More than ten years ago, in a Central Texas city caught in a cultural time warp, two friends got together and started a band. At a time when metal and grunge ruled the airwaves, rockabilly was a music form few seemed to pay attention to, much less paid to see. However, this band was different from the start–there were no sappy songs, no songs about horses or trucks. Instead there were songs about aliens, spicy fruit, plastic Jesus, and a little something called the Tijuana cat toss.
They called themselves Flametrick Subs. And in a town like Waco, they got a lot of attention. Around the now-infamous Baylor University campus, clubs were packed with kids wanting to see the band play. Bill Bill’s was the place to be for musicians like The Spin and Groove Dogs and there was never a dull moment–or lack of beer. The band eventually hit the road to Austin, hooked up with Satan’s Cheerleaders, and quickly established a fanbase there and spread their show across the state and out West.
I have had the chance to see Flametrick Subs play several times in the Houston area in the past few years, at places like Continental Club and the now-defunct Fabulous Satellite Lounge (where I was lucky enough to catch Whiskeytown a few times before their demise). They are a live act not to be missed.
They are playing this Friday night with Houston’s own Luxurious Panthers at Walter’s on Washington. Showtime is around 10 p.m.
I recently asked Flametrick Subs to answer a few questions for Houston Calling. Band members Miss Fortune (drummer) and Buster Crash (lead singer/rhythm guitarist) were kind enough to respond.
Ten Questions for Flametrick Subs
HC: How did Flametrick Subs get started? Did the atmosphere in Waco at the time you started the band play into how Flametrick Subs would evolve?
Buster Crash: Well, Clem (Hoot) & I wanted to start a band together! The atmosphere in Waco permeates everything, like the atmosphere in Waco, creeping as far North as Waxahachie, as for South as Salado, and, if the wind blows right, Washington, D.C. to the East.
HC: What do consider to be your main musical influences?
Buster Crash: The Ramones, Johnny Cash, Homer & Jethro, C.W. McCall, and Hasil Atkins.
HC: You guys have been a staple in Austin for years now, and play a good bit in the D/FW and Houston areas as well. How has the band been received outside of Texas? Outside the U.S.?
Buster Crash: Very well, thank you! (pause) Except Fresno, San Jose, Anaheim, San Diego…
Miss Fortune: But, we’re huge in Norway!
HC: What’s your take on the state of the music industry?
Buster Crash: Same as it ever was.
HC: Is “Tijuana Cat Toss” a real story? How do you go about writing songs?
Buster Crash: If it is, do I have to answer the second part of the question?
HC: Are you for or against the MP3 “revolution”? How are you using the internet as a tool to market yourself?
Both: (giggling) You said “tool.”
HC: If you could have any band or musician cover one of your songs, what song would it be and what band or musician?
Buster Crash: Wayne Newton doing “Buzz Bomb.”
Miss Fortune: Tom Jones doing “What Makes a Good Girl Go Bad?”
HC: What is the one description that you hate to hear about your music?
Miss Fortune: There’s no such thing as bad press.
HC: What’s next for Flametrick Subs?
Miss Fortune: Playing Dallas and Oklahoma City this weekend.
Buster Crash: Oven mitts and fishing lures.
HC: What is in your CD player right now?
Buster Crash: “Tijuana Hit Squad” by Deadbolt.
Miss Fortune: “Spoozys” by Spoozys.
Flametrick Subs play Friday night, 12.19.03, with Luxurious Panthers at Walter’s On Washington. If have never seen either of these bands, do yourself a favor and come out to see them. Both are incredible live acts! Just thinking about hearing songs like the Flametrick’s “Too Hot to Hoot” and the Lux Panthers’ “Pomade and Hand Grenades” makes me wish it was Friday.
Now Playing in my iPOD: Flametrick Subs — Undead at the Black Cat Lounge
