Album Notes

NOGAHYDE - BLACKOUTCRUSH
Release Date: 5/3/2002
Recorded: 2001
Contact: Giancarlo Mistretta

SANTA BARBARA

Hit play and kiss your you-know-what goodbye as you prepare to be taken on a frenzied journey into the psycho-delic void of lyrical angst and heavy-rock groove that is the power trio known as NOGAHYDE.

Once described as "Black Sabbath meets the Beatles in a biker-bar, far, far away...," Nogahyde sets itself apart from the slew of disposable, cookie-cutter bands that currently dominate MTV and modern "alternative" rock radio by focusing on their many varied influences to create their own uniquely original and independent sound.

Nogahyde, as the name implies, serves up an alternative fusion of different musical styles, blending progressive guitar and vocal harmonies from the late '60s and early '70s, the monolithic riffing of mid-to-late '70s arena rock, the raw power of late '80s hardcore metal, and the barebones, soul-searching intensity of early '90s grunge with machine-like precision.

Formed in 1999, Nogahyde brings together members from two Santa Barbara bands (Creature Feature and Ultraspank) that dominated the local hard rock scene in the late 1990s.

Nogahyde's CD "BLACKOUTCRUSH" explores the push-pull dynamics of self-doubt, fleeting youth, and facing inner demons. Frontman Giancarlo Mistretta displays both a technical gift on guitar as well as an impressive talent for writing intricate yet accessible riff-based rock. Mistretta hypnotizes and energizes with vocals that range from smooth, multi-layered harmonies to angst-filled growls of frustration. Bassist Jamie Boller and drummer Tyler Clark form the rhythm section that gives the band its irresistible, groove-oriented foundation. Boller and Clark transition effortlessly from their thunderous, no-holds-barred pummeling to a dreamy, laid back feel - and manage to hit every dynamic in between.

Nogahyde's sound recently caught the ear of current Soulfly and former Snot guitarist Mikey Doling, who had just finished co-producing the Lynn Strait tribute album "Strait-Up" with famed producer Jim Wirt (Incubus, Hoobastank). Doling and Wirt decided they needed to get Nogahyde into Wirt's 4th Street Studios in Santa Monica in order to capture their refreshingly unique sound ASAP; tracks 1 through 3 of the CD are the result of this two-day session. Tracks 4 through 7 were recorded at Beagle Studios by renowned local Santa Barbarian/sonic guru Robinson Eikenberry.