The Clams are a rock and roll group from Chicago.  Their tones are fat and their vibrations rattle one’s bowels.  They are also a group of clean cut, well spoken young men.  I recently sat down and interviewed them via my laptop computer (I’m not too great with the talking to people thing) as we talked shop, grocery, and cleared up all of those false definitions of Mindbanging (In retrospect I suppose my assumption that it was like fingerbanging except with telekinetic powers was probably a bit far fetched).  Afterward they gave Sock Monkey Sound an exclusive first listen to two demos of songs from their upcoming album.

The Clams used to have 3 members and now they have 4. When and how was this addition made? Why is also probably a pertinent question.

Brett: This actually isn’t the first time we’ve had 4 in the band.  When we first started jamming our friend Jim Cooper played guitar and sang with us, but left before we played our first show.  Then Joe Pruitt (Son of Rams) joined in on organ and guitar and stuck around for the first few shows.  The recent addition of Nigel came about for two reasons: 1) Neither Peter or myself wanted to play bass anymore, and 2) I caught a virus that paralyzed my left vocal cord and couldn’t sing for a long time, and wasn’t sure if I’d even be able to again.  Two part harmonies are a crucial part of the Clams sound.

The Clams jam

Pete:Harmonies are definitely essential and adding a full-time bassist seemed to be a necessary addition.  More generally speaking, we’ve always approached things with an open mind.  Adrian, Brett, and I are the original lineup of the formal band and serve as the core.  Some members have come and gone, the sounds have changed, perspective changes.  I wouldn’t be surprised if The Clams added members if we looked to take things in a different direction in the future.

Nigel: I’ve known the Clams and been a fan for years.  The guys in Abbott Smile really look up to the Clams as like cool older brother types, so I felt honored when I got the call up.  Basically Peter just asked me to play a show with them and I said yes.  At one of our rehearsals they showed up with a new bass cab for my amp and that pretty much solidified me as a member, although I’m still expecting some sort of hazing or initiation rite. Word to the wise, if you want someone to join your band, invite them to a rehearsal and give them new gear.

Adrian: After we became a three-piece things really gelled, and for whatever reason we attributed this to not having a dedicated bass player. For a while there we got kind of metaphysical and began questioning even the basic need for basses. We would always be recommending that other bands get rid of their bass players… probably pissed-off a lot of people. We were so young, so foolish. Having Nigel in the band is awesome.

Various members of The Clams have been seen using the Electro Harmonix Big Muff Pi fuzz pedal; always the black box. Why use the Russian model instead of the American?

Brett: Yeah, Peter and I always used the Russian Big Muffs along with Pro Co Rats.  They’re a little smoother sounding and have better bass response than the American version.  I’ve actually started using an American version just to switch things up I guess.  It’s more of a proper fuzz pedal – nice and gnarly sounding.  Nigel is currently using my Russian Muff with his bass.

Pete: Russians are cheaper.

Adrian: Peter’s just into all things Russian.

Members of The Clams have a reputation for being foodies. What do you think is the importance of eating good food? What’s your favorite restaurant as of today?

Brett: You gotta feed the body and the soul.  Only good food can do both.  We also get together with friends and cook fairly often.  It’s just a nice thing to do communally.

Pete: We get really hungry sometimes.

Nigel:  I’m embarrassingly not much of a foodie, although I’ve been perfecting the fine art of making risotto.

Adrian: It’s all about the process, and the communal aspect of cooking and hanging out with friends. Well, mostly – the actual eating is great, too. The Clams do have a long history of elaborate cooking running alongside band activities. Once, while recording, we had a pot of poultry stock simmering for most of a day, then took a break from recording to make duck a l’orange for dinner. We’re nerds.

Brett: The Publican

Adrian: Lula Cafe

Pete: Beef-a-roo

Nigel: Steak and Egger

The Clams are loud, and the Clams are heavy. What are some other adjectives that could be used to describe The Clams?

Brett: Punctual.

Adrian: Flexible.

Peter: Non-portable.

By my count, the Clams have self released two EPs. When can we expect new music?

