Chore Boys champion 'uneasy listening,' controlled chaos

Chore Boys encourage audiences to throw beer cans (but not bottles) at shows. The band is, from left, Michael Ellison, William Tugwell, Crackmouth (kneeling), Brad Fowler and Bryan Fribourg.

Chore Boys encourage audiences to throw beer cans (but not bottles) at shows. The band is, from left, Michael Ellison, William Tugwell, Crackmouth (kneeling), Brad Fowler and Bryan Fribourg.

While Knoxville psychedelic-punk ensemble Chore Boys have been at it around three years in various incarnations, the group has really only broken out in the past year. With a cemented lineup, the group has completed its first recording and is preparing for its first tour, but it's the band's live show that is creating the most buzz.

Citing influences from Devo to The Dead Kennedys, Chore Boys have been labeled under such genres as "crack rock 'n' roll" and "uneasy listening" by their fans. Whatever you choose to call it, the songs are fast-tempo, rooted in punk rock, and feature the distinct dueling vocals of front man Crackmouth and bassist Brad Fowler, whose high-pitched singing is frequently mistaken for a woman's. Fowler and crew acknowledge that this is not only intentional but vital to the group's sound.

"I think when I sing in a normal range it sounds terrible, but the high singing is really easy and I enjoy it more," says Fowler. "I think it gives a good contrast to (Crackmouth)'s lower vocals."

Though Chore Boys have not yet taken their show on the road, a new van and a new recording have brought this chore to the top of the band's list. The recording took place in the home of drummer Bryan Fribourg over the course of the past year and, while the upcoming CD will contain as many as 12 tracks, the band still refers to the release as an EP. This is because the individual songs range in length from 45 seconds to 5 minutes for an estimated total of 30 minutes. A release date for the EP is still uncertain, but the group already hopes to follow up the audio recording with a music video. The five skateboarding enthusiasts who make up Chore Boys aim to create a video that splices intermingled clips of the band skating and performing live.

"It's our first time recording anything, and we've been recording for a year and are learning as we go," says Crackmouth. "I like the idea of putting out a 12-song EP, and then maybe later we'll put out another 12-song EP. We haven't decided on how to distribute it, but we'll definitely take it on the road and try to help fund any touring."

Although pleased at having removed the recording monkey from their collective backs, Chore Boys say that no recordings can fully represent the live experience. With fast-paced, high-energy music, the band puts on a show to match. Chore Boys are probably best known for their on-stage punk-inspired theatrics which provoke audience involvement. Whether dressed in diapers or welcoming projectiles, a Chore Boys show never falls short of memorable.

"It's a recurring theme that people throw beer cans at us during our shows," Crackmouth explains. "That gives you an example of the kind of energy going on. We encourage it as long as they're cans and not bottles. They're kind of fun to dodge while you're performing. Plus we usually end up playing last and everyone still there is usually pretty drunk by then."

"We also try to get the audience involved," adds guitarist Mike Ellison. "For one show we threw kazoos out to the audience. Another time we had garbage bags full of shredded newspaper we kicked out to the crowd to tear up and shower around. The antics vary, but the wilder ones are always the most fun for both us and the audience."

Sunday night Chore Boys bring their animated live show to Longbranch Saloon, joining a bill that includes Speed Wobbles and Mosquito Bandito. The show is slated to begin at 8 p.m. and costs $5.

n Hark, the herald Angel sings: Angel Zuniga Martinez, formerly of Angel and the Love Mongers performs at Preservation Pub Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. Nashville's Jacob Jones will open the show at 8 p.m. Admission is $5.

n Rockin' Robin: Saturday night The Pilot Light hosts its Solo Round Robin featuring Salvation Cowboy, Emperor Ant, Ian Henderson, Josh Wright and VN TRBL. The show starts at 10 p.m. and costs only $2.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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