Life Through The Windshield

Reviews.....

To say that they have succeeded at creating something completely unique would be a huge understatement. From the first two minutes, it was clear that they have crafted something very, very new...forceful...visceral. The sound was powerful, clear, and sophisticated...dark, with what I presume is a huge European influence...erotic...lavish...modern...advanced... not like anything I have ever heard before...so unique...evoking primitive feelings...sometimes even tribal. They have invented a new force using song, emotion, and sound to wield under The Living Deads identity. And, for me, the new dynamic feels so distinctive that even hearing some of the old tunes woven into the new matrix was like reaching back through time to bring something from the past forward musically to absorb into a new era of Living Deads reality. The inescapable power of the drumming and bass together...with Symphonyy's magic new accompaniment of harmonies, adding richness, and a unique purity to augmented melody. - Bob Berg Film maker at Berg Imaging Inc.

Having anything less than a great time is impossible when The Living Deads explode onto the stage at The Best Party Anywhere. The band’s sexy swagger grabs your attention, and its greasy, energetic and sensual rockabilly punk sound keeps it! Sultry upright bass player Symphony Tidwell, dramatic drummer Randee McKnight will knock you out on the Showcase Stages. - The Legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip

If you visit the Facebook page of The Living Deads, you will see that the band is described as “not your typical rockabilly.” If you are at all familiar with this blog, you know that we live for music that is not typical. A further description shows that this is one of those bands that fits right in at Incognito:

A rhythm section born of hate, hellfire and brimstone. With a book of matches, can of gas, and a Louisville Slugger we’ll have a party.

See what I mean?

At first listen, you may not realize what is atypical about this band. You hear a great bass line coming (naturally) from an upright bass. You hear a drummer that provides a good rhythm for the band. And you hear female vocals that have a good deal of toughness. What’s atypical about this band is not the fact that home is wherever the band parks its RV. No, the atypical thing about this band is that the guitarist seems to be an open position. In fact, the bio states that “They have been known to Kidnap guitar players from time to time, drag them on stage in a burlap sack and force them to perform.” Now, I don’t know why a guitarist would be forced to play with The Living Deads. Seems to me like it would be a pretty good time for any guitarist.

So maybe this isn’t your typical rockabilly band (who wants typical anyway?), but this band does have a song about an awesome car (“P.O.N.T.I.A.C”), and a song that will get you stomping those two-tone creepers. “Everything is Broke (but our Love)” is everything that is great about rockabilly: a drum beat that will get your heart going, a bass line that makes you wish you could play the doghouse as well as Symphony Tidwell, and an amazing guitar part. If you like rockabilly even a little, get to know The Living Deads. - Bill Monday Icognito Music Blog

It's The Living Deads' first time in Omaha, so of course the band is parking its digs outside of Brothers Lounge Wednesday, Nov. 16, 9 p.m. Indeed, the mysterious two-piece punkabilly act from "Anywhere, U.S.A" could've driven their faithful RV out of the dive's legendary jukebox. Featuring Symphony Tidwell on upright bass/vocals and Randee McKnight on drums/vocals, plus, perhaps, a "kidnapped guitarist" of their choosing, the Deads' aesthetic reminds one of an early Troma film or a bad porno flick — the kind where the pizza guy gets involved. Good thing Noli's doesn't deliver. Opening is local surf rockers Huge Fucking Waves. - Omaha Times