Sometimes, after a long, stress-filled week, you just need to go somewhere dark and cave-like, order a strong drink, and listen to some live, unrefined aggression, preferably while standing close enough to the amps that you can feel the bass vibrate in your sternum.

When those moments strike, you will be lucky if SweatLodge happens to be playing the Living Room, or an illegal basement show near you. Consisting of Jonathan Wisehart on vocals and guitar, Eric J Grieshaber (also of the Chine Stars) on drums, and Mike Grigelevich on the bass, SweatLodge brings a raw, stripped-down, oddly hypnotic sound to the Providence music scene. The band was formed in 2005 when Jonathan and Eric met working at downtown bar and restaurant the Red Fez, and they’ve been bringing their brand of driving, feedback-filled “post punk” to clubs, basements, and loft spaces in and around the Ocean State ever since. Mike joined them after his previous band, Hulk-Out, toured with them in the summer 0f 2007.

Their sound is unapologetically cacophonic and violent. SweatLodge is not for everyone, and they don’t try to be. The music focuses on establishing a mood rife with frustration and anger. Jonathan, who writes the majority of the songs, admits, “I got a lot of rage.” Mike and Eric have a palpable chemistry as they create solid, winding rhythms, some of which sound strangely Middle Eastern. Jonathan layers long, held chords and notes, crunchy riffs, and consciously utilized feedback over them. He doesn’t sing so much as rant and scream. Songs like “Easterland” and “Useless Hinge” start off moody and understated, building to a purgative climax as steady and compelling as a heartbeat.

Although the band has ties to the noise scene that so strongly characterized Providence music several years ago, the members of SweatLodge categorize themselves as a rock band. Eric’s drumming style is notably expressive, even jazz-tinged, which may be explained by the jazz lessons he took back in high school. Mike, who Jonathan calls “the emotional soul of the band,” holds down heavy, traveling bass lines influenced by his love of Dinosaur Jr. and Six Finger Satellite. Jonathan’s guitar is simple, loud, and effective at conveying a frustration that he says originates from staying in one place for one’s entire life—definitely a New England, and particularly a Rhode Island, trait.

Their first album, A New England Girlhood, was inspired by one of Jonathan’s ancestors. His great-great-great aunt, Lucy Larcom, was a poet and abolitionist from Lowell, Massachusetts. The album title comes from a book of her poetry. Their next album will be entitled Rehoboth after the Massachusetts town where Eric grew up. Jonathan describes it as being about “living a pathetic life in New England.”

For now, SweatLodge is focusing on finishing the album, which they hope to put out on vinyl, and on putting together a “mini-tour” later this summer. The next time you feel like putting your fist through a wall, check them out – they can empathize, and their music will help you work it all out.

SweatLodge performs at the Grant Building (250 Main St. in Pawtucket) on June 23^rd and at AS220 with Six Finger Satellite on August 8^th. For more information, go to www.myspace.com/sweatlodge.

Comments(1)

1. Excellent writing!Perfectly describes this band that i saw the other nite!I read very few reviews where the author tells it exactly like it is and isn’t afraid to tell a band that “they aren’t for everybody”. The reason why providence has a weak music scene right now is because the music writers don’t want to hurt anyones feelings! If you don’t use constructive criticism then the bands,clubs and scene don’t improve and wallow in mediocrity!
   I saw this band the other nite at the Grant building in Pawtucket.They played way the hell too loud in place that is not conducive to live sound.Couldn’t hear the vocals and the mood and crowd were very timid but receptive!Weird set up but good space.I’m glad they played and the Grant hosted this show! It is good to go out and see bands and support new venues with an ear to the ground!
   Having some rage and blasting your amp and having some nifty guitar pedals are cool if you are in a high school band but this isn’t high school cause I paid $8 bucks to get in and want my moneys worth in quality tunes and musicianship! There are ways too get your point across with a little more focus,rehersal and intensity and less Attimatude.Lock yourself in the practice space for a few months with some old Jesus Lizard,Helmet,and Husker Du records and don’t worry about trying to reinvent the wheel. Have fun too even if you are playing in a hipper than thou noise/rock band. People will enjoy what you are doing if you do! A good experience overall! Rhode Island music gets better from here on in! Capece’ Everybody! thanks Eve! jM

   Posted by johnny maguire on

   June 27th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
   
   

Post your thoughts