C.F.A. Unveil Superhero Alter Ego's in the Band's First Comic Book

Continuing along with the mindset that rock n’ roll can still be fun, C.F.A. (Cody Foster Army) and Ripple Music are proud to present:"Cody Foster Army and the Smelter's Curse", a full color, 42 page, independently released comic book chronicling the band's superhero alter ego and their exploits in the City of Destiny.

The book was written and illustrated by Tacoma artist and author, Potter, who has plans for another 2 stories to the series, and possibly even more.

The book is a fun, tongue-in-cheek story of destruction, bravery and overcoming selfishness in an unforgiving world. This comedic sci-fi superhero adventure is light-hearted entertainment the whole family can enjoy whether you have a familiarity of the band or not! 100 Limited Edition signed and hand numbered copies are being made available at select locations, while individual print copies can be ordered through the Indy Planet web site

You can purchase a digital copy for Android & iPad from Indy Planet Digital: Here

Limited Edition, signed and numbered copies will be available through the band or at the following select locations:


Rocket Records
3843 6th Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 756-5186

Poison Apple
907 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, Washington 98402

www.cfa-codyfosterarmy.com

Soon to be available on Kindle and other formats!



RIPPLE MUSIC STORE

www.ripple-music.com

For further promotional information, please contact:

John Rancik
Ripple Music
ripplemusic9@aol.com

MOS GENERATOR Announce New Album Title and Release Date

It’s been five years since the world has heard new material from MOS GENERATOR, and fortunately, that streak is about to end! The brand new MOS GENERATOR full-length album is called Nomads and will be available world-wide on October 23^rd, 2012 through Ripple Music. The nine track album features the heaviness and elegant melody that have become the trademark sounds of the band, but this time lyrically exploring the introspective path of soul salvation.

“Nomads, as a whole, is the literal journey that Mos Generator has made,” states guitarist/singer Tony Reed on the theme behind the new record, “The songs are interpersonal tales about the struggles that we’ve all faced with each other, our personal lives, the making of this record, just getting through life. And, of course, there are some science fiction themes, as well.”

The Port Orchard, Washington rock n’ roll nomads spent almost a year tracking, recording, and mixing the new album until they were happy with the end result, constantly holding the material to the light, never wanting to release anything less than stellar.

“The album had to stand up to the Mos history,” continues Reed, “We’ll never put out something that we feel is inferior, and admittedly, there was a lot of second guessing with some of the material selections and mixes.”

Nomads will be available through Nail/Allegro Distribution in the U.S., Code 7 in the UK, and Clearspot International through continental Europe. Look for MOS GENERATOR to hit the road throughout the Pacific Northwest in late September and then possible more road work later in the year and early 2013.

Track List:

1.       Cosmic Ark
2.       Lonely One Kenobi
3.       Torches
4.       Step Up
5.       Solar Angels
6.       For Your Blood
7.       Can’t Get Where I Belong
8.       Nomads/This Is The Gift Of Nature

Trippy Wicked and the Cosmic Children of the Knight - Going Home

Two and half years on from their monolithic debut and hot on the heels of Superhot Records’ debut release from Stubb, Trippy Wicked hit us with their long awaited sophomore effort. In the interim period these guys have been scaling the heights of the British doom/stoner/sludge scene gaining fans and plaudits aplenty all the way.

As impressive as the debut album, “Moving On” was, I’m glad to say that “Going Home” is a vast improvement in just about every respect. Kicking off with, what for me, is the weakest track of the album, the title track is still a fine piece of rolling heavy rock. Yes heavy rock and not the doomed out dirges that we may have come to expect from the Trippy trio. Christ West’s drumming remains ever impressive as it propels the song forward on a lurching rhythm over which Peter Holland’s guitar and voice soar impressively. Holland’s voice seems to have gained greater depth and power in the years of gigging that allow his vocals to sit in with the music more appropriately. This song is the natural successor to “Sea Shanty” from the debut but just lacking that tune’s sense of whimsy and humour. The addition of Mellotron from Stone axe’s Tony Reed does push the track on to a dramatic and epic conclusion.

Things definitely kick up a gear on “Up The Stakes”, a jerky upbeat number where riff and beats syncopate perfectly. Here Holland shows that he has a real knack for coming up with interesting and inventive vocal melodies while the band as a whole gets their groove on in a way that we’ve not heard them before…and is that a Tony Reed guitar solo I detect in there? Next up the band dip their toes in the doom sound of yore on the intro to “Go Outside” but it’s delivered with a greater sense of swing than the Trippy of two years ago. It doesn’t last, however as the band quickly tear into another electrified mash up of grooves and punky rocking rhythms. The striking thing about the whole album is how the band have pulled their sound together. As opposed to sounding disparate as they did before with the doom songs on one side and the more rocking material on the other, here the tunes in general sound more focussed and energetic with little of the down tempo work that, for me didn’t work quite so well before. The sound now is more fully integrated into a cohesive whole. You can bet your arse when Holland sings the “I don’t want to go outside today” refrain in his best Chris Cornell voice live there won’t be a shortage of voices joining him from the crowd.

One of the album highlights jumps in feet first next. “Ain’t Gonna End Well” is a cheeky supercharged slice of 12 bar rock and roll that harks bark to “Clothes On My Floor” from the debut. This is boogie a la Foghat fed through a 21st Century filter with a truck load of speed for good measure. With a decent video this could be all over Youtube like crabs in a Roman whore house!!! The blues is not far away on the next track either as “I Want Another Drink” comes shimmying in on a slinky acoustic before transforming into a belligerent alcohol fuelled stomper with Holland sounding genuinely dangerous if he’s denied his fix. The additional horns in the mix serve to emphasise the drunken swing of the tune.

Trippy Wicked can always be relied on to hit us with something quirky and here “Hillbilly Moonshine” takes care of that riding on a grinding, inbred motherfucker of a riff and vocals that make liberal mention of “missionary”, “69” and “reverse cowgirl”…I think we know where these boys is coming from here. This is literally cock rock for the 21st Century fed through a straw chewing, dungaree wearing bucktoothed filter. As if it hasn’t become apparent, alcohol is a central theme running through the veins of this album so it comes as no surprise to learn the next track is “Pour Me Another One”. This is as close as Trippy come to straight ahead, classic hard rock with a simple yet deceptively twisted riff and a pulse rate lifting 4/4 beat.

As if Pete Holland’s vocals don’t already bear comparison to classic Soundgarden, the twisted groove of “Change Your Mind” could have sat very comfortably alongside much of the material on “Louder Than Love” with the riff and West’s drumming sounding as though the band have learnt the song from a scratched vinyl copy…clever bastards!!! I have to say, although this is a decent song it doesn’t quite get my blood flowing like the rest of the tracks on offer here, instead sounding a touch languid and lazy compared to some of the other gems the band dig up to share with us. Finally, as if to round the evening of drunken debauchery of we are glad to get “home” as a Mellotron figure, once again courtesy of Tony Reed greets us at our front door and leads us in to safety to fall comatose into bed.

