May 29, 2008 issue
Bona Fide California Soul Shakin’ Rock ‘N Roll
Howlin’ Rain Plays Black Cat Burrito June 7
Story by David Brewer
The music of Bay-area band Howlin’ Rain comes pouring out of the speakers like a sonic blast of guitar rock straight from 1971. While the band’s MySpace page comically classifies the band’s sound as healing and easy listening, Howlin’ Rain’s songs quickly demolish any notions that their music is anything but raucous, unhinged classic rock making waves in indie rock circles.
On Saturday, June 7, Howlin’ Rain will pair up with Naked Gods for what promises to be a seriously rowdy double bill at Black Cat Burrito. The show will start at 10:30 p.m.
Formed in 2004, Howlin’ Rain is in its second incarnation following lead guitarist and principal songwriter Ethan Miller’s reformation of the band. While the initial lineup recorded and toured briefly behind the first Howlin’ Rain release, Miller said that the new crop of players, along with veteran partner and bassist Ian Gradek, is the true heart and soul of the band.
While Miller has gained notoriety over the years in avant rock outfit Comets of Fire, Howlin’ Rain relies on his ability to balance his grand rock urges with flights of subtle melodic flourishes and unexpected dynamic shifts.
On the band’s recent Birdman/American Records release, Magnificent Fiend, Miller and the band use the classic guitar-bass-drums-organ underpinning to channel the danceable, yet primal sounds of Big Brother and the Holding Company-era Janis Joplin, an Otis Redding- and Joe Cocker-like vocal abandon and soaring guitar fury that frequently recalls Clapton’s days in Cream.
According to Miller, his songs, which already brim with energy, truly come to life in the live setting.
“[The songs] are a lot more wild and bombastic [live],” said Miller. “I’d say there are a few more levels of sonic savagery. When you’re playing the beer circuit, it’s nice to hit the audience with everything you’ve got. At our level, you need a weapon with which you can battle a talkative crowd.”
While the band is still sweating it out in the club trenches, Howlin’ Rain is slated to make their Bonnaroo debut following their appearance at Black Cat followed by a short European tour. The band also opened a series of shows for rockers Queens of the Stone Age and is preparing for an opening slot on The Black Crowes’ fall tour.
To preview Howlin’ Rain’s music, click to www.myspace.com/howlinrain.
Want To Go?
Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: 10:30 p.m.
Location: Black Cat Burrito
Cost: $6
Community Interest
News & Notes
Events
Arts & Entertainment
