Pre-Halloween voodoo and brimstone were in the New Orleans air for the 10/22
Star & Dagger show (opening for Helmet). It was also the
Last Hurrah release party at
One Eyed Jacks for Star & Dagger's newly released 3 song vinyl record consisting of 2 original songs:
"In My Blood",
"Stories" and a cover of the
Blue Cheer song
"Out Of Focus". Poster and album cover artist
Lindsey Kuhn flew in from Denver to meet the band, and join Last Hurrah label owners
Chad Hensley and the lovely
K.K. has they got down to business of handling the gorgeous (limited edition) merch. There was also much in between merry making, as evidenced in photos below. Label mate and new buddy
Keith Hammett of the legendary Alabama punk band,
Vomit Spots was also on hand to take part in the debauchery. As expected it was a packed house on the night of the show. The band
Sunrise, Sunset (formerly
War Amps) tenderized the crowd with their own special brand of scorching riffage, as a throbbing crush of revelers descended to the stage. This Star & Dagger performance stood out like no other with guitarist
Dave Catching (
Eagles Of Death Metal) accompanying the band onstage. Dave also co-produced Star & Dagger's yet to be released full length LP,
Tomorrowland Blues. Star & Dagger commandeered the stage with twice the usual heavy guitar action, now being offered in two anvil dropped on head flavors, Bogner and Marshall. Next, the mighty Helmet unleashed onslaught over the frenzied mosh pit with their uniquely distorted, genius riffs. It was a huge privilege for Star & Dagger to open for them. Aftershow jollification and blatant ruckus was had later by friends & family alike, including
Chris Lee,
Page Hamilton,
Dave Navarro,
Pepper Keenan and others.
The debut vinyl put out by Last Hurrah is as an impressive a package as one could imagine. The record is transparent vinyl that looks as if it's been dipped in actual blood. Linsdey Kuhn bloody skull graphics on cover and inner sleeve fit the sound nicely.
A Side is the song
"In My Blood" (produced by
Ethan Allen at
Hicksville Studio).
Von Hesseling bewitchingly pays homage to New Orleans, a town as seductive as the vocals that evoke it's beckoning.
B side contains 2 songs recorded at
The Graveyard, new Orleans with producer
J. Yuenger.
"Stories" is a velvet-lined rant, inspired by and written about those who indulge in the evils of tongue wagging. Suitable for lounge listening with cocktail in hand (preferably a green one). It would be remiss not to also mention J. Yuenger's killer guitar solo at the end of this song, accompanying the menacing Go To Hell chorus. 'The B side also boasts Star & Dagger's first released cover: Blue Cheers "Out Of Focus". To say that Blue Cheer has been a big influence would be an understatement. R. I. P.
Dickie Peterson. Autographed unstamped copies of this vinyl release will only be available at live shows, the foil stamped version can be obtained at Last Hurrah's website.