Trippy Wicked have, without a shadow of doubt, upped their game considerably since their debut as this album represents a serious quantum leap in improvement in terms of both song writing skills and overall performance. The album’s production, undertaken by the band themselves, is also a vast improvement on the debut being far brighter and punchier though I could argue that the guitars might benefit from a little less bark and fuzz and a little more clarity to allow the riffs to shine through and the bass could be a little more distinct and up front to prop up the weight of the music. This will definitely be one of the finer albums to emerge from a UK band this year and, while not quite a cast iron classic, it’s certainly a huge step closer to the one they inevitably will create in time.


--Ollie

Stone Axe - Captured Live at Roadburn

If you've been reading any of the stuff I drone on & on about here on Ripple then you know that I'm really, really into live albums. The first thing I ever submitted to the blog here was a review of Grand Funk's Live Album. I've written up rock classics like Tokyo Tapes by Scorpions, Motorhead's No Sleep Til Hammersmith and Iron Maiden's Maiden Japan. James Brown, Otis Redding and Booker T & The MG's concerts have also been drooled all over. So when it was announced that Stone Axe was putting out a live album recorded at last years Roadburn festival in Holland I told the Ripple bosses that I need to get first crack at reviewing it.

The cover of Captured Live! takes inspiration from Grand Funk's overlooked Caught In The Act double live album and the opening instrumental "Stonin'" brings to mind the footstompin music of Grand Funk at their pinnacle. Stone Axe makes great records, but guitarist Tony Reed usually plays most of the instruments. Live, bassist Mike DuPont and drummer Mykey Haslip blaze a full on heavy rock groove like few others can these days. Damn, these guys are tight! Tony's guitar sounds great and he's equally adept at cranking out killer riffs and blazing solos. Frontman Dru Brinkerhoff is in great voice and great spirits and gets the crowd rocking. Good singing', good playin' indeed.

In the 70's it was normal to put out a live album after 3 studio records, but to date Stone Axe has only released 2 full lengths. However, they've done enough singles and EP's that they're not breaking any major rules. The Captured Live! CD contains 14 songs and the vinyl has 9. The vinyl sounds especially great. Double vinyl would be my preference but I know how expensive that shit is to manufacture. The CD sounds killer, too, and will be a hell of a lot easier to play in your car. The all killer no filler set list includes crowd favorites like "On With The Show," "Black Widow" and "We Still Know It's Rock 'N' Roll." Stone Axe show no quarter on the incredible "Skylah Rae" and will have you fogging up your bedroom or van accordingly. There's a reason why most bands don't put out live albums anymore - because they're not that good live. Stone Axe aren't able to do extensive touring so do yourself a favor and pick this up and see what you've been missing.

--Woody

MOS GENERATOR 10th Anniversary Re-Issue Test Pressing to be Auctioned Off for Wounded Warrior Project Charity

Continuing with the company tradition of giving back to the community, Ripple Music will auction an extremely Rare Original Test Pressing of the Mos Generator 10th Anniversary vinyl, with proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). With the mission to honor and empower Wounded Warriors, WWP is the hand extended to encourage warriors as they adjust to their new normal and achieve new triumphs. Offering a variety of programs and services, WWP is equipped to serve warriors with every type of injury – from the physical to the invisible wounds of war.

Only 5 of these test pressings exist, and this is the only one made available to the public.  You can jump into the auction, win a cool heavy rock collectible and benefit the guys who throw their lives on the line every day so that we can have the liberties that we do at the same time. To do so, just visit us at the Ripple Music Ebay Store! The auction will start on Monday, April 23rd and end on Monday, April 30th.

The Mos Generator test press auction is the latest in a growing line of charity auctions that Ripple Music has created.  Previously, rare JPT Scare Band, Stone Axe, and the Heavy Ripples test pressings were auctioned with proceeds going to Gulf Disaster, Japan Tsunami and the Joplin Tornado disaster relief agencies.  With the sacrifices made by the men and women of the U.S. armed forces, Ripple founders John Rancik and Todd Severin thought the time was right to release another rare test pressing from their vault and raise money for a worthwhile effort.

Donations can be made to the charity outside of this auction by visiting www.woundedwarriorproject.org


Press raves about Mos Generator 10th Anniversary Edition:

"Frontman/guitarist Tony Reed continued to assert himself as one of the underrated guitar heroes of the past couple of decades." -- New York Music Daily

"Reed wears his influences on his sleeve not only in terms of what he plays but in the way he engineers his records – every instrument comes through CRYSTAL clear, there are no fancy studio frills or tricks, or the “wall of guitars” effect that is found on so much music deemed ‘heavy’ of late. To be sure, everyone in this band is playing loud and note-perfect through very cool old gear (the cover gives you a handy rundown of what they use!), but it’s the sheer energy and talent that has gone into writing the music that makes this record heavy."  --  The Sleeping Shaman

"Of all the second-wave Sabbath types, these guys were and remain by far the most original, with tricky prog tempos, tunefully sludgy Tony Iommi-style lo-register riffage and a sense of humor to rival their sense of purpose. If metal is your thing and you slept on this stuff when it first came out – and a lot of people did, this was before myspace, let alone youtube – now’s a good time to rediscover them."  --  Lucid Culture

Stone Axe/Mos Generator Main Man Signs Endorsement Deal With Lace Music Products

As the early days of 2012 rolled on by, Tony Reed, guitarist for both the heavy hitting, stoner-fied trio, Mos Generator, and the classic rock preservationists, Stone Axe, signed an endorsement deal with Lace Music Products. The good Mr. Reed now joins the likes of Scott “Wino” Weinrich (St. Vitus/Shrinebuilder), Matt Pike (Sleep/High On Fire), David Sullivan (Red Fang), Scott Kelly (Neurosis/Shrinebuilder), Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple/Rainbow), Eric Clapton, and a host of others who use the California-based companies pick-ups.

When asked what is was that he liked about the Lace pickups, Tony Reed had this to say, "With the Lace Hemi I can get a full range of tones just running direct into my amp. From a brilliant glassy clean to a very thick and aggressive heavy distorted tone and all I want in between."

Follow the link to watch a short video of Tony Reed demonstrating the Lace Hemi pick-up:

Tony Reed/Lace Demo

Tony Reed’s sound can be heard on numerous recorded projects, most recently, the Mos Generator 10th Anniversary Edition LP/CD, Stone Axe II – Deluxe Edition, and Stone Axe: Captured Live! Roadburn Festival 2011. Stone Axe can also be seen on the road through the UK and Europe in April!



www.lacemusic.com

www.ripple-music.com

Ripple Music to Invade Europe for the Festival Season; Trucker Diablo, Grifter, and Stone Axe set to Lay Waste to a Town Near You

Building upon a year that found Ripple Music garnering accolades across the board and album of the year releases by Grifter,Iron Claw, and Trucker Diablo, Ripple is about to invade the European festivals headlong and bring their hard-driving rock attack to the masses.

