Spring in Seattle can be a harsh mistress. We’ve got at least two more months of the sun toying with us, and at least three of dressing for two completely different climates when you leave the house in the morning.
But if we didn't kind of get off on it, we wouldn't live here.
So roll down windows when the sun is on your side and take in some Seattle guitars. But not those Seattle guitars. Sometimes it’s nice to remember there’s plenty more whammy and wailing here than that of the famed big four or Hendrix variety. Here’s 9 from the last 30 years, plus one classic. Some older hotties mixed with some nu-nu for yu-yu.
MONSTERWATCH — “Alright Now"MONSTERWATCH are a newish band in that sweet spot where it's all still gelling. The sound. The look. The timing. Made-for-the-moment Seattle rock that nods to our grungy past, with post punk-inspired rhythm. Their debut The Head, on our own Killroom Records, drops May 9.
Mikey Moo — “Echoes in the Hall”
After years of honing his craft with The Young Evils, Micheal Lee as Mikey Moo is now “radio-ready” in the very best sense of the word. A tasty blend of pop and washed guitar, his latest, Fresh Idiot, is available now on limited edition vinyl.
The Turn-Ons — “Neighborhood Killer”
This song reminds me of the year I spent on their couch listening to the band work this album into existence. In their (around) 6-year run, this band opened for Interpol and The Strokes and gave us producer Erik Blood. And yeah, I put my friends’ songs on this list. Welcome to Seattle, bitch.
Enumclaw — “2002”
Not surprisingly, the Turn-Ons' song (above) came out in 2002. This track from Tacoma (now LA’s) Enumclaw recalls that year’s East Coastie sound vividly—especially where those guitars are concerned. The time signature is all Seattle, however, and the results are a less sleazy, throwback indie rock.
Wild Powwers — “Gorgon”
This earworm of a guitar line from Wild Powwers’s debut record promises to pop into your head mid-shower. Nine years in, the Seattle power trio have melded into a force as ferocious as their Medusa-inspired song title implies. Catch them live if you can.
Harvey Danger — “Flagpole Sitta”
Honestly, I wasn't feeling this back in the day. But shit is heavy now, and maybe it’s the Taco Bell of it all, or that it’s been almost 30 years since Sean Nelson prophetically declared “only stupid people were breeding.” The guitar work goes a lot of places here, and it just sounds like an erratic, chaotic Seattle spring.
The Black Tones — “The Devil and His Grandmother”Eva Walker’s guitar tone seemingly conjures the ghosts of famous Seattle guitar players floating in the ether. Here, on an earlier track with minimal backing, her work shines. You can chart the band’s evolution on their most current full length album, Cobain and Cornbread.
Murder City Devils — “Boom Swagger Boom”
My personal markers that Spring has sprung have nothing to do with groundhogs, sneezy blossoms, or Easter bunnies. It’s officially spring when I wake up craving cold brew, ready to switch to a medium-weight flannel, and blast “Boom Swagger Boom” from the EP that started it all for this now-institutional band.
Seven Year Bitch — “8-Ball Deluxe”
IT WASN'T JUST DUDES! IT WASN'T JUST DUDES! IT WASN'T JUST DUDES!
Thanks for coming to my TED Talk.
Constant Lovers — “Love and Tenderness”
Guitars punctuated by sax? Yes, please. Luxuriate in one long, last track of audio madness. On paper, Constant Lovers shouldn’t make sense. It's hard rock made in the tradition of jazz, four people doing their own thing—together—in their own style. Welps and sax action from the frontman, big Brit-twinged guitars, metal drums, and a bass player on his own groove… but somehow it works. Boy, does it. ??
Ma’Chell Duma can’t stop writing about Seattle, no matter how many times she tries. A long-time critic, she is also the author of Cardi B: Invasion of Privacy for the acclaimed 33 ? book series. Duma believes the demise of humanity started with the comment section. @jelly_bundy
