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BOTW Vol 04: American Fangs
There are three things you need to know about Houston, Texas: it’s loud, always moving, and wonderfully unpredictable. So, it’s only fitting that American Fangs were conceived in the heart of Houston. If you’ve ever had the good fortune of seeing them live you’re aware that the comparison I’ve made isn’t hyperbole.
The members of American Fangs, Gabriel Cavazos (vocals), Micah Miller (drums), Kyle Shimek (bass, vocals), and Beau Gobert (guitar), met through the local music scene while performing in different bands. In 2007, the band opened for The Bravery, after only playing two previous live shows. American Fangs quickly became a house hold name throughout Houston. But it wasn’t until 2009, when the band was chosen as openers for AfroPunk’s first national tour “The Niggy Tardust Experience” featuring slam poet Saul Williams as the headliner, that they gained nationwide recognition.
Like their live show, the band has been nonstop ever since. Lead singer Gabriel Cavazos took some time out from recording vocals for the new American Fangs record to answer a few questions for us.
8 Questions with Gabe Cavazos of American Fangs
BEACON: First concert you attended?
Gabe: Stone Temple Pilots!BEACON: All time favorite album?
Gabe: That’s tough but I wouldn’t want to live the rest of my life without jamming Rage Against the Machine’s “Evil Empire.”BEACON: Favorite musician?
Gabe: Tom MorelloBEACON: Favorite restaurant?
Gabe: Fogo de Chao. It’s a Brazilian Steakhouse that will put you into a food coma.BEACON: All time favorite movie?
Gabe: Without a doubt, DIE HARD!BEACON: Vinyl or MP3?
Gabe: Both. When I have the time for vinyl, put it on. But I’ve rarely got the time to sit and enjoy it, life is fast. MP3s to the rescue!BEACON: Dylan or The Beatles?
Gabe: Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall is one of my fav Dylan songs, but overall I’d go with The Beatles.BEACON: Most bizarre location that you have written a song?
Gabe: I wrote the lyrics for Last Time, the last track on our album, standing in a check cashing line. It’s where people go who don’t have bank accounts. The song means a great deal to me, and is a direct result of the journey with this band…and there’s almost this pathetic feeling I get when I listen to it. It’s humbling.
The Sounds of American Fangs
If you thought the picture at the top of this article was rowdy, wait until you see the video for ‘Le Kick!’ This is proof that American Fangs knows how to perform and party, which from the looks of it might just be the same thing to them. If you need to be eased into mosh pit mode…well you’re not going to do so by listening to ‘Get the Hell On.’ I think it’s appropriate we’re featuring American Fangs on a Monday. I can’t image a better soundtrack to get me psyched for the week! Seriously, if you’re not ready to run a marathon or fight crime after listening to these songs, check your pulse.
We’d like to thank Aubrey McCoy for the amazing photos in this article.