Following their critically praised Ripple release, The Devil Rhythm, Trucker Diablo have their eyes set firmly on making an impact this year. Having already blown away those in attendance at 2011’s Download Festival then playing sold out shows in UK/Ireland with Black Stone Cherry, the boys will be steaming the big truck headlong into Hammerfest IV to share a stage with Anthrax and Skindred, as well as play with Skindred when the band rocks Belfast. With “Drink Beer, Destroy!” now blasting out across Kerrang T.V. and radio, bigger things are coming. Soon, everyone will know the band that Def Leppard's Joe Elliot has called "absolutely awesome stuff!" Look for Trucker appearing at Hammerfest on March 16th, the day that Anthrax headlines the bill.

Not to be outdone, Plymouth's Grifter plan to follow up on their collection of “Top 10 albums of 2011” awards by taking their fired-up, whiskey rock on the road, dropping into Desertfest (April 6th to 8th) where they share the stage with Orange Goblin, Karma to Burn, and similar-minded retro-rockers, Gentleman’s Pistols. This follows Grifter’s recent UK dates supporting Orange Goblin and will lead them right into the notorious Freak Valley Festival in Netphen, Germany on May 18th/19th with Colour Haze, My Sleeping Karma, Gentlemans Pistols, and Lonely Camel. Look for a new single and more material to come from the UK lads soon.

And while you’re at Desertfest, losing your mind in the psychedelic haze, be sure to catch Ripple stalwarts,Stone Axe. The band will be kicking off the Desert-festivities as Stone Free, playing a free set of Free cover tunes on the opening day of the festival, and following that up with their high-octane, no holds barred rock show that’s quickly becoming legendary. Touring Europe to support their Ripple release Stone Axe II: Deluxe Edition 2 CD package, as well as Stone Axe: Captured Live at Roadburn 2011 CD/LP package, Stone Axe is looking to decimate the countryside with tour mates, Stubb and Trippy Wicked.

All in all, it’s looking like a great year for authentic, hard-driving rock ‘n roll.

Trucker Diablo's The Devil Rhythm, Grifter's self-titled debut, and Stone Axe I and II Deluxe edition CD's are available world-wide through Code 7, Clearspot, and the Ripple-Music store. If you haven't heard these albums yet, let us know. Promo copies are still available and the bands are always available for interview or articles. Just ask.

Heavy Pink - 7"

Normally I'd review a 7" single with a few others but given that it's a new solo project from Stone Axe/Mos Generator main man Tony Reed and released on JJ Koczan's label Maple Forum it warrants a few more words than normal. Also, I haven't bought any other 7" singles lately. I came close to picking up a reissue of Adrenalin O.D.'s "Lets Barbecue" single at Black Gold Records in Brooklyn but opted for a used Enoch Light LP that was a lot cheaper. 10 years ago the prices on those two records would have been the exact opposite.

The first thing I thought of when I heard that Tony was putting a solo single out under the name HeavyPink was of the old Detroit band Frijid Pink and how I need to finally get their first album. The second thing I thought was I needed to get the HeavyPink 7" pronto. JJ was nice enough to deliver a copy of the record when he came to see Cortez and Mighty High at Hank's Saloon in Brooklyn. He put it on the band merch table but I was the only customer. Later that night 3 or 4 people saw me holding the record and were like "what's that? New shit from Tony of Stone Axe? Where'd you get that?" You snooze, you lose but there are still copies left and you should order one.


"Flower and Song" is slow and heavy but not really in the metal realm. There are definite elements from the first King Crimson album but also the pulverizing grind of vintage Celtic Frost. There are also some excellent "Black Sabbath" tolling bells. Not sure if this is totally accurate, but it kind of reminds me if the Swans had a more traditional hard rock approach. Intriguing stuff. Flip the record over for "There Is A Light" and it gets a bit heavier. A killer "Into The Void" style riff sits underneath a chiming "Welcome To The Machine" riff and then makes room for some nice "Hotel California" guitar harmonies. When the vocals come in, they are suitably trippy and chanty. The lyrics "you bring the light…show me the way" probably contain a deeper meaning than asking someone to bring a lighter over when Frampton's on the stereo. The single comes with a download card that contains an extra song called "Long Live The Mellotron." It sounds exactly like you think it does - a mellotron orgy of glorious sound.

Hopefully there's a double album in the works because I'm ready for a lot more of this.

--Woody

sample: http://theobelisk.net/obelisk/2011/11/22/88heavypinkleft/

and don't miss your chance to pick up one of the few remaining copies of the Stone Axe/Mighty High split 7" on Ripple Music

Mos Generator - Deluxe 10th Anniversary S/T Reissue

It was a dark and stormy night.  Inside an ominous castle situated atop the highest suitable perch in the Black Mountains of California a mad scientist was hard at work.  Frantic hammering along with high speed saws could be plainly heard above the angry growls of thunder.  Occasionally blinding light would burst forth from every window of the castle.  A careful observer would have been able to listen in to snippets of the scientist’s crazy ramblings.

“…take away my diplomas and honors, eh?  I’ll show them!”
“…call me crazy.  Me!?!?  After all that I’ve done…”
“…finish building this, my masterwork.  They’ll all have to believe…”
“…going to revolutionize everyone’s thoughts on the subject…”
“Mwahaha!”

Fast forward three months.  Fall was in full effect.  The 2011 California World Fair was scheduled to begin that very night with an elaborate ceremony that would be televised all over the world.  What no one knew was that the mad scientist Penfold planned to hijack the proceedings with the help of a select few hired hands.  After the sun had gone down and a capacity crowd had gathered in the Fair’s primary outdoor plaza the plan was set in motion.  When the Governor of California paused to take a breath following the first sentence of his welcoming speech, pyrotechnics exploded and the enormous black curtain concealing a large stage at the end of the plaza fell to the ground.  Standing in the center of said stage was a man wearing a startlingly white lab coat.  He raised both his arms, his palms pointed skyward, and began speaking into the microphone in front of him.

“Ladies and gentlemen!  Boys and girls!  Thank you for coming to my grand unveiling!  My name is Penfold.  I apologize if I startled any of you with those loud blasts.  I’m a showman at heart I’m afraid.”

“Now wait just a minute,” screamed the Governor from across the plaza.  “I don’t know who you are or what you think you’re doing here, but you have no idea what kind of trouble you’re…”  The Governor’s voice abruptly ceased after Penfold made a quick ‘cut his mike’ gesture to one of his team members.

