Description
On ‘Under The Wheels, Vol. 2,’ Howlin Rain’s trademark rock ‘n’ roll bombast and intricately woven, extended improv passages swirl into a distinct form of storytelling, expressed through spiraling energy and a near constant flow of form and melody. As a companion to its Vol. 1 predecessor, this latest offering is also drawn from North American coastal tours in 2018 and 2019 that came in support of the band’s acclaimed studio album, ‘The Alligator Bride.’ Curated by Howlin Rain founder Ethan Miller, it presents favorite song performances selected from different shows along the way.
Here are some thoughts from the audience floor and backstage beer cooler on those ‘Alligator Bride’ tours of 2018 through present from friends, fellow road dogs and the extended Howlin Rain family:
“The last time I saw Howlin’ Rain ignite a stage — at New York’s Brooklyn Bowl in the summer of 2018 — I could never have imagined the profound silence that surrounds me two years later. In a world without the sustenance and sacrament of live music, my long, loud memories from that night — Howlin’ Rain bringing The Alligator Bride to life in a rush of joy and cascading guitars — have been big medicine, keeping me sane and psychedelicized. Now there is a record from that tour to prove I wasn’t dreaming — and spread this band’s cleansing might until we can all meet again in true, electric communion.” – David Fricke (MOJO / Sirius XM Radio / Rolling Stone)
“Howlin Rain plays and the stars burn blue. Black dogs spit diamonds on red magik floors as Ethan weeps and wails his burnt earth poetry to the shining sinners and dirty dreamers who dance at his feet. Rock ’n’ Roll in his hands is a living, breathing beast.” – Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes)
“Our first tour ever was with Howlin Rain and I can’t think of a better band to be watching when you are experiencing being on tour for the first time. Every night: deeply great music, ace level performers, fun energy, and real guys when off stage. Garcia Peoples would compare shows on the drive to the next club and all say what our favorite Howlin Rain set was. We’d sing along, we’d dance. Just a great thing to be a part of. I remember the first show of the first tour talking to Danny and saying, “if they’re gonna be like THAT every night we have to step up our game!” We may have a different approach, but what we’ve seen on tour with them is what we strive for in a live setting, which is putting on the best show of someone’s life.” – Tom Malach (Garcia Peoples)
“A shimmering scuzz riff battered in the goopiest deep fried jalapeño popper. I was front row, middle row, and nose bleed all at once for the mighty Howlin Rain. Right now, I’d give anything to lean against a PA speaker they are blasting through and get some free brain surgery.” – Ryley Walker
