Further proof that time flies: Slobberbone plays its first Austin show in five years Saturday at the Continental Club. The reason the Denton-based quartet with the funny name has been away so long is that they broke up in 2005, after four albums and more than ten years of brutal touring.
The main reason for the break was lanky bass player Brian Lane’s move to Florida. Lead singer and songwriter Brent Best claims a certain amount of immaturity was involved as well. Best then formed the Drams with Slobberbone’s guitarist and drummer, Jess Barr and Tony Harper, joined by Keith Killoren and Chad Stockslager, formerly of Dallas’ Budapest One. While Slobberbone was known for a grimy brand of Americana that mixed the Replacements and Neil Young, the Drams had more of a pop bent.
With the Drams on hiatus and Lane’s return to Texas, Slobberbone regrouped for a few dates in 2009. The time apart served them well, Best maintains: They all grew up to a certain extent. With family, kids, and other responsibilities, they’ve developed what he refers to as “old man ways.” While there’s nothing scheduled past the Austin gig, Best has been writing new songs for the band and there are plans for a new recording later this year. But first, he’s working on a solo disc.
On the band’s website, he’s posted a request for fans to get involved with financing the project. For $10 you get a personalized copy of the finished album, along with updates on its progress and some promised web extras. Best says the response so far has been gratifying, with a particularly large donation coming from someone at New West Records, Slobberbone’s last label.
There will be some new songs Saturday, but if you’ve never experienced them here’s your chance to find out why mega-selling author Stephen King called “Gimme Back My Dog” one of the greatest rock & roll songs of all time. I’ll be the one in the back screaming for “Placemat Blues.”
This article appears in May 7 • 2010.