The suitably vampiric surroundings of Camden’s KOKO provides the perfect ambience for a diabolical double header, with Jon Spencer and The Melvins ghosting in for Halloween. Up first, despite being arguably the bigger name in the UK, Spencer is in explosive form. After a brief false start, for which keyboardist Sam Coomes generously assumes responsibility, the band really hits their stride. Powered by the […]
Boss Hog
Like all the best guitarists, Jon Spencer‘s signature sound is instantly recognisable. Whether it be Pussy Galore, Boss Hog, Heavy Trash or the Blues Explosion, the moment a record comes on you know it’s him. There’s an electricity about his music you can practically taste – and it’s no different with his debut solo album – the optimistically titled Spencer Sings The […]
I was lucky enough to catch Suzie Stapleton opening for Boss Hog at the Hackney Oslo earlier this year. Playing for someone else’s audience is never easy but, despite wrestling with some recalcitrant loop pedals, a solo Stapleton secured a great reception. The Sydney-born singer-guitarist won over the crowd with her smoky, rasping voice and full bodied swamp-blues playing style and she’s been […]
I’ve spent quite a long time in the company of Brood X now and it’s my pleasure to tell you it never gets old. Coolly referencing their lengthy hiatus – the album is named after a cicada that resurfaces every 17 years – it’s a record that respects Boss Hog’s history but packs a few surprises as well.
It’s been 17 long years since Boss Hog last had an album to tour, so Friday’s show at Hackney’s Oslo was an event not to be missed. After a subtly beguiling support slot from Aussie songsmith Suzie Stapleton, the tiny above bar venue began filling rapidly in anticipation of one of New York city’s most carnal and provocative cult acts.