Singer-guitarist Brody Dalle (former spouse to Rancid front man Tim Armstrong) has been in nearly every music magazine in the United States and Europe, either smooching her new beau (Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age) or being at the receiving end of vicious verbal claims from the Rancid camp that she is a traitor, backstabber and heart-breaker.
Unfortunately, the split between Dalle and Armstrong nearly stole the spotlight from the Distillers' third album and major label debut "Coral Fang." Many within circles of the groups took sides with Rancid, and time has proven thus far that perhaps many fans have done the same. "Coral Fang" has sold over 84,000 copies to date, which is lower than expected and has yet to produce a major hit single or video the likes of which the group experienced with their 2001 single "City of Angels."
However, the Distillers are a punk rock band, not a one woman show. With all controversy and gossip aside, and no matter what level of success "Coral Fang" reaches, their intensity is undeniable both live and on record. After one listen to "Coral Fang" anyone can realize that the Distillers are a solid unit, consisting of four talented musicians with unique style and delivery. Their sound now spans the early 80s fast punk sound (a la a female-fronted GBH) to "Bleach"-era Nirvana, yet with a catchiness that leaves both failing in comparison. For argument's sake, "Coral Fang," pound-for-pound outdoes, out-rocks and outshines the latest rival Rancid release, "Indestructible." "Coral Fang" really broke new ground for the band and secured their spot as one of the best underground rocks bands today.
The Distillers played to an energetic and surprisingly diverse crowd at the Black Cat a few weeks ago. Their live shows showcase a distinctive intensity that is carried by the power of their music and the driving force of their lyrics. You will not see them coordinate or choreograph staged moves like their new upstart label-mates Story of the Year do, but you will witness a super-tight group blast out punk rock assaults with unmatched ferocity.
Drummer Andy "Outbreak" Granelli addressed the band's new record, "Gil Norton and Spiderman," in an interview at the show.
"Coral Fang" has a more cleanly produced sound than their previous releases, but Granelli said that was wanted they wanted.
"It was natural," Granelli said. "We weren't happy with the last record ('Sing Sing Death House') because it was so rushed. We had a lot of time to do this record and I don't think it's too polished or clean, it's just the way the drums sounded in the room and the way the guitar sounded in the room."
The band also brought in producer Gil Norton (Pixies, Foo Fighters) to steer the session. Granelli recalls Norton's guidance as a key part to "Coral Fang."
"I was kinda nervous cause I had never seen him before and he ended up being this cute little guy that randomly broke into 'When I was with Echo and the Bunnymen' stories," Granelli said. "He knows how to make things sound good. He helped us get the sounds we wanted."
When asked about the recent interview the band gave in the British magazine "Face," in which they give their side of the story in the Rancid saga, Granelli insists it was Dalle's mouthpiece and the band's only response.
"There was nothing said on our part for nine months and there was tons of s--- said on their part," Granelli said. "Brody said her piece, we said our piece, and we don't ever want to talk about it again."
Future plans for the band include more touring in the United States and Europe as well as their version of the "Spiderman" song in the upcoming sequel.
"The lyrics and the harmony are the same (as the Spiderman theme) but the music is different," Granelli said. "The song is rad, we kinda wish it wasn't for Spiderman."
The Distillers prove that amidst whatever controversy or lack of confidence from those around them, they are still a musical force to be reckoned with. For the Distillers, "Coral Fang" and their live show speak for themselves.
