WAXAPPLES: WAXAPPLES

WAXAPPLES

WAXAPPLES

© 2004 WAXAPPLES (181072000027)

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Rock-n-Roll

notes

In the spring of 2000, OC alt-rock hero Brian Coakley (The Cadillac Tramps/Rule 62) and his wife, Jamie Sims Coakley, formed a band. A few years and countless hours later, they are finally ready to unveil their very own special variety of rock-n-roll, dubbed WAXAPPLES.

"The type of music is definitely rock...only not straight up, but rather with a twist" says Brian about his latest project. "I took what I loved most about rock music; simple song structures, nasty guitar riffs, and a whole hell of a lot of punk rock energy, and mixed it with the possibilities of expression that modern technology affords. The first songs were recorded by myself and my producer at the time, Chris Furhman (Sparklehorse, Brian Eno). I started with drum loops and samples, over-dubbing guitars and bass. I suppose I got a little high with the possibilities, adding in 60's style keyboard parts and a sprinkling of really cool, moody horn lines. When we went to put a band together to try and duplicate what we had recorded, well...it turned out to be a logistical nightmare. There were eight bodies at our first rehearsal. Drums, bass, two guitars, two female back up voices, (one of whom was Jamie) and keyboards. That lasted all of about three weeks, before I realized we had to simplify."

And simplify they have. When you see WAXAPPLES now, you might, at first, mistake them for a ska band, or maybe rock-a-billy without the pompadours and cuffed jeans. However, once they start to play, the band is unmistakably rock-n-roll. Their style is a bit 1950's glamor mixed with a twenty first century edge. The band is a streamlined version of their first incarnation featuring James Grissom on drums, Marcus Irvin on bass, Brian on guitar and lead vocals, Matt Kalin on saxophone and Jamie on additional vocals. "In the beginning, I was doing much more traditional back ups then what I do now." Says Jamie. "I used to sing mostly tag lines, which was fine. But, as the band began to take on it's own character, I found myself singing more and more. Now, I double Brian's lead on more than half our songs. I sing lead on one song, "I", and do traditional back ups on the rest." This approach tempts one to make comparisons to "X" or The Pixies, and the gritty, nasty saxophone riffs, (many written for a second guitar rather than a sax), call to mind the 90's Boston alt-rock band Morphine.

What sets WAXAPPLES apart from the afore mentioned bands however, is their live show. Brian's ability to leap three feet in the air, spin around and still plays his riffs with precision. His gritty, raw vocals, full of emotion. His captivating stage presence. Each offset and yet complimented by Jamie's bomb blast of energy. Her sometimes sultry and smooth, sometimes punky and raw vocals. The saxophone blares and spits at you. The rhythm section pulses, thumps and vibrates seamlessly and although the band is extraordinarily tight, there is an element of danger. You are on the edge, as sweat pours off Brian's cap, as Jamie prods and teases dangerously close to the head stock of his guitar. They jump and rock and belt out the set with an energy, excitement and sense of enjoyment rarely seen, catching the audience up and bringing them along for the ride.

From the first crack of the snare drum, to the final chorus of their set, WAXAPPLES draw you in, shake you up, smack you around and then spit you out. Perhaps you are a bit battered and bruised from the ride, but somehow you feel the better for it. Better for having lived one night a little more fully, for having sampled the raw, fresh rock-n-roll goodness that is WAXAPPLES.

reviews

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  • It was great! Uplifting and fun to listen too. They are also great in concert
    author: Sheri

    It was great! Uplifting and fun to listen too. They are also great in concert. I would reccommend this to others

  • THE best!
    author: Oh yeah

    This CD is the best EVER! I just heard Waxapples opening for another group and I instantly loved Waxapple's music (even more than the group I went to see!). Waxapple's music just gets you going and you want to listen to them forever! Very energetic and fun!!!

  • WOW
    author: dude

    This is a great Rock and Roll sound the dual vocals remind me of X but the sound is huge makes me want to get up and dance. Since getting this CD it has not left the CD player and will remain there for weeks to come. If you haven’t bought it yet what are you waiting for.

  • Rock-n-Roll at it's finest!
    author: SoCal SB

    Most definately one of my top 10 all time favorites. Kept me rockin' from start to finish. Love Love Love this cd!!! An orignal sound and timeless songs...which so many bands are lacking today. There is not one song on this cd that doesn't kick ass.

  • ridiculously rad
    author: dj

    if you're looking for something to rock your socks........this is it!! the energy is amazing, the double lead vocals kick ass and the music is consistent with all that is good from coakley........finally something new and lovely for all of us bored with the hum drum music we've been subjected to for so long now. aaaaand......they are so fine to look at!! :)

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