Muddy Udders

Muddy Udders Band Review Live at IQs Food, Music, and Art in Green Bay, Wisconsin

By TJ
March 11, 2009
The night was off to the abnormal side of things thanks to the partial lunar eclipse that rendered the moon a sliver of orange in the sky and the needle scratch reaction I got when I said to a friend, I was off to see a psychobilly band. “What? There is a psychobilly band in Green Bay?” Big city me, I didn’t think that it was all that odd, but after tonight's show down at IQ's I believe I have seen one of the best, most innovative, and eccentric psychobilly bands in the country. Now, that may not raise an eyebrow with you, especially if you have no inclination as to what genre psychobilly is. Here is my best, extremely vague definition: Psychobilly is an extension of rock, rockabilly, western swing, southern blues, surf rock, garage rock and punk! It is often strung with an intense swagger and smooth vocals, offering songs that are mostly character fictional stories ranging in topics of science fiction to loose social behavior. As I walked into IQ's I ordered my favorite pizza and watched how Muddy Udders was settling in on the first set.

After a few songs it was obvious that there was some raging talent on stage, and on a musically technical level, when the guitar took solo, it was running through scales normally avoided by most while sounding so clean and beautiful. It was literally minutes after that that I had to go and see who was responsible for this jangle! This is when it became abundantly clear that this band was different. On stage were three young lads that looked nothing like the psychobilly bands I have on my flash cards at home. No ten inch pompadour doos, no leather jackets, and no upright bass. A few songs later and I was stuck there, rocking, staring, admiring and even envying the abilities of this band and then, Muddy Udders switched! Ok this can't be real, you're not going to tell me the guy I just thought might possibly be the best guitarist Green Bay is now going to play the drums, the bass player is now going to sing, play guitar, and the drummer knows how to play strings as well! Usually I am not mood for these gimmicks because it delivers sub par songs and performances. Muddy Udders were still great, and while the tone may have shifted a little more towards the garage sound there was no drop off in energy. The switching never stopped, it was like musical chairs and it would have been so annoying except that they can all play everything exceptionally well. I'd say the most amazing thing about the entire show was the crowd; this music infected the patrons and made standing still Zombies a non-option! As the night went on and Muddy Udders swam their way through ears at IQs, I can honestly say I have never seen such a display of talent delivered in such a carefree natural way. When I think of Muddy Udders music I'm reminded of all the real rock and roll in the early 40s and 50s that was not meant for airwaves but for the underground brothels and bars not to be spoken of. Muddy Udders is for the most part but not limited too: Augie on Guitar, Matty on Bass, and Roelke on Drums. Their latest CD released in 2008 "Consolidate Your Feelings" is available locally and at Shows. I have it and recommend it. And love it! Please check out the photos and listen to a few of the many diverse Muddy Udders songs in the gallery. So yes! Green Bay does have a psychobilly band and Muddy Udders are probably one of the best in the country. I would also rate them as one of the top ten best rock bands to see in the area. They have a few shows lined up in Green Bay before they take off for the windy city to get some radio air time on uicradio.org, Check them out at Party Line 03/21, IQs 03/27, and Crunchy Frog 03/28. They are well worth it.
More Photos and Music from TJ

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