Brett: The plan was to release a split 7” with Chicago band Woo-Man and the Banana, but they broke up unexpectedly which is a huge bummer.  We did record the songs that were supposed to be for that release, so it’s just a matter of what to do with them at this point.  Also, we have a new record planned out that we hope to record in the fall.  It’s kind of a psychedelic western epic.

Adrian: In addition to the new stuff Brett mentioned, we also have a growing handful of tunes that are often heard at our live sets, but have never been recorded. In particular, there’s one about our friend and one-time member Jim that needs to be recorded. It’s about how the ladies really dug this beard he had once.

What can one expect from a typical Clams set?

Peter: Fog.

Brett: Nausea.

Adrian: Equipment failure.

Nigel: Sweat and blood.

Tell us about your writing process.

Brett: Usually Peter or I come up with a chord progression or a riff and we try it out at practice with everyone else and let things take shape.  Vocal melody and lyrics typically come later.  Lately, I’ve also been getting into the habit of demoing songs and ideas for songs just to have a reference on hand when thinking about things I’d like to change.

Pete: Idea demos have been working well of late.  Music always comes first, the lyrics sort themselves out. Usually themes are driven by the band’s collective current interests in other media: books, movies, music, wikipedia, etc.

Adrian: Lately, some songs have grown organically out of group practices. Though unfortunately we’ve had a few songs that have arisen like this, but can’t seem to be remembered/recreated by the next practice. Also, in terms of lyrics: the recent process has been pretty group-oriented. Sort of a “hang out together, pass the notebook around, everyone contributes a verse” sort of thing.

What exactly is Mindbanging?

Brett: It’s a term that Peter coined to mean head banging in your mind.  We were in the car one time and some raucous song (I don’t remember what specifically) came on and exclaimed that it was mind banging.

Pete: Yeah, some sort of cerebral freak-out.  I think a motorcycle may have been involved?  One that was in time with the song, maybe?  We also think the ambiguity is funny.

Adrian: Couldn’t be more literal – it’s headbanging for your mind. Though several people have mistakenly assumed there’s a sexual meaning there…

What do you think of Gastr Del Sol?

Adrian: Their cover of “Close to You” is mindbanging. Did they cover that?

That was Jim O’Rourke on his own but it’s ridiculously mindbanging.

Pete: Eureka was on repeat for several months back when Brett and I lived together in the pre-Clam era.  The poster included in the LP version is referenced lyrically in the first official Clams song, “Two and Two Makes Three.”

Nigel: Not the biggest fan although I love some of Jim O’Rourke’s solo stuff, especially Eureka and Insignificance–also some of the Loose Fur stuff.  Also, Jim is one of my favorite modern producers/recordists.

It seems like the members of The Clams probably spent a lot of time playing guitar in their bedrooms in high school. Is that a fair assessment?

Brett: Definitely.  I kind of honed my skills playing along to Led Zeppelin records and other things of that nature.  But I think Peter was too busy singing with the Moses Hogan Gospel Choir and taking solos at Carnegie Hall.

Pete: Practice, practice, practice…

Nigel: Totally, although I spent just as much time playing in a band or playing in the basement with my brother on drums.  I come from a musical family so it wasn’t considered weird or antisocial to spend a perfect summer day in the basement with a four track and my guitar.  I love being in bands more than playing alone or making home recordings though, even though bands can be time-consuming or stressful.  I get nervous and depressed when I don’t play music with other people for too long.

Adrian: Nigel! I did the basement thing too, and the brother on drums.

The Clams’ Myspace.com page mentions an affinity for Fender Bassman amplifiers and I’m pretty sure you frequently use them on stage. What is the root of this choice? Additionally, how do you have so much awesome gear?

Brett: I used to be in a band called the Sleeptights and when we went from a 4 piece to a 3 piece I took over on bass. I wanted a bass amp with a little bit of grit that I could also use for guitar so the Bassman 100 seemed like a good choice. They’re also really affordable, especially the silverface models.  Joe Pruitt who played guitar in the Sleeptights had a 1966 Bassman head which he later sold to Peter. Nigel just happened to also have a Bassman 70. They’re great amps. They have a big, deep, growly sound that works nicely for the Clams. As far as our awesome gear, I guess for me personally, I’ve been playing guitar since I was 11 and have just accumulated some sweet stuff over the years.

