foot pole.

After hearing about all the problems he has solved while working on this project, you extract yourself from him and you do whatever you must to completely erase his project from your head. (It’s easier than it seems because you didn’t really retain any of what he told you.) Sometime later, you hear him a couple cubicles away from yours holding court with someone else. Now he’s not only talking about his own project but he’s also talking expertly about the project of the guy whose cubicle he’s visiting. Luckily you have earphones so you can just pop those in and not have to hear everything he’s already told you plus a bunch of other stuff you couldn’t care less about.

Why do instruments have different keys? Trumpet is B-flat. Piano is C. Alto sax is E-flat. What the hell? Musically Mystified

After work on Friday, when you go with some other guys to happy hour, this guy weasels his way into the gathering. While you usually stay for three pints, when he’s there you only stay for one because the guy has taken something fun and made it into another arena to talk about his job. You know him. You probably work with him. He is the guy that has no off switch and is always talking about work...no matter where he is. Don’t be that guy.

Dear Uncle Sal,

Well, MM, that there’s a pretty good question. I’ll tell ya, I can play a pretty mean washboard, and I ain’t too bad with the spoons neither. Good thing about those is I don’t have to worry about what key they’re in. By the way, yer gonna start playin’ the spoons, I recommend Oneida. I’ve always gotten pretty good sound from them. But ya didn’t ask me what kinda spoons give ya the best sound. Thing is, I didn’t really know how to answer yer question. So I called my friend Professor Ludwig von Heitzmueller over there in Bonn. Only he didn’t get back to me. Anyway, he’s pretty hard to understand with that heavy German accent. Plus, he makes music seem more like science. To be honest with ya, I ain’t really sure myself why I contacted him. So why are instruments in different keys? I could give ya a lotta hoo-ha about transposition and what have you. But the thing is, wouldn’t it be pretty boring if all instruments was in the same key? Variety is the spice of life and obviously several fellers wiser than myself figured this out with instruments. And that is why instruments is in different keys.

Later in the day, you see him in the break room eating lunch with someone. And he’s not talking about the game or the television show he watched the previous night. He’s talking 26

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Incognito Music, Models, and More (February 2013)

In Our Next Issue... We celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by giving you interviews with Celtic punk giants The Mahones and The Mickey Finns.

INCOGNITO

music, models, and more

Surf’s Up, Valentine!

Plus: •Our very own mixologist takes her turn as our featured model •Reviews of spring beers •Carin gives you a cocktail that is way better than any beer with food coloring •Film reviews by our Cinephile, Rae •A musician from a Celtic punk band provides The Guest List AND MORE! 28

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Vol. 11, February 2013