Blazin' Entrails

Walt Johnston - Sticks n' Kicks and Horror Movie Samples

Armed with nothing more than a Gretsch, a double bass, a drum kit and a Theremin, Blazin’ Entrails have marched their way across Australia, bringing their stomping sci-fi/rocka/punka/billy to the quiffed, switchblade-wielding faithful. And in just a few years, the Perth trio have proven themselves to be far more than just a genre band. They’ve got a rockabilly heart, but it’s pumping some strange, strange blood.

With two EPs under their belt, a fistful of tours, and an ever-popular residency at their spiritual home of the Mustang Bar; Blazin’ Entrails’ introduction to the world has been solid, deft and precise. On stage, they are every bit ablaze as their name... the dual guitar-and-vocal attack of front-man Caleb Merrey the incendiary spark that sets the ride in motion. Behind him, the finger-breaking bass belting of Lee Reader slaps and pops the bottom-end into shape like a rubber-clad dominatrix. Behind him, expert tub-thumper Walt Johnston takes the pace wherever it needs to go – from traditionally rockabilly, as smooth as moonshine on the rocks, to flat-out punk rock, metal and whatever else the journey brings.

Which is how Blazin’ Entrails get things done... by taking tales of the macabre and giving them a smokin’ soundtrack – be it flat-knacker and face-melting, or somewhat easier on the gas pedal. Songs are seldom without some serious guitar playing, and the band is seldom without a (fairly dark) sense of humour... a combination that has won them the kind of following and respect that sells out venues.

Across the country, Blazin’ Entrails have played festivals such as the coveted Greazefest, have toured with kindred spirits Casino Rumblers and Topnovil, and have been a dynamite support act for legendary bands such as Fireballs, Crass and the Horrorpops. Live, they are a wall of rock’n’roll in the best kind of way – the kind you can dance to – and the band’s musicianship has found praising words in the Australian music press.

As a recorded band, they are a war cry back to the days of rock’n’roll where records sounded like the band playing on them. No Pro Tools-ing the life out of everything... just throwing up some microphones and capturing a performance.

Because ultimately that’s what this band does - performs rock’n’roll... and that is all you ever need.