Pete: I definitely kinda fell into mine when Joe started selling his stuff before moving. I’ve always thought they’re pretty affordable as far as radass vintage gear goes. And, we’re rich assholes.

Who is your favorite drummer ever? I’m expecting answers from all members of The Clams.

Brett: It’s got to be John Bonham. Who else?  I think Jim DeRogotis once likened his playing to “a ballet dancer with cinderblocks for shoes.” That rules.

Pete: Keith Moon.

Adrian: Maybe Om-era Chris Hakius… but John Bonham wins out in the long run. And possibly, Gene Hoglan as a wildcard.

Nigel: Either Mitch Mitchell or Greg Saunier, who I think is the mystical love child of Mitch Mitchell and Keith Moon.

What are your plans for the near future? The further future?

Brett: We want to record this new record, and plan a tour shortly after it’s release.  Other than that, I just want to keep writing new songs and playing shows around town.

Adrian: What Brett said, but we’re also planning more hot tub parties at his parents’ house. And I’m buying a gong ASAP.

Pete: Record the latest stuff and do a little touring. Keep on writing and playing.  Other than that, opening for Boris at Kitchen Stadium.

The Clams: Empress Tree/Age of the Gun

The Clams: Get the Rope

You can find more info and songs and whatever else you might want at www.myspace.com/theclamsjam or www.facebook.com/pages/The-Clams/308586241686

Download both EPs by The Clams for free at http://theclams.bandcamp.com/

Sock Monkey Sound

Son of Rams – Power Up!!

So, how you been lately?

I’ve been feeling strong and looking masculine. I attribute that too the Gowanus Superfund sludge removal.

How did you make the decision to move from one cultural metropolis to the other? How hard is it to compare the music, art, and culture scenes of these two titans of imagination and ingenuity?

My girlfriend decided to attend grad school in Brooklyn so I followed her out here from Chicago 2 years ago this fall. It was an easy decision because I really didn’t have a lot happening for me in Illinois.

My experience in Chicago was great in some ways but I never really felt like I was part of the arts community and that makes it hard to compare. But I will say that I when I go to see something here I expect it to be pretty good and that wasn’t necessarily the case before.

So you haven’t seen been back in a while to see White Moose?

Well the last show I caught was Brett’s last one. I thought they ruled. If they are playing when I’m in town at the end July I am gonna be very excited.

I was at that show I took photos and everything. Why didn’t we meet in person then?

Don’t know? What do you look like?

What I look like is not important unless you like chiseled granite. Back to you man. Brett’s an awesome guitarist and everyone should check out his current band The Clams.

I was actually a member of the clams for the first few shows!

That’s cool, Chris, Spencer, and Brett actually played on the Son of Rams record. What was it like working with those guys?

On the record Chris played drums on a song called “this wisdom” and Spencer helped with the recording tech stuff and provided the glamour. We worked on another song but the tambourine was too wild to use it. I take full responsibility.

A few of the songs were written with Brett when we were in a group together called The Sleeptights. He is good at beefing things up.

I hope he’s good at that, now that he’s attending culinary school. Speaking of glamour; Spencer’s hair is pretty sexy isn’t it?

Spenser’s hair has only improved over the years.

How has the response been overall to the last record?

I think people have liked the record all right. I have done very little to get it out and played zero shows under the name so it is hard to say.

You were featured last december on NPR’s All Songs Considered Second Stage blog. Did that bring some new fans to the table?

The NPR thing was cool but not very helpful. I have gotten more notice for Son of Rams from playing with Family Trees and the 7″ we put out this summer.

I just checked that video out, good stuff. It reminds me of a drug fueled Russ Meyer-esque video ala The Carrie Nations. Who else is in the band?

FAMILY TREES no one will ever know from amanda finn on Vimeo.

So, Ryan Trott plays guitar, sings the lead parts and writes all of the music. Amanda Finn plays drums and I’m on bass.

