Legendary Shack Shakers

Heavy is the head of the psychobilly artist. Naysayers dismiss the genre and ignore its exciting, energetic songs because of its aggro-retro style—the flame shirts, the slicked-back hair, the upright bass covered with skull stickers. It’s their loss, as Th’ Legendary Shack Shakers are one of the most frenetic and unpredictable live acts around, bolstered by caffeinated frontman J.D. Wilkes—who hops around like an idiot while his band tortures its instruments. Just one listen to “Ichabod,” the lead-off track from 2006's Pandelirium, and the relentless beat, demented sing-along refrain, and cutting harmonica could convert anyone. 2007's Swampblood possessed a similarly chaotic quality, but the new Agridustrial bears markings of a wider range, incorporating components of industrial and mountain music—an incongruous combination that will hopefully live up to its ambitions.

Updated 10/27/2010