Album Notes

Striding out from the depths of the Primeval Swamp, huge, shiny and dripping with Bayou muck, liquefied pork fat and phosphorescent psychedelic weeds, Arphus Schmarphus Horkus Porkus may look imposing but it’s not here to hurt you. Quite to the contrary. Written and Produced by the reclusive Beowulf Kingsley, former co-founder of Big Dave & The Ultrasonics, Bassist for Michael Katon and Guitarist for Jesse Richards, T.H.E. Modfather and others, Arphus is an excellent introduction to the work of an eccentric, amusing and moving artist. Sometimes likened to musicians as diverse as Dr. John and Frank Zappa, Kingsley’s stylistic scope touches those bases and more here, with the swampy pop of “Hoodoo Stick” and the indescribably strange “Fish”, while edging into funk with “’Lectric Chair”, rocking into Billy Gibbons territory in “One Born Every Minute” and taking a jazzy blues turn with “Roulette Wheel”. Other surprises abound, including the final track, a hard-edged post punk rocker “Crap”, a song that reflects the darker moments of every writer’s life.

Although he plays a myriad of instruments on the album, Kingsley is well represented here with talented friends such as Madcat Ruth, Danny Pratt, Billy Mack, Charlie Murphy and Mark Boone, who add virtuoso touches throughout. Beautifully Mastered by Chris Gooseman, Arphus Schmarphus Horkus Porkus will prove to be a rewarding experience for lovers of eclectic independent artists everywhere, and is guaranteed not to stain clothing or to explode at inopportune times.