photos by Zack Fierman
As Salem, Massachusetts-based trio THE FREQS prepares to release their caustic and infectious Poachers EP in early February, The Sleeping Shaman is currently hosting an exclusive stream of its second single, “Poacher Gets The Tusk.”
THE FREQS deliver fuzzed-out, psych-punk, stoner rock, and sledgehammering noise at a crushing decibel. Their fourth EP, Poachers, explores a range of topics surrounding the history of Salem, including the flagship single “Witch” as the band’s Seth Crowell is a descendant of Rebecca Nurse, one of the witches hanged during the Salem Witch Trials. The record was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Alex Allinson at Bridge Sound And Stage in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and completed with cover photography Colby Todisco. The tracks “Powertrippin’” and “Witch” feature additional backing vocals by Nicholas Pentabona (Bedtimemagic).
With the record’s second single, Crowell writes, “‘Poacher Gets The Tusk’ is about the misguided appeal of despotism for a false sense of security and to reject the propaganda designed to erode our sense of empathy for our most vulnerable. The decision made by the song’s narrator is to revolt against this paradigm but is ultimately unsuccessful in changing anything and is consumed by this bleak thought.”
The Sleeping Shaman writes with its premiere, “THE FREQS, a Salem, Massachusetts-based rock and roll power-trio are a new band to us at Shaman HQ and hell, do they kick some serious butt. Although it states ‘noise-rock’ on their Bandcamp profile, and there’s no denying they are, it’s also doing them a huge disservice as they seamlessly straddle the blurred lines of infectious heavy rock, fuzz, and post-punk.”
Hear THE FREQS’ “Poacher Gets The Tusk” first through The Sleeping Shaman at THIS LOCATION.
Poachers will see digital release on February 3rd. Find preorders where “Witch” is streaming HERE and watch for additional previews of the record to be posted.
THE FREQS will support the EP with a gig at The Cantab Lounge this Saturday, January 14th and again at The Middle East on February 4th which will serve as a release party. Watch for more shows to be announced over the weeks ahead.
THE FREQS Live:
1/14/2023 The Cantab Lounge – Cambridge, MA w/ Zip-Tie Handcuffs, Wicked Dead, Black Hatch [info]
2/04/2023 The Middle East Upstairs – Cambridge, MA w/ Landowner, Miracle Blood [info]
THE FREQS formed on the north shore of Massachusetts in 2019 by guitarist/vocalist Seth Crowell and bassist/vocalist Ian Mandly, with the lineup solidifying in 2020 after the addition of drummer Zack Fierman. Together, the trio crafts a distinctive sound at the intersection of genres. Nominated for Best Rock Artist of the Year at the Boston Music Awards in 2021, the power trio continues to lash ear drums with their bombastic live set across New England and beyond. THE FREQS crew oozes high-octane, dirty, fun, heavy rock and will make you believe in the magic of live music all over again.
https://thefreqs.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/thefreqs
https://www.facebook.com/thefreqsband