It was a stormy mid-August night in Wichita, Kansas. As the ominous clouds loomed and encircled the city from above, Scattered Hamlet brought the thunder (and a fist full of that infamous “cheap trucker speed” type rock & roll) from the bar down below.
Scattered Hamlet dubbed, “The Hillbilly Sideshow Extravaganza”, ripped through the area’s favorite dive bar, “The Lizards Lounge,” with their cocked and fully loaded brand of “honky-tonk-metal- outlaw shit.” Set list included fan favorites such as “Powder Kegs & Gasoline,” “Hillbilly Harmony,” and “Shelter,” as well as the title single off of their new album, “Swamp Rebel Machine.”
Rockrevolt was lucky enough to get a few minutes to sit down with the band before the rush of the evening ensued. I prepared myself for madness, and chaos, and a possible interruption by a sick-ass “General Lee” inspired bike, but what I got was a very chill sit down conversation with 4 very intelligent, highly talented individuals (that seemed slightly worn from tour, yes) but still managed to bring the entertainment as only true entertainers can do. We spoke of misquoted lyrics, motorcycles, vocalist Adam Joad’s pains of parking in Hanna Montana’s parking space, bassist Richie’s subsequent experience of purposely parking in Rob Lowe’s parking space in attempt to get to meet him, our shared love for S.E. Hinton (and Francis Ford Coppola’s) book and movie The Outsiders, the twisted awe of Clutch lyrics, and a favorite Wichita local eatery “Taco Shop,” which Jake Delling Le Bas declares, “We’ve eaten there like 3 times within the last 48 hours.”
Check back in with RockRevolt Magazine next month for a full interview piece revealing the stories behind these antics and more, leading up to the release of the new album, Swamp Rebel Machine.
Scattered Hamlet is: Adam Joad- “The Appalachian Apostle” (vocals, harmonica, guitar), Jake Delling Le Bas- “The Irish Thunder” (drums, percussion), Richard “Richie” Erwin- “Ol’ Kentucky Bastard” (bass, vocals) and Adam Newell- “The Chicago Bootlegger” (lead guitar, slide guitar, vocals). You may have heard their raw riffs, and southern outlaw lyrics, but what you may not know is that these guys are every bit of what you want southern honky-tonk metal to encompass. Real, rugged, unapologetic and proud. When you’re able to sit down and get to know the guys on a more personal level, you’re able to feel that vibe. Hard-working, soulful, comedic and creative. They are the kind of guys you want to drink whiskey and eat tacos with…and then rock out to while they rip up the stage. Southern honky-tonk metal doesn’t get much better than Scattered Hamlet.
Kenny and Dariah with Wichita area production company “Fine Swine Productions” knock it out of the park when it comes to pulling in badass live music, Scattered Hamlet certainly matches the kind of grass-roots style honky-tonk rock & roll that “Fine Swine” is synonymous for bringing in, helping to revive the Wichita music scene. Long time promoter, Kenny, is spotted in the crowd during their set, pumping his fist in the air and singing along word for word with Joad. Dariah is the hot (SOO hot) sticky glue that holds it all together behind the scenes. Both are true, devoted music fans as well as personal inspirations. Also deserving of high review is “The Lizards Lounge” and it’s owners, The Coopers . One of my all-time favorite venues in Wichita, “The Lounge”, is probably best known for it’s “dive” like atmosphere, and the frequent row of bikes parked out front. Inside, the beers are always cold and if you ask real nice, Huck will grill and craft you an “Outlaw Burger” that’ll make you wanna go face to plate. To say that I “love” this place would seem too cheap. It’s legendary. A Wichita staple. I’m amazed at all the hard work Coop and Caitlin have put into the place over the years and wish them many more of continued success. Amazing people, great food, good vibes and incredible live music. The recipe for a stellar night out in middle America.
Over the next few months, Scattered Hamlet will be working on finalizing the release of their highly anticipated new album, Swamp Rebel Machine. Until then, we wish the guys the best of luck getting everything squared away. I, for one, can’t wait to hear the rest of the new album. If the title track “Swamp Rebel Machine” is any indication of how the rest of the album will sound, I think the guys of Scattered Hamlet might consider this little break as a time of “calm before the storm.”
Until next time, feast your eyes upon some live shots of the show, and connect with the band through social media!
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By: Summer Wait, RockRevoltMagazine Photographer/ Reviews
