Narco States (band)
Narco States | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Minneapolis, Minnesota, US |
| Genres | garage rock, punk, psychedelic rock |
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Labels | Piñata Records |
| Members | Nate McGuire – Guitar Aaron Robertson – Organ/Keys/Engineering |
Narco States is a psychedelic/garage rock band from Minneapolis, Minnesota that has created a small but loyal following in the underground 60’s inspired music scene in the U.S. and beyond. They are best revered for their chaotic live shows that feature heavy organ and guitar, pummeling bass and drums, and the hectic, schizophrenic stage presence of their howling frontman.
Currently signed to Minneapolis-based Piñata Records, named “Best Local Record Label” by City Pages in 2015. The band's present line-up formed in the spring of 2016 and has their sophomore Vinyl LP slated for August 2017.
History[edit]
2011—2012: Formation[edit]
Narco States was formed in mid 2011 by Michael Meyer (Vocals, rhythm guitar) and Nate McGuire (Lead Guitar). Both being enthusiasts of 1960’s music and culture, they corresponded with hopes of creating a new, modern sound built from the foundations of the past. They enlisted the help of Jeff Wheeler (bass), Dane Johnson (keyboards), and Eve Brummond (drums). Dane was soon replaced with Aaron Robertson (Farfisa Combo, Vox Jaguar organs) and the group’s sound began to flourish.
They began writing Punk like anthems with the power and simplicity of mid 1960’s bands such as The Pretty Things, The Monks, and The Who.
The band was featured on the Minnesota Public Radio segment ArtHounds[1] in May 2013.
2012—2013: Narco States EP[edit]
The group replaced Eve with Justin DeRusha in 2012 as a fill-in drummer for a televised performance on the local access program TC MUZIQUE. Soon after, the group enlisted a dynamic jazz driven drummer named Steven Read and were quickly signed to Piñata Records releasing their first self-titled EP, "Narco States". Recorded at Minnehaha Recording Company (then known as Houndsteeth Studio) by Tony Williamette. The EP received glowing reviews for it’s raw, animal, garage sound. Coke Machine Glow, online music reviews, was quoted as saying: "[T]his is a serious garage rock band looking to make loud, fun, creepy music that’s also gently controlled and dynamic—something that can’t always be said for their contemporaries.[2]" While the hugely popular alternative radio station 89.3 The Current blogged: "Narco States’ new EP is totally unhinged and a gem for all those Nuggets lovers out there, especially the editions that embraced the dirtier side of things.[3]" The records opening track "Jailbird" was especially popular and continues to get requested at live performances.
Ever striving to expand and explore new sounds Wheeler was replaced with experienced bassist Nick Sampson. His multi noted fury mixed with a low thunderous bass tone pushed the band like never before. It expanded from a Chocolate Watchband/Standells sound to a Jefferson Airplane and even early Black Sabbath doom.
This gained the attention of Sir Gregory Records now located in Asheville, North Carolina and they were asked to contribute an improvised song called "Osgood Slaughters" to volume one of the label's "4 Way Freakout" Split 7" record series.[4]
The group also began to tour at this time. Traversing the Midwest, playing small clubs and bars in cities such as Milwaukee, Sioux Falls and Chicago. However the road lead to some minor infighting and creative differences and the band was once again looking for a drummer. With a large gig at the Tilia Augtoberfest Block Party in Linden Hills, MN. looming they re-enlisted the help of Justin DeRusha.
2014—2015: Wicked Sun[edit]
In 2014, Narco States released their first full-length album, Wicked Sun on Piñata Records.
Recorded by Robertson and DeRusha and mixed by DeRusha the album was enthusiastically well received by fans and reviewers. It features many excellent songs, including the title track "Wicked Sun" which showcases the bands dark, drug soaked existentialism that sometimes boarders on Nihilism, which Psych Insight Music calls "a lush affair with some Jagger-like plaintiff vocals, sharp guitar solos and a funeral organ[5]". A very thoughtful and dark track "The Architect" also sees the bands more sinister side influenced by the architecture of the "Winchester Mystery House" and its pathologically driven owner Sarah Winchester. Then there is the more grinding, surf-rock drenched number "Lost in Time" previously released only as a live track. Overall, RIFT MAGAZINE says "Wicked Sun manifests itself as a beautifully dark and chaotic record that begs to be translated into a live setting. Narco States has proven to have not only a timeless, powerful sound, but the ability to test themselves and push the boundaries of garage rock[6]". The record was later released in conjunction with Sir Gregory Records in late 2016 after all copies of the vinyl had been sold out.
Never a band to slow down, the Narco's geared up for another set of tours and they once again needed a fill-in drummer for the road. They borrowed Violent Shifters/Aloha From Hell drummer Erik Johnson. This lead them to an opening slot for 80's iconic garage revivalists LYRES in Greenbay, Wisconsin.