“Thank you Governor, but your teleprompter reading services are no longer necessary.  Folks, I don’t wish to waste your time so allow me to cut to the chase.   I’m here today to show you my latest invention.”  He held up a small black box and proceeded to press the circular white button in its middle, raising a small podium beside him on stage to the level of his waist.  On top of the podium was an object covered by an opaque sheet.  “People, I ask you.  What is the number one concern of humanity going forward?  I’ll tell you.  It’s energy!  Clean, sustainable energy!  No one has been able to solve this perplexing riddle…until now.  With my new invention, I can harness the power of rock and roll to generate immense amounts of electricity.   Citizens of California, and everyone watching this around the world, I give you…the Mos Generator!”

Penfold quickly withdrew the sheet covering the object on the podium unveiling what appeared to be an old Victor Victrola machine.  The only noticeable difference was a thick cord running out of its back that disappeared through the floor of the stage.

“Judging by the amused looks on some of your faces, I can see that a demonstration is in order.  I completely concur.”  He reached inside of his lab coat and brought out a vinyl record.  “This is the debut album of the band whose name I borrowed for my invention.”  Penfold pulled the record from the sleeve, placed it on the turntable, and lowered the needle.  The music started.  Moments later countless machines whirred to life behind the stage and a wonderland of lights nearly succeeded in turning the night sky into day.  The crowd collectively gasped and gawked.  The mad scientist smiled so widely it nearly tore his face in half.

“Hahaha!  I guess none of you knew that there was a fully functional amusement park behind this stage.  Take a good look folks.  Everything you see is made possible by my Mos Generator.  I invite you to enjoy yourselves with the amusements on offer.  I assure you, I’ll be available to anyone who has a question for me, scientific or otherwise.”

And with that, Penfold walked confidently off the stage.

Waveriders please excuse me for a moment, because I’m going to break one of my cardinal rules.  If you have read any of my previous reviews you might have noticed that when it comes to language I like to keep my writing G rated.  Well…I’m afraid that I can’t contain myself this time.  Holy ****!  The debut album by Mos Generator is so ******* awesome I can hardly ******* stand it!  This thing is so ******* fantastic, it makes every other hard rock album I’m listening to (and I assure you that includes some very good albums right now) it’s *****!  ***** *****!  ******* ****, why did I not know about this album ten years ago when it first came out?  Palm meet forehead repeatedly.

Right, now that I've purged myself of the need to use coarse language let’s get down to business.  Mos Generator is a power trio out of Port Orchard, Washington.  The three titans of rock who make up the band are Tony Reed on guitar/vocals/keyboards, Shawn Johnson on drums, and Scooter Haslip on bass.  Yes that’s right, I said titans of rock and I meant it.  Mos Generator play rock and roll music.  They play hard rock music, the kind of hard rock that is clearly rooted in the 1970s.  That means their songs are built around tremor inducing guitar riffs coupled with a lock step rhythm section that is both backbone and harmonious support structure.  Yes the obvious go-to reference point is Black Sabbath.  That’s unavoidable but honestly, being a huge Sabbath fan myself, I never find myself listening to Mos Generator thinking boy, that sure sounds like that (fill in the blank) Sabbath song.  On reflection, that is one of the biggest compliments I can give this band.  Despite wearing their influences on their collective sleeve they are clearly their own band sonically.

My first actual exposure to Mos Generator came through a Facebook post made by one of my two bosses, Pope JTE, which allowed me to listen to one song from the debut album.  Waveriders, I played that song at moderate volume and I had to question whether or not I had just lived through an earthquake.  Shortly thereafter I heard the song “Sleeping Your Way To The Middle” and I knew I couldn’t live without a copy of this album any longer.  While I realize that all three band members had been making music with other acts before forming Mos Generator the quality level of this, their first album, is stunning!  Top to bottom it is smack you in the face, forehand and backhand good!  The original album is made up of seven songs that clock in at just over thirty minutes.  I know that may not seem like a lot of time but trust me, you won’t be left wanting.  This album is the very definition of ‘all killer, no filler’.  I guarantee that you’ll be hitting the play button again and again in record time.  Oh, and I suppose I should mention the bonus materials.  Yeah, that’s probably a good idea.

With this deluxe reissue not only do you get the bulletproof original album, you also get about two hours of extra music including unreleased studio demos, a half hour rehearsal jam, and all kinds of live tracks.  And waveriders let me tell you something.  Those live tracks, including one full show that saw limited release under the name Live At The Manette, are awe inspiring.  Yes there is plenty of energy in the studio recorded songs, but live Mos Generator sounds like a runaway train that’s about to derail itself!  I can’t imagine anyone attending one of their shows and remaining seated.  Well…unless they lack a pulse or they happen to be deaf.  Truly, when the band gets going it feels like they are performing a high wire routine with no safety net underneath, and it is intoxicating.  I would happily pay for these ‘bonus tracks’ separately no questions asked.  The amount of musical goodness contained within this reissue is positively absurd!

Let’s put a bow on this shall we?  You may have never heard of Mos Generator, or you may be a fan wanting to complete his or her collection.  The bottom line here is this waveriders.  If you are looking for an ultra-high quality 1970s inspired, ridiculously talented, musically inventive band your search has ended.  You know what, scratch that.  If you call yourself a hard rock fan you absolutely must own this album!  Believe it!

--Penfold

Buy Here- http://ripplemusic.bigcartel.com/product/mos-generator-10th-anniversary-deluxe-edition

Mos Generator Showcase Debut Re-Issue Package Live To Packed House

 


November 5th, 2011, Port Orchard, Washington stoner rock legends, Mos Generator, clawed their way to back from the underground to celebrate the release of their ten years of hard rockin’ history! Performing a one-off CD release event at Coog’s Record Store in Port Angeles, WA, Mos Generator scorched through a high energy set jam packed with songs culled from their back catalog, as well a few previews from their upcoming, as-of-yet untitled album set for release in summer of 2012. The highlight of the set, however, was the band’s performance of the recently re-issued debut album in its entirety!

The 10th Anniversary Edition of Mos Generator’s debut album is the first time the album has been pressed on vinyl, and the gatefold package includes a CD with the entire album, a previously unreleased bonus track, and the entire Live at the Manette recordings from 2002. As if that wasn’t enough hard rock for everyone, this deluxe package also includes a download card with exclusive digital material, in all, almost 2 ½ hours of music for a low, low price!

Never one to rest between accomplished goals, Mos Generator mastermind and mad scientist Tony  Reed, is hard at work getting the aforementioned new album recorded in just that perfect way. When asked how this new album compares to past Mos Generator records, Tony stated, “On the surface this new album is lean and straight forward but it is woven with complex lyrical themes and musical emotions. My goal is to retain the Mos sound that we have built over the last ten years with a focus on melody. My lyrics have taken on a more personal outlook as well. Many of them are based themes that most people can relate to.”

