The Fumes Are Finally Smokin’ With Long-Awaited New Release

Fans of the local punk unit the Fumes have been impatiently waiting for a new full-length album for well over a year.

Sure, the raucous four-song, 7-inch, “Spine Tingling Excitement” and an unreleased song on the “Lie Lack City” compilation provided enough thrilling moments to hold people over for a while.

But we want a new record and we want it now, darn it!

Tonight, the wait will finally be over.

The Fumes, purveyors of raucous, blue-collar guitarama, will have shiny new LP and CD copies of their second full-length release, “Self-Appointed Guardian of the Machine,” at their record-release party at Ichabod’s North.

Once you slip this muscular album onto your turntable, you’ll say, “Man, this was worth the wait.”

For once, the Fumes have managed to record an album they’ve always seemed capable of.

On each of the 13 action-packed blasts, the Fumes cruise down the rock’n’roll speedway at lethal speeds, often rapping themselves around a few telephone poles along the way. It’s quite fitting that “Self-Appointed’s” artwork features old photos of gruesome car wrecks.

If there’s one band that could both break your ribs and make you feel tough at the same time, it’s the Fumes.

What’s also evident about “Self-Appointed” is that it appeals to any rock fan who likes a little caffeine and motor oil in the mix. Yes, they’re that good.

Dee Farmin, the band’s flamboyant singer-guitarist, is also pleased with the results on the LP.

“I actually sing,” says Farmin with a sarcastic tone. “And I play the guitar well.”

Come on, you can do better than that.

“It’s true; I’m telling you the truth.

“It was also nice because we finally recorded a full-length album with one drummer the whole time.”

This is true.

Three different drummers have played on the foursome’s last several projects. Two of them, Gus Trap and Lee Berryman, provided the snappy backbone on the Fumes’ debut album, “Knock Out the Axis.” Jason Williams, who replaced Berryman until Williams was given the boot, played drums on “Spine Tingling Excitement.”

On “Self-Appointed,” Trap, who had quit the band when it was putting together “Knock Out the Axis,” has resumed his post as the hyperactive piston that propels the combo’s gas-guzzling-muscle-car rock. And the band couldn’t be happier.

What’s funny about the Fumes is that it used to be the sloppiest group of musicians in town. An off night was always expected. But, judging by its last handful of releases, especially this album, you’d never know it. The veteran quartet is as solid as a brick wall and the musicianship is quite daring.

“Just call us a roundhouse kick to the jaw,” mocks Farmin, referring to an article I wrote two years ago. “Or a spinning back-fist from Jackie Chan.”

Ultimately, the fans will be the ones to decide if the Fumes cut it on this record.

And the Fumes will learn the verdict when it road tests “SelfAppointed’s” songs in April. The band will be off for a 22-day trek, with stops in Denver, Austin, Houston, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francico and several other places.

For the first half of the tour it will have eMpTy Records labelmates the Motards along. The Motards, from Austin, played the prestigious South-by-SouthWest music seminar is Austin just last weekend.

Music starts at 9:30 p.m. The Flies open. Cover’s $4.

Elsewhere in the night

Saturday, Ichabod’s North has Buddha Leadbelly, the Plants and Philo Beddo on stage. Buddha Leadbelly will release its debut album, “Providence’,’ next month.

Music at 9:30 p.m. Cover’s $3.

Hobart’s Jazz Lounge at Cavanaugh’s Fourth Avenue has planned a banner concert for tonight and Saturday.

The Kelly Roberty Quartet, featuring guitarist Craig Hall, plays the jazz club from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The cover is $5 both nights.

The quartet has backed such noteworthy talents as Sonny Fortune, Freddie Hubbard, Nat Adderly, James Moody and many others.

Tickets are on sale for blues guitarist phenomenon Tab Benoit at Bolo’s on March 31 for $12.50. Tickets are available at Bolo’s. It’s $15 at the door. You can charge by phone by calling 891-8995.

Benoit hails from Houma, La., and records for the cutting-edge independent, Justice Records (Willie Nelson’s label). His new album is titled “Nice and Warm.”

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: NIGHTWATCH PICKS TONIGHT: The Fumes and the Flies at Ichabod’s North; High Lonesome at The Met; Kelly Roberty Quartet at Hobart’s Jazz Lounge SATURDAY: Kelly Roberty Quartet at Hobart’s Jazz Lounge THURSDAY: Hapless and the Cunninghams at Ichabod’s North