[OK] Feb 2012 - Vol 9, No 1

TULSA, Okla. - Since 2004, The Dirty Mugs have been playing their way through time and space (what they call the lakes of hell) and showcasing their portfolio of harccordion wonderpunk songs. They started as mere high school students with the shared goal of playing music that would express their frustrations and enjoyments, and have evolved into a band of crazy individuals that will enthusiastically attack every aspect of what a person’s expectation of a band is supposed to be.
     This natural progression is a direct result of pushing the band to its limits, and never limiting it or its members. Drawing inspiration from Gogol Bordello, The Misfits, Dropkick Murphys, and Flogging Molly, the band loosely describes their own unique sound as a blend of progressive folk/punk/jazz/rock explosion that makes it physically impossible to be still. Though meant for the audience, this applies to the band as well.
     It’s a goal of theirs to deliver a high-energy, entertaining performance each and every time they play a concert. They do this with the help of stunning dancers, who even spin fire when the moment (and venue) allows. The band in its entirety includes Grampa Friday (guitar), Tron (bass), Chango “Dr. Ums” Vietnam (big beats), Javina (brings the party), Rose Bucket (tambourine dancing machine), Juice (guitar), and Wreckin’Ball Duvall (squeezebox).
     In the last seven years or so, they have played all over the country; taking breaks to hang out with gypsies in Wisconsin or to swim up the Pacific Coast. The people and places they are open to experiencing is limitless.
     “We love all of the people we meet in every town, regardless of how much money they have in their pockets, what kind of clothes they have pockets in, or how much they threaten to put us in their pockets,” said The Mugs. “We believe that everyone has a story to tell and the Dirty Mugs want to hear it.”
     Their way of life emanates from their performance and from their music. Anyone sampling the entire discography would hear everything from punk to jazz to country; all with the unifying theme of “dirty” rooted throughout.
     According the guys, The Mugs have always had a really strong message:  “Start caring about the things that matter, stop caring about the things that don’t. Have fun with life and destroy anything that stands in the way.”
     They support this message both on and off the stage.
     “Lyrically, we try to encourage people to realize what kind of freedom they potentially possess, and realize the hindrances placed upon that freedom, such as subscribing to specific subcultures that have strict, but sometimes subconscious guidelines, which limits one’s opportunities and personal growth,” said The Mugs.
     To them, each show is a spiritual experience in that each of their souls feels fully alive. Being able to share that with an audience, they say, is nothing short of amazing.
Their first album, Weigh Anchor, was released in 2008 and has much to offer from the punk rock spectrum. According to www.interpunk.com it has everything from Oi! to more traditional hardcore sounds, including some ska and seaworthy accordion. This is the perfect addition to a bottle of rum and stormy seas.
     The album is great and full of songs that express the bands sentiments. The song Row should appeal to anyone disenchanted with modern-day mind melt:  “It seems like everyone is dying and the living don’t know where to go. When you’re lost in the open ocean the only thing to do is row.”
     Even so, the ever-evolving band has likely outgrown the album and so is currently in the process of mixing and mastering what they call their long overdue acoustic album, The Calm Before the Storm. The project includes some exclusive songs, some different takes on previously released material, and some all-new stuff. Overall, the acoustic tracks are said to be very experimental and a pleasant contrast to the typical Dirty Mugs sound.
     The band is working with Unrepentant Records, who they call “a cool group of people who are willing to let us do what we want and how we want.” For a band with such vision and drive, this is exactly the kind of creative freedom they need in order to thrive.
     Speaking of adventures, The Dirty Mugs plan to keep rowing with no end in sight but with certain stops on Feb. 3 at the SWAD Hole in the Wall Music Hall in Alma, Ark., and Feb. 11 at The Soundpony in Tulsa, Okla.
    For more information on the band, upcoming shows, and other news please check www.facebook.com/thedirtymugs. Fans can also find photos and links for other online offerings. They also rely heavily on word of mouth so be on the listen, and please, do help to spread the word.
     In closing The Dirty Mugs would like to urge everyone to go box wild – “have fun; live your life; take back your rights!”