For the time being, the 10th Anniversary Edition of the debut will be available in all record stores throughout the UK and Europe on Nov. 21st, and is available now at the Ripple Music Store.

Here’s what the press has to say:

“Listening back to this album I am struck at how fresh this stuff still sounds. The trade mark sound of Grand Funk and Blue Cheer influenced old school hard rock fused with the Seattle grunge sound of the 1990's makes for a very ear friendly vibe. All in all this is great stuff and this reissue belongs in everyone's collection if you have the original versions or not. 4/5"  -  The BCFM Sunday Rockshow

"The songs from the original album are amazing enough on their own. Yes, I could just say these tracks are high caliber groove-laden, 70's inspired stoner rock and all that would be true. However that only scrapes the surface for how good this band really is/was even at this early stage of their career. Mos Generator live are perhaps even more spot on with hitting everything in fine fashion and just channeling their natural smoothness in this performance.”  --  Heavy Metal Time Machine

RIPPLE MUSIC STORE

Also available at CDBaby, Amazon.com, Ebay, and All That Is Heavy.com

Charity Auction of Rare Test Pressing of Heavy Ripples Double 7": Proceeds to Benefit Joplin Tornado Vicitms

 

Continuing with the company tradition of giving back to the community, Ripple Music will auction an extremely rare original test pressing of Heavy Ripples: vol 1, featuring Stone Axe, Sun Gods in Exile, Grifter and Mighty High, with proceeds going to benefit Joplin Tornado Victims.  The auction will take place on eBay at the Ripple store, starting Tuesday, May 31st, and run for 7 days only.

Only 5 of these test pressings exist, and this is the only one made available to the public.  You can jump into the auction, win a cool heavy rock collectible and benefit disaster relief at the Ripple Music Ebay Store.

The Heavy Ripples test press auction is the latest in a growing line of charity auctions that Ripple Music has created.  Previously, rare JPT Scare Band and Stone Axe test pressings were auctioned with proceeds going to Gulf Disaster and Japan Tsunami disaster relief agencies.  With the tragedy that recently unfolded in Joplin, Mo., Ripple founders John Rancik and Todd Severin thought the time was right to release another rare test pressing from their vault and raise money for a worthwhile effort.


Press raves about Heavy Ripples, vol. I:

"Ripple Music is back with a vinyl-only compilation and, as expected, keeps delivering quality products, not only in respect of their musical taste but also concerning the layout and packaging of the double 7" vinyl set. 'Heavy Ripples' is an excellent compilation which offers the possibility to discover some great unknown bands. The packaging is also high-quality because both records are hidden in a tasteful gatefold sleeve which includes a sweet inside illustration painted by Wayne "Braino" Bjerke." - Cosmic Lava

Stone Axe's “Nightwolf” is one of the bad ass of all bad ass songs, reminds me a bit of ZZ Top’s “Tush” mixed with early Judas Priest. Sun Gods in Exile’s  “Over My Broken Bones” and continues the great sound from their 2009 debut. Grifter gets two songs on this release, and both are punchy, upbeat, catchy and Grifter seems to be having a lot of fun.  Mighty High's “Hempophobic” is fast punchy and the guitars are tight with hints of a blues tune in between the bong hitting.This delicious slab of wax  first pressing is limited to 500 copies so don’t hesitate on ordering yours." -- the Soda Shop

"For fans of heavy classic rock and fans in general of unpretentious riffery, it’s a must-have!  Increasingly, Ripple are becoming a force to be reckoned with when it comes to purveying quality (and varied) rock and roll. A cool listen for converted heads and one that might even win over a few new recruits to the cause." -- The Obelisk

www.ripple-music.com

Stone Axe Auctions off Rare Original Test Pressing of Stone Axe I for Japan Disaster Relief

Starting Monday, March 28th, and running for 7 days only, Ripple Music and Stone Axe will auction off the only available test pressing of Ripple Music's release; Stone Axe I Collector's Edition LP.  Proceeds from this auction will go to benefit Hands On Tokyo, a charitable relief effort to aid Japan after their recent disasters.

Only 5 of these test pressings exist, and this is the only one ever to be made available to the public.  You can jump into the auction, win a cool Stone Axe collectible and benefit disaster relief at the Ripple Music Ebay Store.


Also, plan to catch Stone Axe on Tour in Europe and the UK, ending at the world famous Roadburn Festival.

Tour Dates:

8th April -The Wheatsheaf, Oxford (with Stubb, Trippy Wicked, Desert Storm)
9th April- The Unicorn, Camden, London, UK (with Stubb, Trippy Wicked, Grifter)
10th April- The Earl, Sheffield, UK (with Stubb, Trippy Wicked, Groan)
11th April- The Captains Rest, Glasgow (with Stubb, Trippy Wicked, Low Sonic Drift)
12th April- Asylum 2, Birmingham (with Stubb, Trippy Wicked, Alunah)
14th April- The Vortex, Siegen, Germany (with Stubb)
15th April- MTC, Cologne, Germany (with Stubb+more)
16th April- Roadburn Festival, Tilburg, Holland

Stone Axe is the creation of Mos Generator guitarist Tony Reed and The Swinos vocalist Dru Brinkerhoff and should be adorning the shelves of all fans of big time, blues-injected classic rock like Free, Bad Company, and early Moody/Marsden Whitesnake. This is big time, ball bashing, groove-laden, riff mongering blues and roll, directly related to those bands from the past, but streamlined right here into our future.


Press raves about Stone Axe - Stone Axe I."

"In the end a vastly satisfying album, infused with a genuine passion and love of the classic '70's rock. It's like Mr. Wizard dialed the 1970's into his wayback machine, grabbed the best of the lot and dropped it right here into the lap of the two dudes capable of bringing it all back to life, as big and beautiful as it ever was, and revved up for the current day. This is straight on rust and whiskey blues rock and roll, remarkable in it's depth and warmth, brimming with authenticity and moxie. I've seen that the album and some singles are available on vinyl and that would be the absolute best way to savor each texture the guys create here." -- The Ripple Effect

www.stoneaxeband.com
www.ripple-music.com

Chat with Stone Axe Live on Ripple Radio Before they Storm the Shores of Europe and the UK with New Tour and Deluxe CD/DVD Package

Classic rock preservationists Stone Axe have officially announced that they’re hitting the road through the UK, parts of Europe, and wrapping up the tour with a night at the illustrious Roadburn Festival in Tilburg, Holland! And before they hit the road, this is your chance to chat live on the air and in the Ripple chatroom with Stone Axe mainman, Tony Reed.

Tune into Ripple Radio (Live with Tony Reed), sign into the chatroom and chat directly with Tony Reed.  He'll join us on air Wednesday, March 23rd at 8:30pm (PST) and is welcoming the fans to fire off those nagging questions. Hit him with your queries about Stone Axe, Mos Generator, Wino, or any aspect of obscure '70's rock.  Type 'em in the chatroom and have 'em answered on the air. Doesn't get much better than that!

