Flashback Friday: Vampire Hands (Reunion show Saturday for Modern Radio Sweet 16 party!)
The prime Vampire Hands lineup, featuring Alex Rose, Chris Bierden, Chris Rose and Colin Johnson, will forever be on my lists of the ones that “got away.” Their records still make frequent trips to my turntable, and it perplexes me to no end trying to figure out how they didn’t conquer the world. “No Fun,” from their Me and You Cherry Red LP on Modern Radio Record Label (and a few other releases), is one of my favorite song from our scene in the last decade, and a psyched-out pop ditty that showcases their shaman rhythms and colorful melodies at its pinnacle. It is my favorite and a song with endless appeal to me, but its quality isn’t an anomaly from their larger body of work.
They practiced a strutting, glittering amalgamation of scorched-earth garage sound that felt both intricate and lean. You can dive into any of their releases (some songs are featured across different records) and find gems that showcase why they should have gotten even more love then they did. The band did national tours with “buzz” bands a couple times, but never got the top slot themselves that they so richly deserved. If you want a deeper dive, check out coverage of the group on Reviler HERE and from our previous site Culture Bully HERE.
The four piece lineup will play a set Saturday night as part of the Modern Radio Sweet 16 bash that runs Friday (Sicbay reunion show preview) and Saturday night. Joining VH will be a great lineup Hollow Boys, Chambermaids and Oaks. $10. Turf Club. Let’s do This.
If you missed Vampire Hands, and want to join the party, check out some of the amazing material via the Youtube playlists below.
Check out the Hannah and the Mansions LP
Check out the Me and You Cherry Red/Cuz it’s a Beach Funeral
Check out Virgin Dust American Lips
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