Barrie based rock/ metal blues duo Indian Handicrafts decided to go all out for a producer when they were in Los Angeles recording their debut CD “Civil Disobedience for Losers,” so they got in touch with Tosh Kasai, best known for working with grunge/ alt rock icons the Melvins.
It ended up being a wise choice as it worked out they got a couple of the Melvins to play on their CD.
“We kind of had an inkling that might happen,” said drummer/ vocalist Brandyn James Aikins, adding drummer Dale Crover and Coady Wilis from the Melvins added extra drums to the first track “Bruce Lee.” as well as backing vocals.
Indian Handicrafts play a slate of western Canadian shows with Black Mastiff, including a stop in Lethbridge, March 10 at the Slice with the Void before joining a cross Canadian arena tour with Sum 41, Hollerado and Billy Talent.
“ We were mostly woking with Tosh. We didn’t even ask them. They recorded their overdubs after we left, so we didn’t get to play with them, but we got to hang out with them,” he continued.
“We played baseball in the halls with them with a whiffle bat and I struck out (frontman/ guitarist) Buzz,” Aikins enthused.
They are pleased with the CD, for which they prepared the songs before going to Los Angeles.
“Overall it’s been pretty good. Fans and music journalists seem to like it, though some don’t but we don’t really mind that,” he said.
They have never played Lethbridge before.
“We don’t know what to expect. People will have to come out and show us,” he said.
He said to expect a high energy metal show.
“We have so many different musical influences. There’s metal riffs and some punk rock and some blues,” he continued adding they are looking forward to playing with Black Mastiff.
“We’ve never actually met those guys, but we’ve heard their stuff and it’s really great.
They are also excited about the arena tour to follow.
“It’s an arena tour, so we’re not used to that. We’re really excited about it. it will be a great experience. We’re very thankful for the opportunity,” he continued.
Admission to the March 10 show at the Slice is eight dollars in advance, $10 at the door. The Void and Lustre Creame are also on the bill.