The idea behind Black Powder County remains a powerful yet simple one. "There is no gimmick here," explains Vocalist Jake Strasheim. "We set out to create music that we enjoy, and can feel proud of playing music that artists we like would want to listen to, along with the people that want to see Rock revived. We don’t want to be tagged as a copycat or try to want to keep up with the Joneses or conform to somebody else’s ideas of how we should be. That's when you can lose focus. So we've just done what we feel is right, and tried to have a great time doing it."
Black Powder County’s sound is defiantly forward-looking and truly fresh in all senses of that word. "Our music is very aggressive, and in your face right out of the gate" says Bass guitarist Manny Narkrong. "There's always been that hard face slapping, wake the hell up and listen element to it, and this band is the first dynamite band that's been around in quite a while”.
"We were like a bunch of guys who got together one day and were able to play an assortment of songs with no practice or preparation and have it sound awesome with little effort. That's what it's been like every time we've done something together. We're stoked, like 'Cool, we wrote a kick ass song!' 'Wow, we played another gig!' Maybe that's why this has worked because we love to play and have a feel for it all in a naturally cohesive way!
Their Debut EP "The BPC Syndicate" is a rock & roll eulogy with a natural raw feel with sonically inspired edginess. It's a Hard Rock rebirth for a new generation, reflecting the bands influences.
Drummer John "Turbo" Leitch states," For us the album we are making has to encapsulate the dynamics of the group, along with the energy & growl, just like we have when we play together live." Black Powder County is also not just all about having fast paced riveting rock tunes, there is definitely room for some ballads for the Ladies too.
Vocalist Jake Strasheim states, "The songwriting for the band has taken on a life of its own, as the structures of the songs themselves keep morphing and growing so much from collaboration and creative input from everyone in the group. We have accomplished so much and can use the things we picked up musically to keep the band a well oiled music machine.”
Follow the Black Powder Trail as it ignites and blows some Hard Rock right in your face!
With just a few simple songs they bring everything that was great about Rock 'n Roll back to life with an explosive modern Rock feel. Classic strains of the hard-hitting raw sounds made famous by the likes of Guns and Roses, Black Stone Cherry, The Cult, The Faces, MC5, Rod Stewart, Velvet Revolver, and The Black Crowes can be heard influencing this bands performance. ...Using all the old great hooks and simple rhythms in new ways. Fast paced with complex writing makes this album soar for a band that has barely gotten itself off the ground. With this well oiled of a machine for a debut release one just knows this band is going places quickly. Obviously schooled in what makes Rock 'n Roll great they have captured the essence of it with an 'In Your Face' presentation of high voltage tunes sure to get you on your feet dancing and singing along wherever you are.
“When The Devil Knows Your Name” is a grinding tune that shows off the bands skills very quickly. Eclectic guitars, powerful vocals, heavy driving rhythms, all combine with a well written tune to start off the album. With the “screaming off a cliff” vocal approach the band rips right thru the first tune with a ferocity usually reserved for more mature acts.
“Blackberry Wine” is a great song to get ones booty shaking while maintaining a Hard Rock edge. Sure to be a favorite for fans to fill aisles and sunshine filled fields with dancing, booty shaking, and half clothed women. Always a great time to be sure whoever you are. One of the more rhythmic tunes on this album creates a nice atmosphere to remind one why summer exists at all