Portland-based DIY grinders The Macks unleash rock-n-roll earworms soaked in a delirious cacophony of jumpy wails and garage sonics. As they continue to plunge toward the release of their new album The Macks Are A Knife on May 17th — now is the perfect time to dive headfirst into their frenzied and rollicking catalog. They will also kick off a tour along North America’s west coast next month in support of the record, including a concert at the iconic Troubadour in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 25th.
Formed in 2015 by brothers Josef (drums) and Ben Windheim (guitar) with Sam Fulwiler (vocals), The Macks emerged in their fledgling years as a live band to be reckoned with. Their debut Camp Poppa (2017) and sophomore effort Yup (2019) captured the trio’s commitment to wreaking euphoric havoc through jittery rhythms and scorched riffs.
With tracks like “Freewheelin'” and “Runnin’ ‘N’ Gunnin” delivering a swelter of heady bass and electrifying solos. Yet it was their follow-up that revealed The Macks had further off-kilter innovations up their sleeves, twisting the bluesy-folk twang (“My Release”) and blitzing punk (“King Hell Freaks”) that border rock inward to add another feverish wobble to their already infectious melodies.
After adding Jacob Michael Perris (keys) to their lineup a year later they headed into the creation of their third album Rabbit (2022) as a quartet, a record bookended by the fidgeting “The Undo Man” and woozily manic “Goodbye, Frustration.” Around the same time, Aidan Harrison (bass) joined The Macks on tour and for their recording sessions before becoming a permanent member. Their fourth album Dajiban (2022) reveals just how much their earnestly chaotic sound benefited from the additions with songs like “I Get My Shit Delivered” and “Rubberneck.”
Now signed with the German-based Devil Duck Records, The Macks have shared two previews of The Macks Are A Knife. First came the album’s lead single “Nice,” a twitchingly catchy rumbler that will have fans howling and thundering along to Fulwiler’s ecstatic cries. They followed it up with “Family Ties,” a rip-roaring thrill ride through the ups and downs, scraps and bruises, that come with running the gauntlet of one’s relations. It’s looking more and more likely that this next album is going to be another volatile ignition from these worshippers of live-wire rock.
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Words: Steven Ward
The Macks Are A Knife arrives on May 17th via Devil Duck Records. See The Macks at The Troubadour in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 25th.
Visit The Macks on their website and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.
Watch the music video for “Family Ties” the new single from The Macks below!
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