NASHVILLE |FROM: MAGGIE WANG/KRISTINE ASHTON/LIBBY HENRY
HALFCOCKED
MEGATRONIC/DREAMWORKS DEBUT ‘THE LAST STAR’
SET FOR SEPTEMBER 11 RELEASE
Described by Revolver magazine as “punk as fuck” (September/October 2001), Boston bred rockers HALFCOCKED are primed to release their major label debut September 11. Produced by Ulrich Wild (Deftones, Buckcherry, White Zombie) and fueled by the snarling vocals of SARAH REITKOPP, HALFCOCKED‘s THE LAST STAR features 13 original rock compositions in the sex-charged, hip-thrusting tradition of AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses. Featuring tracks such as “I Lied,” “Drive Away,” “Thanks For The Ride,” “Touchdown” and “Devil Shoes,” THE LAST STAR is the first release on Megatronic Records, the label founded and overseen by Powerman 5000 frontman Spider One (in conjunction with DreamWorks Records).
Acclaim for THE LAST STAR has poured in steadily. Steve Morse of the Boston Globe (April 20, 2001) testified: “A listen to an advance copy suggests good reason to be psyched…’I Lied’ roars out of the box, with Reitkopp snarling to an ex-boyfriend: ‘You’re just a selfish little sucker who’s all used up inside.’ Almost every song carries a jolting adrenaline rush.” In LA Weekly (May 4-10, 2001), writer Lina Lecaro effused that HALFCOCKED has “three fierce females laying the groundwork for their sumptuous, pop-flecked rock.” And Guitar World (June 2001) praised the dual assault of guitarists JOHNNY HEATLEY and JAIME RICHTER. To wit: “[Richter’s] tight rhythmic pockets and alternative, Sonic Youth-like tendencies blend seamlessly with Heatley’s crunchy, muscular, old-school rock leads. Together, the two styles create a punky, yet heavy sound.”
Proud of their critical success, the members of HALFCOCKED—REITKOPP, HEATLEY, RICHTER, bassist REGINA ZERNAY and drummer CHARLEE JOHNSSON–seem determined to revive the rebellious spirit of blues-based rock ‘n’ roll. “This band sounds like AC/DC and ABBA having a bar fight,” says HALFCOCKED founding member JOHNSSON. “Basically, we make music for people with ADD [Attention Deficit Disorder], and we’re more than eager to accept the blame for attempting to resurrect the glory days of true arena rock!” Singer REITKOPP echoes JOHNSSON‘s sentiments. “Half the fun is hitting the stage as though you’re going out in front of a million people who’ve paid good money to see you,” she says.
Described by Spider as “a combination of AC/DC, Cheap Trick, Guns N’ Roses and Blondie,” HALFCOCKED was formed in Boston in early 1997. The band released two full-length albums, SELL OUT and OCCUPATION: ROCK STAR, on Boston indie Curve Of The Earth before catching Spider’s attention. Their OCCUPATION: ROCK STAR album captured the 2001 Boston Music Award for “Debut Album (Indie Label).” In addition, HALFCOCKED earned a nomination for “Rising Star” while REITKOPP captured a nomination for “Female Vocalist (Indie Label).”
The HALFCOCKED buzz grew louder earlier this year in the wake of a recent tour with godhead and Skrape. With the impending release of THE LAST STAR, Boston’s best-kept rock ‘n’ roll secret is poised for global stardom. As Don Kaye recently opined in Metal Edge (June 2001): “Halfcocked combine sleaze-punk moves with surprisingly catchy hooks…strong pop songcrafting and Reitkopp’s charismatic presence help to make The Last Star a…sparkling effort.”
In other news, HALFCOCKED have been featured on various soundtracks in recent months. The band’s version of Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation” can be found on the “Shrek” soundtrack and “Drive Away” appears on the forthcoming “WWF Tough Enough” soundtrack, due out September 18 on DreamWorks Records. In addition, the band’s song “I Lied” appeared on last year’s “Dracula 2000” soundtrack.
Check out www.halfcocked.com for additional information.
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