Swami John Reis of Rocket From the Crypt, Hot Snakes, Drive Like Jehu, Night Marchers, and a handful of others has yet another band, Swami & the Bed of Nails. Their just-announced debut album All Of This Awaits You arrives August 2 via Swami/BMG (pre-order) was produced by Reis, and it grew out of the final Hot Snakes writing sessions in 2023, before Rick Froberg’s untimely death. John says the music since transformed into “a growing tributary” to Rick.
John continues:
We were all very excited about the initial recordings, and the songs set the bar high. As I continued writing, I started to notice some songs would likely have an eventual home on a different record of some kind. This music branched off and I figured I’d revisit it sometime in the years to come with 2024 being an exciting year for Hot Snakes. Lots of good times planned ahead. When Rick [Froberg] suddenly passed, I was completely heartbroken and shellshocked. The loss continues to be something I have trouble navigating. This record is the songs of that tributary. In November 2023, I decided to finish it and turn it into something. At the time I felt paralyzed and confused so I tried to un-paralyze myself by surrounding myself with friends, making something out of nothing, playing music which felt timely to me, and make plans. The best plan seemed to consist of me jumping back on guitar, doing some yelling and singing, getting in the van and visiting the many villages and selling my wares.
Swami & the Bed of Nails’ lineup is rounded out by drummers Jason Koukounis (Hot Snakes, Night Marchers) and Richard Larson, bassist Tommy Kitsos (of Night Marchers and a Hot Snakes fill-in), and second guitarist Mark Murino (Radio Wendy, Dirty Sweet). The album also features contributions from Pinback’s Rob Crow (who also plays in PLOSIVS with John), Ceremony’s Anthony Anzaldo, and Mrs. Magician’s Jacob Turnbloom. The album was mixed by Ben Moore.
The album includes the group’s debut single, “How Are You Peeling?” and they’ve just shared a new one, a classic John Reis ripper called “Privacy,” and this one’s got backing vocals from both Rob Crow and Jacob Turnbloom. Listen and watch the video (by David Da Cruz) below.
Tracklist
How Are You Peeling?
Harbor Freight
Ketchup, Mustard and Relish
Teen Hate
Privacy
Lost In Bermondsey
Shock And Awe
Don’t Wait
Beware The Halo