Then, starting on April 8th in Oxford, England and running through April 16th, Stone Axe will embark on their third tour to foreign soil with the aim of converting new ears to their sonic-brand of classic rock.  Better yet, this time they’ll be doing it in support of their first CD/DVD package. Scheduled for release on April 5th and in time for the tour, Stone Axe has put together a Deluxe Edition of their self-titled debut album. The CD portion of the package features eight bonus live tracks, while the DVD portion features more than 70 minutes of videos, interviews, and live footage! Released through Ripple Music, Stone Axe – Expanded Edition CD/DVD pre-order's are now available on the label's web site. www.ripple-music.com

Tour Dates:

8th April -The Wheatsheaf, Oxford (with Stubb, Trippy Wicked, Desert Storm)
9th April- The Unicorn, Camden, London, UK (with Stubb, Trippy Wicked, Grifter)
10th April- The Earl, Sheffield, UK (with Stubb, Trippy Wicked, Groan)
11th April- The Captains Rest, Glasgow (with Stubb, Trippy Wicked, Low Sonic Drift)
12th April- Asylum 2, Birmingham (with Stubb, Trippy Wicked, Alunah)
14th April- The Vortex, Siegen, Germany (with Stubb)
15th April- MTC, Cologne, Germany (with Stubb+more)
16th April- Roadburn Festival, Tilburg, Holland

Stone Axe has also contributed a song to the Heavy Ripples double vinyl 7” compilation that will also feature three other acts that have put their own unique spin on the sounds from a by-gone 70’s era, showing that rock n’ roll hasn’t died, but simply has gotten better! The compilation record will include tracks from the UK blues-based bike rockers Grifter, Brooklyn-based stoner-fied punks Mighty High, and New England’s southern-rock-tinged Sun Gods In Exile (on loan from incomparable Small Stone Records). The record will be officially released on April 19th to a world-wide audience!

Excellent Interview with Tony Reed of Stone Axe from Cosmic Lava

From our good friends at Cosmic Lava, a kick-ass interview with Tony Reed and all things heavy rock!!

Now, the wait is over: STONE AXE will finally be on tour in Europe for the first time in April 2011. Reason enough for me to do another interview with guitarist Tony Reed. Strictly speaking, this is our third virtual conversation, which clearly implicated that I have a strong preference for this U.S. band. This is partly the result of the fact that STONE AXE are masters of their disciplines, which is the blues-based heavy rock of the 1970's. In doing so, they target the legendary British bands from this period and prioritize tradition over innovation, which in this case is not at all a derogatory term. They master their craft to such an degree that makes innovation dispensable. It is obvious that their music comes from the heart and that it's not an idea born from the wish to be rich and famous. Although actually STONE AXE really deserve to earn some more bucks, but that's a different topic. Now it was more important to answer my questionnaire on other subjects. These include, of course, topics such as the upcoming tour, the re-release of the first album via Ripple Music as well as the latest news about Blood From The Sun and Tony's other band, Mos Generator. And anyone who knows him will know he's a huge fan of obscure heavy rock bands from the 70's. Needless to say that it was inevitable, therefore, to lose a couple of words for this purpose.

Next month, STONE AXE will be on tour in Europe for the first time. It's a premiere for the band but not for you, because you've been already here with Mos Generator in 2008. Are you excited about the upcoming tour and about the fact that you have the possibility to return to Europe with your "new" band? 
 
It's always exciting to get out on the road. We've been doing some good roadwork for almost 2 years and I feel like we are ready to take the live show to the UK and Europe. The roots of our music are primarily based on late 60s early 70s British rock bands so it will be great for us just to be here and play music regardless of the attendance of the shows.

I was a little bit surprised at how short the tour is. What is the reason for this? Jobs and/or family?


You hit it exactly Klaus. We'll make the best of the time we do have.

You will also play at the Roadburn Festival. How did that come about? 
 
Our first single and album were released in Europe on Roadburn and we couldn't do the festival last but Walter was kind enough to have us this year. We are very honored to have been asked.

As far as I remember, it was planned first to come over to Europe in 2010. Why did that not happen, or am I wrong? 
 
We were working on a tour with DEXTER JONES' CIRCUS ORCHESTRA but the booking wasn't getting done quick enough and we backed out. Good thing we did because it never happen. I would still like to do some touring with Dexter Jones.

Do you rehearse more frequently before going on tour? 
 
We have a lot of gigs before we leave so we use the gigs as a chance to brush up on the songs we don't play often. We are also adding some songs we have never played.

That's pretty cool. What can people expect from a STONE AXE live show? 
 
We like to move very quickly in the set and we don't use setlists. I just call out the songs I feel will make the set flow good and that I think the crowd might like. You never know what they are going to be like until you get in front of them. We keep it high energy & fun. Always gotta be having a good time.

A few days ago I received the deluxe edition of STONE AXE's first album from Ripple Music. To make it short: It's a superb package and the bonus tracks as well as the DVD are more than just a great bonus. When was the idea born of re-releasing that first album and what was the reason behind your decision? I wonder because the original album has been released only two years ago.
 
I can't remember if it was our label's (Ripple Music) or our idea but it sounded cool to both of us and because 'Stone Axe I' wasn't released in the States. This was a good chance to do so. Ripple also reissued 'Stone Axe I' on LP.

There's one chapter on the DVD titled 'Beat Club' Sessions. As the title suggests the footage looks as if it has been filmed in 1971 at the legendary German Beat Club. Who came up with the idea for that?
 
There is a theater in our town that our friend owns and I knew it would be the perfect place to do something like this. So we brought in the gear and some recording equipment and did the setup, recording and tear down in about 3 hours. I think it turned out great and the performances were good. They were supposed to be in color but the cameras had different settings and in editing we couldn't get the colors to look right between cameras. I wanted it to look like the inside cover of the first URIAH HEEP album. Black & white is great as well.

As much as I dig your studio recordings - the bonus live tracks on the CD clearly show that STONE AXE is born for the stage. Of course, the same applies to the 74-minutes DVD. What's your view on this and what do you prefer, live or studio? 
 
I think I enjoy the studio better. You have so much more control over things in the studio, but, there's nothing like a smokin' live set when it really feels good and everybody is jiving.

It's not the first time that you've worked together with Todd and John of Ripple Music. You were also involved in the official re-release of Poobah's 'Let Me In' album. Due to your interest and love for 1970's heavy rock I wasn't surprised to see your name in the booklet. Please, tell us more about the whole thing and how you get in contact with Poobah and Ripple Music.
 