2016—present: Temples into Tombs[edit]
Upon returning to the Twin Cities, Michael found Minneapolis-based drummer Robb Lauer and asked him to visit for an audition. After successful rehearsals and an excellent debut at Hymie's Record Store Block Party, Robb was admitted full-time into the band. They went on their first tour with the new line up in August 2016 and toured through South Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, and Illinois where they were brought to the attention of Craig Moore of the legendary 1960's band GONN. In Peoria, IL they played at one of GONN's 50'th anniversary reunion shows as well as an in-store performance at Moore's record store Younger Than Yesterday. This was definitely a highlight in the bands career and especially for Meyer who, in an interview with Sioux Falls, SD newspaper ARGUS LEADER conveyed his extreme love and fascination with 60's garage bands. "I grew up pouring over those [bands]," he says. "There were so many of them. I'd just load up the reel to reel, and I'd listen to them all day.[7]"
Narco States continues to play to this day. They have opened for such notable acts as The GROWLERS, STRANGE NAMES, TURBO WOLF (UK), REV. NORB and the ONIONS, MOUNT CARMEL, LYRES, GONN, and DAIKAIJU. They can be seen regularly at venues such as the famous 331 Club, The Hexagon Bar, Day Block Brewing Company, Triple Rock, 7th St Entry, Turf Club, Grumpy's, and The Viking Bar as well as many festivals and events in the Twin Cities and beyond.
Narco States is set to release a new album in August 2017 called "Temples into Tombs" supported by a large tour visiting such cities as Milwaukee, New York City, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Madison and many more.
Musical style[edit]
Narco States has been placed in many genres including surf rock, garage rock, punk, psychedelic, fusion, and even blues. Their songs are heavily organ-driven with crunchy guitar riffs reminiscent of Jorma Kaukonen of Jefferson Airplane. Brutally fast drum fills mixed with a vocal style that ebbs between primal screams and eerie croons create an erratic atmosphere, while the fuzzy, driving bass creates a rich, groovy foundation.
They garner a lot of attention for their wild and loud shows. Meyer is known for his eccentric live performances in which he crawls and rolls on the floor, climbs and walks on the bar in front of fans, sometimes climbs speaker stacks and lighting trusses behind stages. There have been many notorious incidents yet, the band has maintained good standing with clubs and promoters and have paid for all damages occurred.
Certainly 60s and 70s bands are their primary sources of inspiration, including 13th Floor Elevators, Strawberry Alarm Clock, The Monks, Iron Butterfly, Deep Purple, The Animals, The Pretty Things, and MC5 to name a few. The last Narco States album was heavily influenced by drummer Robb's proclivity for jazz and funk fusion, as well as howling and high-flying Hendrix-esque guitar solos from Nate McGuire.
Meyer was quoted in City Pages in 2013 saying:
"Honestly,...I don't think anybody has any kind of expectations. I think I have the expectation more than anyone else. I'm tired of seeing watered-down bands with no excitement for what they're doing, for what they've created. They go out there and they try to look really cool, and that's it. There's no joy in that. I expect a singer to let loose, even if they're off key or they're going to fall off time or fall down. I was really into punk rock as a kid, into Lux Interior before I heard Iggy Pop. It's sort of coming at it in reverse, but when you saw them, the singer and even the whole band put on a show. You want to see excitement.[8]"
In the same article, organist Aaron Robertson said:
"I think a lot of the time when we play a show we don't even know where it's going to go, as far as how we're going to play or how subdued. Our last Hexagon show, it was chaos right until the time we got on stage.[9]"
Members[edit]
Current Members
- Nate McGuire – Guitar
- Aaron Robertson – Organ/Keys/Engineering
- Nick Sampson – Bass
- Mike Meyer – Vocals/Guitar
- Robb Lauer – Drums/Percussion
Former Members[edit]
- Dane Johnson - Keyboard/Sampler
- Eve Brummond - Drums
- Jeff Wheeler - Bass/vocals
- Justin DeRusha - Drums/Engineering
- Steven Read - Drums
- Eric Johnson - Drums
Discography[edit]
Studio Albums
Extended plays
- Narco States EP (Piñata Records, 2013)
Compilations
- Hit Parade Sampler – Cassette, Compilation - (Piñata Records, 2014)
- 4-Way Freakout! Vol.2 - Vinyl, EP, Compilation - (Sir Gregory Records, 2014)
- Pabst Twin Cities presents Live At Hymie's - Vinyl, LP, Compilation – 2016 (Hymie’s Records)
References[edit]
- ↑ Bloom, Molly. "Art Hounds: Justin Busch, Ashley Hunt and Narco States". State of the Arts. Retrieved 2017-05-02.
- ↑ "Narco States: Narco States | Records | Cokemachineglow". Cokemachineglow. Retrieved 2017-05-02.
- ↑ Schober, Jon. "Local Radar: Carroll, On An On and Narco States". Local Current Blog | The Current from Minnesota Public Radio. Retrieved 2017-05-02.
- ↑ "Fuck Knights, Narco States, Mary Allen And The Percolators, The Mystery Train - 4-Way Freakout! (Vol. 2)". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-05-02.
- ↑ "Album Review: Wicked Sun by Narco States". Psych Insight Music. 2015-03-26. Retrieved 2017-05-02.
- ↑ Admin (2015-03-27). "Review – Narco States – Wicked Sun". Riftmagazine.com. Retrieved 2017-05-02.
- ↑ "Garage band appreciates nostalgia of music scene". Argus Leader. Retrieved 2017-05-02.
- ↑ Hoenack, Dave. "Narco States: We're tired of seeing watered-down bands | City Pages". City Pages. Retrieved 2017-05-02.
- ↑ Hoenack, Dave. "Narco States: We're tired of seeing watered-down bands | City Pages". City Pages. Retrieved 2017-05-02.
- ↑ "Review – Narco States – Wicked Sun". Rift Magazine. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
- ↑ "Stream Narco States, Wicked Sun". Impose. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
External links[edit]
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