The Buttertones
The Buttertones got started in Hollywood six years ago, in Sean Redman’s apartment. A past member of Cherry Glazerr, Redman’s gigging experience was enough to attract guitarist Richard Araiza and Cobi Cobian on drums; in time, they pulled in Dakota Boettcher and saxman London Guzman. They specialize in surf rock, as written and performed by players who were raised on grunge. Otherwise, the Buttertones are all over the place, with sonic influences from bands like the Gun Club all the way back to Brit-pop acts such as Johnny Kidd and the Pirates.
The band’s voodoo-ish sound owes much to Dick Dale. We’re not talking Beach Boys harmonies, but more like Dale’s vintage guitar twang. Dale authored a distinctive sound that blended the tight reverb of instrumental guitar with Middle Eastern scales and chord progressions. The first round of surf music had about a two-year shelf life. By 1964 and the time of the Beatles, it was pretty much over, with the exception of such revivalists as the Buttertones.
The bill includes Frankie & the Witch Fingers.