Zimmy T. (AKA Neil Kaiser) and Fingers McKnuckles (AKA Rich Restaino) first began performing together as folkies in Austin, TX around the turn of the century. Fed up with the coffee house scene, the two began writing and recording twisted punk rock songs with a '50s doo-wop influence for their own amusement. It wasn't long before these songs caught the imagination of some of their musical friends who wanted in on the fun and The Late Fees were born.
Released in 2007, The Late Fees' eponymous debut record featured songs about car crashes, perscription drug abuse, and crushes on '80s sitcom stars. The record has been snapped up by converts on 5 continents (shocking both Zim & Knux) and the band played regularly for a few years in their hometown of Austin, TX. Eventually, Zimmy decided to hang it up and The Late Fees disbanded amicably in early 2008. The Fees evolved into Restaino's backing band, Rich & The Obits. At the time, Zim was far more interested in his ever-expanding soul and funk record collection, which spurred him on to take up the bass. He played bass with The Obits before leaving to work overseas.
"The Late Fees Present: Studio A" is a document of two weeks in the summer of 2009 when Zim was visiting Austin from his current home in the United Arab Emerites. Zim had a few lines, some melodies, Knux had the gear and his ears, and the two fleshed out nine songs and recorded them in about 14 days. A few guests were brought in, and Knux mixed the record quickly to get a copy in Zim's hands before he left Austin again. Unlike the doo-wop-punk of The Late Fees' debut, "Studio A" is a love letter to the classic soul and funk that Zim & Knux love. Distorted guitars gave way to lush organs and acoustic piano. Heavy rock backbeats were replaced by bossa novas and JB-style breakdowns.
Zim & Knux made this record for themselves, and they really don't care what you think. But we're sure you'll find something that makes you smile in these digital grooves.
-madhouse! records
Read more...