‘So help me, Jesus’ The Toadies are coming to Baton Rouge!

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By George Monison

Make up your mind on August 27 to go see The Toadies performing at The Varsity. The Toadies will be touring to promote their third and latest album No Deliverance set to hit stores on August 19.

The Toadies are rejoining since their breakup in 2001. Now they are back and rocking harder than ever. No wonder it is such a big deal!

The upcoming show will be a great experience for people of all ages to enjoy, especially to those who thought they would never see The Toadies again.

“We have more fans now than when we broke up,” said Mark Reznicek, the drummer for the band. “With the help of the Internet, our fan base has grown significantly. And now we are seeing parents or older brothers and sisters bringing their young ones out to our shows. It is great!”

The Toadies broke into the alternative scene in the early 90’s with their platinum album, Rubberneck, which hosts two of the bands most famous smashes, “Possum Kingdom” and “Tyler.” Seven years later, the band did a follow up album titled, Hell Below/Stars Above.

Soon after, bassist Lisa Umbarger left the band, leaving the remaining members to continue in their respective ways. In 2005, the band got back together and played a series of sold out shows throughout Texas and other neighboring states. And now, finally after a long, anticipated wait, The Toadies are breaking out into the scene with their third release No Deliverance.

Band members of The Toadies include Todd Lewis on guitar and vocals, Mark Reznicek on drums, Clark Vogeler on guitar and Lisa Umbarger on bass.

“The Band has definitely evolved in the fact that we have been playing together so long,” said Reznicek. “Our music keeps true to our old stuff, but now it is more advanced – Todd is good at his craft.”

The Toadies song, “Possum Kingdom” has been recently added to the Top 30 Gold Alternative Radio Charts along with Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins and Green Day. The song is getting over 600 spins a day.

“‘Rubberneck’ is what created our sound,” explained Reznicek. “Our second album was created using more studio effect, and for No Deliverance we decided to go back to our bare bones and make it strictly guitar, bass, drums and vocals. Nothing fancy – just pure rock.”

The sound of The Toadies blends Texas blues and alternative, with influences such as The Pixies, Nirvana, AC/DC and ZZ Top.

“We have been recording No Deliverance since March, and we are definitely excited about the response we have been getting,” said Rezicek.

So, The Toadies are headed to Baton Rouge on August 27 to play at The Varsity. Come out to support the newly released, No Deliverance and jam out to great alternative classics.

Originally Published: Issue 701 - August 19, 2008

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