It is said the average life expectancy of a band is seven years. During that time, the band forms, plays an abundance of gigs, releases some music, hits a peak, then falls into decline that results into a breakup. 

I’ve seen it a million times.

That may be the case for some bands, but it’s not for the local post-grunge trio The Kickbacks. They are about to celebrate 10 years of existence with an album release show on Saturday, May 25, on the main stage at Piere’s with OLC, The Shadow Within, and Something In Your Mouth. 

Sticking together

Complete with Eric Williams on guitar and vocals, Kris Collier on drums, and Jeff Cottle on bass, their name is synonymous with the past decade of Fort Wayne rock history and success. Their upcoming album, WTKB FM, is as versatile as it is consistent and proof that 10 years in, The Kickbacks have plenty of gas left in the tank. 

So what’s their secret for longevity? 

“It comes down to being good friends,” Williams told Whatzup. “We just work really well together, and it probably helps that we’re all involved in other bands so we’re not always at each other’s throats all the time.” 

Those other projects include Decade Divide, SODA: System of Dying Angels, and Contrøller. 

“We tend to keep things light and fun on stage,” Collier said. “We’ve never been in this for money, and that takes the burden and restrictions off booking shows and doing what we want to. 

“Plus, whether it’s local shows, benefits, house parties, or opening for nationals, we give that same energy and just let loose.” 

However they do it, it works. During their run, they’ve had a couple releases, performed on every stage you can think of, and opened for an array of national acts including Nonpoint, Puddle of Mud, Sevendust, Cold, Jackyl, and 10 years. That’s a résumé most bands would love to have. 

Long Process

The new album will be another notch under their belts as they roll into another decade. 

“Yeah, the process was long,” Collier said about eight months of recording. “We tried to take advantage of COVID and got into a friend’s studio (formerly Olde 303 in Bluffton), but between travel, other projects, booked gigs, and the 9-5 day jobs, it was tough getting all the tracks layered and mixed.” 

Eventually, things began to take shape when they connected with Adam Hudson of Sundance Sound Studios and the final touches on the album began to take place. In the end, the album contains some re-recorded material, some flashes from previous EPs, and some nuances they tied to a “road trip listen.” 

Just imagine being out on the road and turning the radio dial to different stations.  That’s exactly what takes place with the album as you’re tuning through their transitions from surfer rock to grunge and hard rock. In between songs, you will hear the static of someone switching channels including shoutouts to other bands. 

Now you know why the album title consists of radio call letters: WTKB FM. 

Worth the wait

“Probably my favorite off the album is ‘Rabbit Hole,’ a song I wrote the lyrics for,” Williams said. “It’s lyrically messed up and dark and about someone going crazy and killing people.” 

Don’t worry, it’s not a true story, and from what I was told, it will be a rare live feature, so it will be special when you catch it. 

As for Collier, he says “Falter” is his top track. 

“It’s heavy, got a great bridge, and Jeff nails a smooth guitar solo,” he said. “The time signature is just a groove, too.” 

With 16 tracks of incredibly catchy, crushing, and gnarly guitar riffs, killer bass, and bombastic drumming highlights, this is an album you won’t want to miss come May 25. It will be available on your favorite streaming platform with no plans for physical copies. 

You can hear the new material along with fan-favorites at the release show which will also include performances by our favorite party punk band OLC, the Nickelback tribute SIYM: Something In Your Mouth, and The Shadow Within from Paulding, Ohio. This is an all-ages show scheduled for 7 p.m.