By Jhoni Jackson
Garage-stomp is the choice term for the Blind Shake. The Minneapolis band employs it in press releases and on their website. There’s no use in arguing—they’re right. There’s no better way to describe them.
But what’s that mean, anyway? It means the Minneapolis trio will incite thud after thud on the EARL’s floor. There’s no ballads to bog you down, only rowdy rock ‘n’ roll guaranteed to leave your ears ringing.
What’s the first gig you ever attended?
Jim Blaha: Slayer
Dave Roper: Slayer
Mike Blaha: The Queers
What is the best gig that you ever played/performed?
We played a really fun show last summer at the Sled Island Music Festival in Calgary, AB. It was the closing party for the festival, and was stacked with some really great bands. The whole festival was really amazing, and we can’t wait to go back.
What is the best gig you have ever seen?
Jim: Michael Yonkers at Treehouse Records (Minneapolis, MN) 2002
Dave: Hot Snakes at Dickens (Calgary, AB) 2012
Mike: Vaz at 7th St Entry (Minneapolis, MN) 2001
What is the gig you would most like to play?
We most like to play whatever show we’re currently playing. One audience at a time.
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
Prince, The Monks, and The Blind Shake at a basement show in Milwaukee, WI.
See the video for “I’m Not An Animal” from the Blind Shake’s sixth LP, Seriousness, below. Then go check the band out at the EARL tomorrow night. Australia’s Slug Guts and Atlanta-based Wymyns Prysyn and Aku Yu round out the bill.
