Garage-Rocking Makers Hold Record Release At Ichabod’s North
The dapper young lads from “felony flats” are up to no good again. That’s right, the Makers are back with a third, eponymous album. The low-fi garage rockers play a record-release party at Ichabod’s North tonight.
With the group’s latest 16-song pillage, available on LP and CD, the Makers celebrate their 17th release in just over two years. Without a doubt, they’re the most prolific band around.
“The Makers” was recorded in September by noted rock musician-producer Tim Kerr at Seattle’s Egg Studio. With Kerr at the helm, it’s obvious the Makers are finally settling into their own sound.
The reason is simple: Kerr is an alumni of low-fi garage rumblers Poison 13, the Monkeywrench and Jack O’Fire. He eats, drinks and breathes the genre - and knows how to capture the raw, unbridled essence of Spokane’s finest.
The songs are better, distinctive and all have a personality of their own. They don’t just blend into one another - a common problem on the past two albums.
“It’s just easy because he thinks like we do,” said nasally roaring vocalist Mike Maker. “He likes the same kind of music.”
“He actually listens to that kind of music and plays that kind of music,” explained drummer Jay Maker.
This year is likely to be as busy as the previous two for the Makers. Not only will they spend a significant amount of time on U.S. highways promoting their new album and EPs, “Shout On” and “Music To Suffer By,” but the Makers - rounded out by bassist Don Maker and new guitarist Jamie Maker - will re-enter the studio for a couple of projects. And they’ll appear in a film.
The studio projects include laying down tracks for their fourth LP in May and backing garage pop singer April March in L.A. in February.
March will be recording a 10-song EP, “April March Sings the Songs of the Makers.” It will either be released domestically on an independent label or in Europe, where March is on a major label.
The question is: Why is March, who obviously doesn’t possess a nasty bone in her body, recording Makers songs?
“She wants to get some street credibility,” joked Vic Mostly, the band’s manager and honorary fifth member. “It’s going to be all Makers songs - Michael’s words and everything - and her singing it.”
In May, the Makers head to Memphis to appear in a film called “Sore Losers.” The movie will cast garage rockers like Blacktop, Guitar Wolf and ‘68 Comeback. It will be based on the Makers and star Mike Maker.
Fatty Lumpkin and 666 Slut open tonight’s show. Music starts at 9:30. Cover is $4; bring ID.
Elsewhere in the night
If you’ve been to the Mars Hotel in recent months, you know there’s been a lot of hype about its new nightclub, Ugly Rumours. The recently opened night haven lives up to the hype.
We stopped by Ugly Rumours Friday, when it was packed to capacity for the Classic Rock All Stars show.
First, the atmosphere: There’s none cooler than Ugly Rumours. The combination of trees and rock sculptures (built by a Hollywood firm which does the same thing for movie sets and zoos), along with vintage concert and sci-fi movie posters is aesthetically pleasing.
The sound system is excellent. Because the walls were designed with acoustics in mind, you can distinguish every instrument, from high-hat cymbal to bass guitar, even at high decibels. And since the stage is elevated about seven feet above the floor, there’s not a bad seat in the club.
Even with a full house, cigarette smoke doesn’t appear to be too intrusive.
My only complaint concerns the waitresses’ Playboy bunny-type costumes. They are sexist and behind the times.
The Winter Trips Festival happens at the Cotton Club in Hayden tonight and Saturday. Four blues bands - Electric Bossman, Laffin’ Bones, Too Hug and the Rum Runners - will be on stage both nights. There’s an open jam Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. Call (208) 762-9912 for show details and cover charges.
, DataTimes