For some odd reason, guys who used to populate the Motards (bassist Toby Marsh), Chumps (singer Sean McGowan and drummer Aaron Fox, also of Eastside Suicides), and Red Leaves and Bitter Birds (guitarist David Lujan) thought the world ached for a concept album about working odd jobs, mostly lawn servicing. They were right. McGowan drawling tongue-in-cheek anthems like “Looking for a Wrench” atop rumbling, post-punk rhythms and slashing, garage-blues guitar, Yard Work positions itself as ATX’s Gang of Four for the day labor set.

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This article appears in April 13 • 2018.

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Tim Stegall contributed to The Austin Chronicle 1991-1995, and was a staff writer 1995-1997. He returned as a contributor in 2013. He has also freelanced for publications ranging from Flipside to Alternative Press to Guitar World. He plays punk rock guitar and sings in the Hormones.