Todd Severin from Ripple Effect had been reviewing Mos Generator records over the years and been a loyal supporter of the rock cause. When I had talked to Woody from MIGHTY HIGH about doing a split 7", he contact Todd who was just starting the label Ripple Music. Todd and John Rancik decided that we would take a chance on us and that 7" became the first Ripple Music vinyl release. I have since became part of the Ripple 'family'. I do the restoration and most of the mastering for Ripple releases. My first job was restoration and mastering for the Poobah album. That was a lot of fun for me because I got to get my hand (and ears) on these 30+ year old recordings and clean them up. It was good fun for me. Right now I am getting ready to mix the new IRON CLAW album and master the new GRIFTER album.

Excellent news! Speaking of less-known heavy bands from the 1970's, you have a good relationship to some of the ex-members of Necromandus. Last year, I read somewhere that you were working on lost studio recordings and previously unreleased live recordings of Necromandus. What is the actual situation? Are there any plans for a release?
 
I've been on a scavenger hunt for lost Necromandus material. With the help of Buzz Elliot in the UK I have managed to get my hands on some unreleased studio tracks and 4 complete live shows from 1972 with unreleased original songs. I've spent many hours restoring these recordings and the good news is Buzz has found some first generation cassettes of a few of these shows. I would like highlights of these recordings to be released and if everything comes together and sounds good, they will be. To me, Necromandus was the most promising hard rock of the early 1970s. 'Orexis of Death' is a masterpiece and these live recordings show the power of the band live.

You're right, Tony. But back to your band. Why is it that STONE AXE change record labels so often? Is it a special kind of band philosophy? 
 
When we write new material I just offer it to record labels and who ever wants it gets it. I'm pretty set with Ripple Music now but we are given the blessing to lend out songs for singles and compilations and we always have extra songs for things like that.

What is STONE AXE's future? What are your plans when you return from the European tour? 
 
After we get back we are playing Doom In June in Las Vegas and a motorcycle rally in Fort Worth, TX. Then we'll slow down live and I'll start writing for the third STONE AXE album and continue my work on the next MOS GENERATOR, BLOOD OF THE SUN and a country rock album.

It's good that you mention Blood Of The Sun. I was pleased to hear that you are also involved in the upcoming fourth album of Blood Of The Sun. What exactly are you doing? Tell us more about your input.
 
I went down to Texas to set up a studio and record the next album and ended up playing all of the guitars on it. It's coming together to sound like the kind of BOTS album I always wanted to hear. It will have Derek St. Holmes on vocals again.

Finally, I would like to refer very briefly about Mos Generator. Are you planning to record a new album and what are you up to?
 
This year Ripple is re-issueing the long out of print 1st Mos Generator album with bonus stuff on CD and LP and right now we are woring on a new album with no scheduled end date. We are just working on it until we feel it's done. No live shows in the works, just working on songs and recording.

That's all! Thanks for your answers. It always a pleasure to do an interview with you. Hope to see you and STONE AXE next month.
 
www.stoneaxeband.com

Stone Axe Storm the Shores of Europe and UK with New Tour and Deluxe CD/DVD Package

Classic rock preservationists Stone Axe have officially announced that they’re hitting the road through the UK, parts of Europe, and wrapping up the tour with a night at the illustrious Roadburn Festival in Tilburg, Holland! Starting on April 8^th in Oxford, England and running through April 16^th, this will mark the third time that the band has ventured to foreign soil with the aim of converting new ears to their sonic-brand of classic rock, but this time they’ll be doing it in support of their first CD/DVD package.

Scheduled for release on April 5^th and in time for the tour, Stone Axe has put together a Deluxe Edition of their self-titled debut album. The CD portion of the package features eight bonus live tracks, while the DVD portion features more than 70 minutes of videos, interviews, and live footage! Released through Ripple Music, Stone Axe – Expanded Edition CD/DVD will be available for pre-order beginning February 18^st, 2011 on the label's web site. www.ripple-music.com

Tour Dates:

8th April -The Wheatsheaf, Oxford (with Stubb, Trippy Wicked, Desert Storm)
9th April- The Unicorn, Camden, London, UK (with Stubb, Trippy Wicked, Grifter)
10th April- The Earl, Sheffield, UK (with Stubb, Trippy Wicked, Groan)
11th April- The Captains Rest, Glasgow (with Stubb, Trippy Wicked, Low Sonic Drift)
12th April- Asylum 2, Birmingham (with Stubb, Trippy Wicked, Alunah)
14th April- The Vortex, Siegen, Germany (with Stubb)

15th April- MTC, Cologne, Germany (with Stubb+more)
16th April- Roadburn Festival, Tilburg, Holland

Stone Axe has also contributed a song to the Heavy Ripples double vinyl 7” compilation that will also feature three other acts that have put their own unique spin on the sounds from a by-gone 70’s era, showing that rock n’ roll hasn’t died, but simply has gotten better! The compilation record will include tracks from the UK blues-based bike rockers Grifter, Brooklyn-based stoner-fied punks Mighty High, and New England’s southern-rock-tinged Sun Gods In Exile (on loan from incomparable Small Stone Records). The record will be officially released on April 19^th to a world-wide audience!

www.stoneaxeband.com

www.ripple-music.com

Praise Pours in for the Stone Axe/Mighty High split 7" Single

Ok, here's the conundrum.

We got on our hands one of the coolest pieces of split vinyl to come around in ages.  But we're much too shy to write about it ourselves, and we wouldn't want anyone to think we were illegally tooting our own horns on this release.  But we wanna spread the word.

So what we decided to do, was let others tell the story of how killer this split is.  So let's go--

Stone Axe/Mighty High Split 7"

"Impossible not to crack an illegal smile when you hear this.  Stone Axe are one of the best retro-metal acts around.  Kiss might've sounded this good if they'd learned to play their instruments.  There's no one better than Mighty High at making fun of wretched metal excess.  It's priceless."  -- Lucid Culture

"Stone Axe is pure old-school metal played with a power that is sadly rare these days.  Will leave you lusting for more if an ounce of rock and roll spirit throbs in your veins. Mighty High kick off a stoned punk squall that sounds like Queens of the Stone Age playing Rancid Covers.  Both tracks are well worth your time and money and it’s hard to imagine rock fans not wanting to track down at least one of the albums by these fantastic bands. Either way, with two bands of this quality on one release this is something of a must-have."-- Sonic Abuse

"Newcomers Ripple Music managed to get two highly explosive bands onto a 7".   Stone Axe's "Metal Damage" has me thinking of pre-Stained class Judas Priest, the kind of mid-1970's metal where band's took their time and built up the sound with a steady boil of activity. Mighty High's "Don't panic, It's Organic" is even better. The main riff is huge and dripping with 1970's fuzzed out goodness. This is the perfect tune for playing about two minutes after 5:00 on a Friday. Both bands deliver the goods on this album." -- Metal Mark, Heavy Metal Time Machine

"Ripple Music have a gem on their hands. An awesome set of tunes. Stone Axe delivers the goods once again.“Metal Damage” is a throw back to classic Judas Priest from the later 70′s to early 80′s. The best duo around to preserving music from the 70′s. Mighty High really rock with their contribution “Don’t Panic, It’s Organic,”a fast paced, almost punk-like rock song. Get yours today." -- The Soda Shop


Produced in amazingly limited supplies.  The only way to get this is to catch Stone Axe or Mighy High on tour, or get your copy at www.ripple-music.com

Ripple Music Announces a Killer New Split 7" with Stone Axe and Mighty High - Released as a Tour Single for the Saint Vitus/Stone Axe Tour

We couldn't be more excited about this.  In fact, we're so thrilled, we're giddy.  Like kids in a candyshop.

