Review Fix chats with Skunkmello frontman Matt Bartlett, who discusses the band’s origin, creative process and their new record, “Hot Chicken.”
About Skunkmello:
Blending the influences of classic rockers and blues artists, such as Creedence Clearwater Revival, Towns Van Zandt and The Rolling Stones, Skunkmello celebrates the traditions of rock ‘n’ roll with brazen irreverence. The group’s three previous releases, Whiskey & Oatmeal EP (2012), 2013’s Lowlife Dreams EP (produced by the band and mastered by Grammy Award-winner Brian Lucey, best known for his work on The Black Keys’ Brothers and El Camino) and 2014’s Stars & Stripes, have all met with critical acclaim. Matt Bartlett (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Ed Cuervo (guitar, vocals), Jay Holt (bass, vocals) and Jono Ori (drums, vocals) are set to serve up their next full-length, Hot Chicken, this year.
Review Fix:Â How did the band get together?
Matt Bartlett: Somewhat unclear at this point. Likely the result of inebriated ramblings at seedy bars in the East Village that evolved into high-proof late-night jam sessions in the acrid warehouses that line the East River.
Review Fix: What are your goals for this album?
Bartlett:Â To have it played at high volume at indecent hours of the night.
Review Fix: How was “Slaughterhouse Blues” written? Is there a story behind it?
Bartlett:Â It was written episodically over many years of hard living. Each song functions as a vignette in the larger paradigm of the record as a whole, and while the album doesn’t so much tell a specific story, it does create a cohesive narrative reflecting our experiences and bent perspectives.
Review Fix: Is there another standout song on the album?
Bartlett:Â We like to believe they’re all standouts.
Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard you?
Bartlett: A Skunkmello live show is pure run and gun rocket-fire from the hip – a whiskey-addled sonic evolution of blues and folk heritage, deep on improvisation and flow. The studio catalog is more eclectic in its influences but refined in its taste and decor, revealing a covert literary awareness while simultaneously reflecting a focus on craft and musicianship, achieved despite the ragged scene from which it emerges.
Review Fix: What makes this album a special one?
Bartlett:Â All our studio work is special or unique in terms of process and content, but this one is an especially potent sonic stew. It’ll give you some grit to grind your teeth on.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Bartlett:Â We’ll be out there on the road, Â burning across the interstates of asphalt Americana, peddling our tonic of rowdy rockers in surf stereo, blazed in big city lights.
Photo by AJ Ferrer
Leave a Reply