Released in October of 2020, and available in limited press 12” vinyl through http://www.h42records.com. There were only 250 copies made available worldwide on black, clear and turquoise vinyl. Coming in at 13 minutes with five songs this can be considered more of an EP than a full length but make no mistake, if you want a short blast of punk energy, this is your jam.
Whatcha Get – An energetic start to the album, the band is running full tilt here. Hernández’ is the engine driving the track with his famous hard driving, “4 on the floor” style beats. Arnold’s punk power chording is a highlight, and with the bass fully locked in with Hernández’ the rhythm section is in form to deliver the goods. Baseley’s vocal rasp really fits the song and he stays within his range and does not try to overdo it with vocal gymnastics.
Head Nurse Betty – Another great full-tilt song with a punk vibe and fast-paced, hard-edged melody. Is Nurse Betty a real person? No way to know but this is definitely a good rocking punk jam to get the party started.
Sancha Mirage – This track is more of a midtempo rocker with a catchy chorus that could be the most, “radio friendly” of the release, while still maintaining the punk edge of the other tracks. This song would fit right in with the early 90’s desert punk scene. Arnold is in fine form here and the guitar solo checks all of the punk rock boxes.
Brother Nature – This track has a more slowed down desert/space rock vibe than the straight-ahead punk of some of the other tracks. opening bass line is narcotic. If the album cover were any of these songs, this is it.
Strange Devotion – This song can be considered the most hardcore track of the release with its fast, energetic, high tempo that borders on hardcore. High intensity is the name of the game on this track with Arnold blazing a lead and Baseley barking out the chorus much like a drill sergeant would!
Overview:
Whiskey and Knives is closer to the punk bombast of desert punk heroes Unsound than the more familiar well known desert rock bands. Baseley as vocalist is in fine form as the primary vocalist with his raspy vocal stylings on these songs are gladly received. Arnold’s guitar playing is straight ahead with power that fulfills what is required of each track with short, tasty solos and guitar fills.
Current bass player Armando Flores is not on the record, but has the chops and ability to lay down the original bass lines recorded by Reeder and Arnold respectively. Hernández’ with a pedigree of having played in Kyuss, Yawning Man and various desert rock bands is the beat master who keeps things propelling forward with his hard-hitting style.
You can find Whiskey and Knives on streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music and their Bandcamp page.
Lineup:
Jason Baseley, vocals
Jon Arnold, lead guitar and bass
Alfredo Hernández, drums
Scott Reeder, bass