Austin is a music city – we all know that. From South Austin up to 6th Street, Town Lake to Lake Austin and beyond, you can find any genre of music that could possibly fit your ears. But take an eastward turn under I-35 and things begin to change. Instead of a background of competing soundwaves from bands up and down the street, East Austin offers a soundtrack of sirens and catcalls. That is unless you find yourself close enough to whatever dive The Happen-Ins are playing in that night.
Born from the ashes of numerous Austin bands, The Happen-Ins honed their blues riffs in an East Austin garage before taking their show to the streets. In the last six months, they have amassed quite a loyal following – not huge – but consisting of the right kind of folks. Don’t be surprised to find a few well-known musicians enjoying their Austin nights off by taking in a Happen-Ins show. Providing much of the guitar-work and a healthy portion of lead vocals is Sean Faires – you may recognize his name as one-half of The Dedringers, a now defunct Texas band filled out by Jonny Burke (who’s also got his own thing going this past year). Ricky Ray Jackson (Hayes Carll, Lomita, Brothers and Sisters) sings lead on just about half of the disc, his songs sporting a bluesy-er feel. When not up at the mic, Ricky Ray offers his talents on the pedal steel, feeding a solid stream of a Byrds-style country sound to the album. John Michael Schoepf (Hayes Carll, Deadman, The Dedringers) provides a knee-knocking bass guitar to the set. On the drums, you’ll find Paul ‘Falcon’ Valdez, who has played with the likes of Eleanor Whitmore around Austin.
Set for a March 4th release (March 12th on Vinyl), The Happen-Ins’ self-titled debut proves that all you need to make great music is a mutual love for a good groove and a nurturing home base… and maybe a little talent. The Happen-Ins’ lineup could be be considered a supergroup – each member coming from previous successful bands, and each player superbly apt at their role. The band’s retro yet virginal sound is rooted in Sean Faire’s energetic guitar. The album is brimming with head-bobbingly memorable guitar riffs, most sporting Sean’s unique overhand bic lighter-style of slide. ‘Never Said’ leads things off with a bang – distorted guitars, a backing chorus, and a little spite for the girl that didn’t quite understand the romantic arrangement. The album’s sexual undertones climax with ‘Do It’, and, yes, that’s exactly what they mean. This theme continues with an album highlight, the short but sweet ‘Die’, in which Sean implores that “you better get some love before you die.” Hit after hit, you find yourself immediately recognizing the first notes and thinking “ooh this is a good one.” What sets this band apart from your usual hometown blues outfit is the quality of the songs, often highlighted with 4-part vocals. Towards the end of the disc, The Happen-Ins show their versatility, laying off the heaviness and letting their folk-roots (‘Bashful’) show through the leftover reverb from the disc’s beginnings. But capping off the set is ‘The Kids Don’t Dance’, a groovy number that leaves you with a greasy, somewhat violated taste in your mouth, similar to what a Happen-Ins live show down on the East side will do to you.
The disc’s liner notes contain some vital listening suggestions: “While preparing your listening experience, it don’t matter where you put your hands, where you sit or where you stand, this machine kills pessimists. We bring that John the Conqueroo, the rest ain’t really up to you. Calling all hens to the coop… If your body hasn’t already begun to move you’re closer now than ever before. Expect palpitations, perspirations and motivations to stomp the floor.” Very true.
The Happen-Ins – Baby
The Happen-Ins – You’ve Been Bad
[Purchase The Happen-Ins through Amazon.com]
Pick up another track as part of LimeWire’s Ear To The Ground: Austin Sampler
Sure, it’s fuzzy. But it’s supposed to be. Funk & Roll, as I like to call it, should be loud, distorted, and at times gibberish. The Happen-Ins take their influential queues from the best of the Rock & Roll and R&B/Blues worlds. You’ll find a heavy dose of Stones-esque guitars, mixed in with a little Muddy Waters lyrical confusion, and highlighted by by a Townes-inspired style of songwriting.
The Happen-Ins will obviously be present throughout SXSW this month, and I predict they make out like Deer Tick did last year. The album has a very limited pressing, so if you’re going, I suggest you make grabbing it your top priority. The CD will only be available through Austin’s own Waterloo Records, but you can grab it digitally at Amazon. Catch the band’s LP Release Party March 12th at The Scoot Inn… East Austin.