Your stuff really harkens back to that time period between 1967-1972. All the bands you’ve been in seem to have a strong link to 60s pop and Garage sound. What draws you to that sound or asthetic; who are some of your influences? Are there any bands that are making music currently that you really enjoy as well?

I guess from the start I was always into bands from the 60′s and 70′s because it seemed sort of rebellious to disregard whatever the current music was. In the 90′s it was harder to find underground music apart from a few things on BCR or something. I still listen to older stuff because I respect the craftsmanship and I think of that as a time when rock bands were less touchy feely and were able to balance being both cerebral and manly.

Todd Rundgren – A Wizard A True Star

Todd Rundgren’s “A Wizard A True Star” is awesome, “Piper at the Gates of Dawn”, Big Star, “Bee Thousand”, Cheap Trick “Cheap Trick”, Led Zeppelin, Elvis Costello, Black Sabbath, Flaming Lips, that sort of stuff. At one time I was listening to a lot of jazz from the 50′s and 60′s. Also the super obvious stuff like Beatles, Beach Boys, Beatles solo stuff, and Bob Dylan. Grunge bands probably.

The last album I heard that really got to me was Jay Reatard’s “Blood Visions”. But I like one song off the new MGMT album, the song “Tightrope” by Janelle Monae is cool, one song by Here We Go Magic, Tame Impala’s new album, I heard one of the new Wavves songs and liked it a lot, that band Girls is pretty good, “freeway mind” by Kurt Vile is really nice. Is this getting dull yet?

No, not at all. It’s funny that you mention Todd Rundgren as he is possibly one of the most underrated guys out there. Talk about craftsmanship; have you ever heard his album “Faithfull” before? He replicated classic psychedelic songs like Strawberry Fields Forever and Good Vibrations using the same studio techniques employed in the original recordings.

Sounds like a good one. I’m gonna check that out.

Are there any other bands in your scene that you like? How are the venues where you’re at? The good, the bad, and the ugly please.

Sure, we’ve played with some good groups with Family Trees like the Beets, K-Holes, Treasure, and Total Slacker. Of course there are a lot of pretty well known bands here too but I don’t know if we are really in the same scene or circles. The venues here are really cool for the most part. Like Death By Audio, Glasslands, Union Pool is pretty fun, Shea Stadium maybe. You know, we played some shows in Virginia over the summer and Roanoke’s music situation was really impressive. It was a small scene but everyone was really energetic. We played with Eternal Summers on few shows and they were so awesome.

So what’s next for you, Son of Rams, and Family Trees? You guys coming out to the Midwest on tour or anything? New material coming out soon?

Well, I’m working on another Son of Rams record right now and it should be done this summer as long as I have a little time and another Family Trees recording is probably going to be done before the end of the year. I’m also working on a hip hop project with a friend of mine that might turn out to be pretty awesome but we are only one song into it so far. Besides that I have another group that is going to be playing its first show in August. That one is with some really talented friends of mine one of whom has a really good group called The Silverstate, one who plays bass for Clem Snide, and another dude who has a grammy. We sound pretty pro.

Awesome., so that’s about it I suppose. Where can everybody keep up with Son of Rams, You and all your other projects? Anything else you want to plug?

They can check out http://sonoframs.com and dowload the album and new single for free. I guess people can email directly and ill get them on a mailing list or something of that sort. jlutherpruitt@gmail.com

Thanks for doing this. The next time you’re in town let me know and I’ll buy you a beer or a coke or something.

Thanks chip!

Sock Monkey Sound

What: The Clams, Abbot Smile, Woo-Man and the Banana, KAM!

When: January 28

Where: Subterranean, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Chicago, IL

Why are you so damn slow? It’s a complicated answer. Also I had school work and a surprisingly socially active weekend. Get off my back.

