MP3: Rumspringa – “Criminal Love”
L.A.’s Rumspringa just released Sway, their debut full-length. Produced by Mannie Nieto (The Breeders, Los Lobos), the album works well to showcase the band’s brand of psychedelic-surf-garage-punk. And though Sway is reminiscent of David Bowie, T-Rex, and the Stones — with a little bit of The White Stripes thrown in for good measure — Rumspringa’s sound is wholly their own. With an abundance of original melodies, great lyrics, and solid musicianship, they are clearly going places.
MTV News has called Rumspringa “One of the best LA bands […] in a really long time,” and RCRD LBL has commended them for “running feverish, fast-paced rock-n-roll trails in our head.” We saw them at The Rumble back in August and had a hell of a good time.
Rumspringa will play the Soda Bar on 11/15, and Bar Pink on 12/4. In anticipation of the shows, lead singer Joey Stevens sent us a list of influences.
Top 5 Influential Songs of the Moment, by Joey Stevens
Disclaimer: Firstly, before you read this list, please note that I’ve always felt that it’s impossible to categorize a “top” list of favorite or most influential songs. For me, it’s always fluctuated and shifted, and will continue to do so forever. These songs that I’ve listed below are songs that I’ve kept close in my mind and heart for many years, but who knows? This list could very well change in a year or so.
1. “Don’t Fall Down” by the 13th Floor Elevators: For me, this song has always been like an emotional rollercoaster every time I hear it. To think that these guys did this song that early on too….It’s like if Mozart traveled through time, decided to join a garage band in Texas, and rock out while crying. I don’t know. Its number one though for me.
2. “Peggy Sue” by Buddy Holly: The rhythm guitar solo/breakdown in this song is one of my favorite-charging moments in Rock n’ Roll history. Plus the way Buddy delivers his voice is incredibly inspiring.
3. “Tommy Gun” by The Clash: Need I really explain myself?
4. “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan: One of Dylan’s cornier, yet “so damn good anyways” type of tunes.
5. “We’ve Got Tonight” by Bob Seger: You could listen to this song when you’re not with a girl. You can listen to this song when you are with a girl. You can listen to this when you just broke up, broken up, getting fixed. It’s a love song that is just that GOOD.
Rumspringa tour dates
11/11 – The Mountain Bar – Los Angeles, CA
11/15 – The Soda Bar – San Diego, CA
11/17 – Spaceland – Los Angeles, CA
11/20 – The Woods – Portland, OR
11/21 – Crocodile Cafe – Seattle, WA
12/4 – Bar Pink – San Diego, CA
12/5 – The BootLeg Theater – Echo Park, CA
12/9 – The Echo – Los Angeles, CA
Rumspringa at The Rumble – August 2010