Ripple Music is proud to announce that last week we sent in the art and fully-mastered tracks for a killer new 7" split vinyl single featuring the masters of retro-70's rock, Stone Axe and stoner cretins Mighty High.  The single should be ready for your consumption mid-June.

Featuring some mindboggling, fold-out, Mighty High inspired artwork, this 7" is sure to leave em stunned.  Stone Axe contributes a monster rock burner, "Metal Damage," featuring Tony Reed's blistering guitar attack and staggering vocals from Dru  Brinkerhoff.  Mirroring 1978-1980-era Judas Priest, this song is everything that Classic Rock Magazine has been raving about when they declared Stone Axe to ". . . conjure a guttural, soulful hard-rock cauldron. "

Mighty High contributes "Don't Panic It's Organic" with a blistering high energy feel that sounds Rose Tattoo in bed with MC5.  Quite possibly the best thing to come from Mighty High yet.

The split will be extremely rare, limited to 500 and each one hand numbered.  Stone Axe will have some for their West Coast Tour this summer with Saint Vitus and Mighty High will be displaying some at their gigs as well.  The rest can only be bought here, at Ripple Music.  Don't miss out.

Go to www.ripple-music.com for more details.

Here's the Saint Vitus/Stone Axe Tour Schedule

6/25 - EL CORAZON - Seattle
6/26 - SATYRICON - Portland
6/27 - DNA LOUNGE - San Francisco
6/28 - ORIGAMI VINYL -Los Angeles(no Vitus)
6/29 - VIPER ROOM - Los Angeles
6/30 - THE CASBAH - San Diego
7/01 - WASTED SPACE @ HARD ROCK HOTEL - Las Vegas
7/02 - THE ZEPHYR - Reno(no Vitus)
7/03 - THE ALIBI - Arcata(no Vitus)

A Sunday Conversation with Stone Axe

It's official. Here at the Ripple Effect we are head-first members of the Tony Reed for Emperor of the World Fan Club. Seriously, first his 70's stoner creation Mos Generator blew us for a beer bash keg party earful. Now comes his latest creation Stone Axe and their dead on perfect blend of rootsy blues rock and roll. You won't have to go looking to hard to find it here, it'll be right there . . . on our Best of the Year List. So, it was with great pleasure that we were graced once again by the main Reed-man, this time to talk about the incredible cutting hardness of Stone Axe.

When I was a kid, growing up in a house with Cat Stevens, Neil Diamond, and Simon and Garfunkle, the first time I ever heard Kiss's "Detroit Rock City," it was a moment of musical epiphany. It was just so vicious, aggressive and mean. It changed the way I listened to music. I've had a few minor epiphany's since then, when you come across a band that just brings something new and revolutionary to your ears. What have been your musical epiphany moments?

When I did a "Sunday Conversation" interview for Mos Generator last year i answered this question with a story about my musical upbringing and the music that was played around the house as a child(from ten years after, Sabbath, Moody Blues to Kenny Rogers & Charley Pride) and the the impact that KISS had on me at 9 years old. After KISS I got heavy into RUSH and really started to collect records, which were difficult to get growing up in Joyce, Washington. Then, in 1981 I saw Heavy Metal on showtime and the scene with Black Sabbath mob rules turned my musical world in a whole new direction. a few months later I heard run to the hills on local rock radio and my heavy metal fate was sealed.

Talk to us about the song-writing process for you. What comes first, the idea? A riff? The lyrics? How does it all fall into place?

In Stone Axe I write and record all of the music and Dru takes the songs home, writes the lyrics and melody, then comes in and records them. we never play the songs together until after they are recorded.


Where do you look for continuing inspiration? New ideas, new motivation?

The past. We are not trying to reinvent anything. we are using the massive canvas of the 1970's to create music that we love.



Genre's are so misleading and such a way to pigeonhole bands. Without resorting to labels, how would you describe your music?

I would have to say that we are a straight up rock band. of course, when we describe ourselves we have to say "seventies" style rock band, and then name a few bands we obviously sound like.



What is you musical intention? What are you trying to express or get your audience to feel?

We want people to feel the way we feel when we listen to our favorite songs. music is very powerful. we are striving for a glimpse of what it was like to write music 35 or 40 years ago.



In songwriting, how do you bring the song together? What do you look for in terms of complexity? Simplicity? Time changes?

It all depends on what style the song is. so for, the Stone Axe songs have been very simplistic. the simplicity is what drawing a lot of people to it. I think arrangements will become more complex when we start to bring the live band into the writing process.



The business of music is a brutal place. Changes in technology have made it easier than ever for bands to get their music out, but harder than ever to make a living? What are your plans to move the band forward? How do you stay motivated in this brutal business?

Our plans are to work as hard as we can. Touring and putting out records. I would like to do 2 albums a year. I am confident that if I can come up with material there are labels willing to put out the music. Especially if they know we will work hard to promote the album.


Come on, share with us a couple of your great, Spinal Tap, rock and roll moments?

We've only been together for 6 months. as of now, nothing weird has happened to us. Maybe we'll get a tap moment on this upcoming tour.


What makes a great song?

Everybody has a different answer for that. Of course, I am into the riff, but I also like a great chorus.



Tell us about the first song you ever wrote?

It was called "island of the phoenix". It sounded like "the eagle has landed" by Saxon.


What piece of your music are particularly proud of?

In Mos Generator we did a concept album called "the late great planet earth". It was basically a 45 minute song with 12 movements. It was a very taxing process to write and record it but in the end it turned out very dark, powerful & moving.


Who today, writes great songs? Why?

Of course i am into bands that write in a retro style and are sonically true to that time period as well. Bigelf are one of my favorite bands playing these days. (ours too!) Also Dexter Lones Circus Orchestra, Blood of the Sun and Pearls & Brass.

Vinyl, CD, or digital? What's your format of choice?

I like them all, hey all serve a purpose. We use all formats to sell our music. Hell, we even have 8 tracks.


We, at the Ripple Effect, are constantly looking for new music. When we come to your town, what's the best record store to lose ourselves in?

Goodwill

Buy the new album here:  Stone Axe