I’m not entirely sure of what today’s date (The 5th maybe) is but I went to a very good show last week. Desperate to avoid my RA’s attempts to force socializations, I made my way up to the scenic Wicker Park neighborhood for a night of local rock. I didn’t go completely blank and uninformed. I’ve seen The Clams once before at CJ’s Lounge in Rockford and I’ve enjoyed Clams guitarist/bassist Brett Daniels many times in his other (ed note: former band) band, White Moose. Once I arrived I was slightly disappointed to find that the Clams were headlining. It’s not that I don’t like hearing new bands or wasn’t willing to wait around for the Clams to play (I had already shelled out $8 at the door. Get it? Shelled? Clams? Oh my). But I don’t really like new things. If I could, I would see the bands that I like play exclusively with each other all of the time. Plus I wasn’t really in the mood for Psych-Pop. Since I started going to school here last August almost every new Chicago band I’ve seen has drawn from the same tradition of garagey, reverb drenched, fuzzed out, shoe gazey pop. It’s as if a whole generation of bands (and by that I mean like 20 people) all bought the Jesus and Mary Chain’s Psychocandy and the Nuggets box set and decided to start bands. Not that I’m complaining. I love both of those releases and prefer the previous adjectives to most others. But sometimes I’d like to hear some variety.

Abott Smile

That tidy segue leads me to Abbot Smile. Though they certainly mine a bit of retro territory (Silver Jews count as throwback sound, right? They were in the past) it is in more of the lofi variety. Awesome, right? Right! I didn’t think the words, “jangle,” or, “ethereal,” once during the set. That is a bit of a relief because those two words have been popping up all too often in these reviews. I left the set with strong thoughts of the aforementioned Silver Jews, as well as Broken Social Scene, Pavement, and Doug Martsch’s voice (not so much the rest of Built to Spill on the instrumentation front). This is a band to watch. http://www.myspace.com/abbottsmile

Woo-Man and the Banana. Say it out loud. This duo apparently plays every gig dressed in a dress and a banana costume? Get it now? The gimmick seems a little trite at first, but once you see the guitarist lurching around the stage in an Edie Sedgwick getup like some disturbed late era Mansonite, it totally works. I learned from a friend of the band that WMATB are originally from Akron, Ohio. This makes perfect sense as their sound holds a lot in common with fellow Akronians (Akronites?) The Black Keys. The songs are short, bluesy, dirty, and barely hang together until they come to a lurching halt. This is to say they’re incredibly fun. In addition to the strong debt to The Black Keys, Woo-Man and the Banana also gave of an Abe Vigoda vibe in their sometimes surfy guitars and the sudden stops and starts of the drums. http://www.myspace.com/abigbomb

[quote]There are a few things that really piss me off when I see a band.[/quote] None are more prominent than bands having really expensive gear that is put to poor use, and generally being top rate douche bags. What more needs to be said about KAM? I’m not going to waste any more words than I have to on their sound. Imagine the Gin Blossoms if the Gin Blossoms wrote really shitty songs (or shittier, if you’ve never found yourself singing along to Hey Jealousy). The band name was apparently chose because the members’ names are Kurt, Aaron (or Adam. Who cares?), and Mark. This does a surprisingly good job of illustrating their level of creativity. As it always seems to happen, KAM brought the crowd. I’m not sure what was worse, the bass player’s incessant mugging and pointing to friends in the audience or this quote from the guitarist/singer as he was tuning, “I made the mistake of putting on new strings today. Well, I had an intern do it for me. But I used to be that intern!” Fuck this band.

The Clams

The Clams sound like the kind of band that your record collecting friend wishes he was in. Their list of influences on Myspace is about 350 words long, but it’s entirely justified in the context of their sound. Although it can certainly be described similarly to the psychedelia that I was previously complaining about, it is done with a self awareness that borders on the post-modern and an expertise that makes them very unique. Also helping is the fact that their droning aspects are not soft and floaty. This is Drone with a capital D. The kind of Boris Drone that you can feel. The combination of Fender Bassman amps and Russian Big Muffs hits you in the gut and washes over everything in waves of power. I like the Clams. http://www.myspace.com/theclamsjam

I do have one complaint about the night, overall. The sound guy at Subterranean is not very good. I understand that there are challenges to running good sound in a long narrow room, but he needs to step up his game. When you’re surrounded by the kind of real estate that SubT is, it shouldn’t be asking too much to hear more snare definition and an overall less muddled mix.

Final Verdict: 4 $3.50 Tall Boys out of 5

Sock Monkey Sound