Ruben Romano is the drummer and part of the creative force behind two of the most beloved stoner-rock bands in America, Fu Manchu and Nebula.
But Romano then put down the drum sticks, picked up the guitar, and built one of the hottest stoner-rock bands to come onto the scene in a decade: The Freeks.
With two albums under the members’ belts and a third on the way, the band is one of the most engaging live psychedelic-rock bands in the country.
The first, self-titled album had a guest cast of musicians that included Jack Endino and John McBain (Monster Magnet), Bernie Worrell (Talking Heads/Parliament) and former Kyuss bassist Scott Reeder (Nebula/The Obsessed/Sun and Sail Club). The self titled album takes listeners on a transcendental journey woven by beautiful instrumentation that leaves psychedelic trails.
Full On, released in 2013, became an instant classic. It draws on Romano’s hard rock and psychedelic rock roots and delivers psychotropic compositions that melt the mind.
The permanent lineup includes bassist Tom Davies, Romano’s former Nebula bandmate; keyboardist Esteban Chavez (Smoke in Sunshine); guitarist Jonathan Hall (Backbiter); and the newest Freek, drummer Bob Lee (Mike Watt/Backbiter).
The group’s show is impressive, with the group pulling off the intricate, energetic compositions with absolute intensity—and locals will get to enjoy that on Friday, May 27, when The Freeks will be playing a desert show at The Hood Bar and Pizza, 74360 Highway 111, in Palm Desert, along with local stoner rockers Waxy, and Albatross Overdrive. Tickets are $10.
Romano promises The Freeks will be playing several songs from the new record, which is being mastered now and slated to be released sometime soon.
“We have recorded a full-length record,” explained Romano. “We did 12 songs in 10 hours with Matt Lynch at Mysterious Mammal Recording and are now ready to start mixing it. We are free to move about this cabin at our own pace; there is no deadline until its done. Tom is freely controlling the mix again. (There is) no working title, no release date, but you bet we will be playing it live at our upcoming shows for sure!”
14th Annual Joshua Tree Music Fest Features Dumpstaphunk
The 14th annual spring edition of the Joshua Tree Music Festival will be the second to feature Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk at the top of the bill. Dumpstaphunk’s live show is off the hook and one that you shouldn’t miss.
This micro-festival is warm and welcoming and features music from all over the world, including South African recording artist Robbi Robb and Third Ear Experience. Tickets are available at the box office, and it promises to be another captivating live music event.
The festival takes place Thursday, May 12, through Sunday, May 15, at the Joshua Tree Lake Campground, 2601 Sunfair Road, in Joshua Tree. A four-day pass is $220, with discounts. Get more info at www.joshuatreemusicfestival.com.
Read more from Robin Linn at www.desertrockchronicles.com.