Regardless of what you name your band, it is unquestionable that the more talent your band has, the easier it is to reel in the fans. 

Then again, a catchy name never hurt  anyone. 

With that, I introduce you to Squirrel Cage, one of latest additions to our music scene. Intrigued? 

The trio is comprised of Mitch Frazier on guitar, Johnny Revers on guitar, and his son Leon Revers on drums. Together, they play some mighty fine original music. 

“We are very much in the style of early Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Mudhoney, and Queens of the Stone Age,” Frazier said about their music. 

So far, they have only a couple of shows under their belt, including a recent opening for punk rock blues artist Scott H. Biram

As of press time, Squirrel Cage are slated to perform at the Brass Rail on Saturday, Sept. 4, with Namen Namen and Big Money & the Spare Change

After that, you can catch them at The Muse on Main on Friday, Sept. 10, with The Murmurations and Adam Araque

Welcome aboard, Squirrel Cage! I am eager to check you out,

Get an earful of Harpejji 

On Saturday, Aug. 14, from 7-9 p.m., Lance Hoeppner will have an intimate vinyl release show at 2 Tom’s Brewing Co. for his latest effort, I Am Lance, Vol. 1, Harpejji Meets the Tempest

Originally released on streaming platforms back in March, this show will be the first chance to get a physical copy of the masterpiece, which includes tunes “In Between Sockland,” “The Weed of Trees,” and “Not Erik Klapton’s Laila.” 

According to Hoeppner, this is the world’s first all-harpejji album. For those of you scratching your heads, the harpejji is a cross between a piano and guitar — or an accordion and a pedal steel guitar. Either way, it takes talent to play it. 

The release show is a free family-friendly event and will include a performance by the amazing local singer-songwriter Marnee

Be sure to snag yourself an album and be on the lookout for future Hoeppner shows, as well as with his other outfit, Moser Woods.

Andrews Releases album

The talented Jared Andrews has released a new album titled Niacin Guzzler: Singles, Rarities, & Covers Collection, Vol. 1

This masterpiece is the follow-up to his 2017 release, I Wanna Be Your Cartoon, and features 18 tracks, including “Lonely Lazy Eye,” “Don’t Leave Me at Bed Bath & Beyond,” and “Cigarettes & Mountain Dew.” With titles like that, please take my money now. 

The majority of the tracks were recorded at Andrews’ home studio, but a few tracks were recorded at his buddy John Ptak’s basement studio. Dwan Porter and DJ Asylum provided some DJ scratches while Dan Obergfell sang on “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” 

For the track “Peanut Butter & Whatever,” Andrews went a step further and created a music video. 

It’s one of the most bizarre things you will ever witness. 

The video features Andrews strumming an acoustic guitar while covered head to toe in what appears to be crunchy peanut butter. At one point, I think a woman licks peanut butter off his cheek. Experience it for yourself on YouTube. 

Niacin Guzzler: Singles, Rarities, & Covers Collection, Vol. 1, can be found on all major streaming platforms. There may be plans for a cassette in the future. 

The 411 on the 906

The 906 Band have announced that Wade Mellon (Remember Pluto, Uncle Fuzzy) will join the lineup as their new guitarist. 

According to the band, Mellon has energy, great crowd interaction, and good guitar tone. They simply cannot wait to get to work with him. 

Catch the new lineup at the MDA Poker Run in New Haven on Saturday, Aug. 14; The Latch String on Friday, Aug. 20; and Timber Ridge Golf Course in Bluffton on Saturday, Aug. 21. 

Talented local guitarist passes away

Condolences to the family of local musician Michael Lapp who recently passed away from a heart attack. 

The talented Lapp has entertained many folks in the area throughout his 35-plus-year career with bands such as The Hush, The Agency, Sugar Shot, and most recently, The Greys.