Portland, Oregon is not really a beach town, but Guantanamo Baywatch has not let the lack of waves stop them from playing some very campy and intentionally trashy surf-punk music all around their hometown. For proof of their calculated camp check out the band's website, and enjoy the goofy lo-tech animations obscuring all the text. The group, made up of Jason Powell, Chevelle Wiseman, graduates of the Pacific Northwest College of Art, as well as Chris Martin, the drummer, take inspirations from The Cramps as well as the original 1950s rockabilly bands who created the now retro sensibility that never seems to go out of favor. The style is fun, and definitely sleazy, and has also informed other current '50s leaning acts like Hunx and his Punx and Shannon and the Clams. Guantamo Baywatch are releasing their debut record for Dirtnap Records, Chest Crawl, in May. The first single from this record, “Boomerenga” is shaky and loud, and heavy handed with reverb. While I can imagine swimwear clad youth dancing in the sand to this song, they would probably also be covered in tattoos and might even get naked after in all this raw energy.
Guantanamo Baywatch, “Boomerenga”
Guantanamo Baywatch playing in fast food restaurant:
Impose interview with Ken Cheppaikode, founded of Dirtnap Records here.
