Some artists slow down as they get older. Who knows if that’s because of day jobs or family or something about the new creative process. It’s all case by case and speculation, and that’s not why I’m here talking about John Reis’s latest project anyway, other than to give a lengthy intro to Swami & The Bed Of Nails, which is the probably the third LP from a Reis project that I’ve reviews in the past year. John Reis, aka Swami John, runs Swami Records and has played with bands like Rocket From The Crypt, Hot Snakes, Drive Like Jehu, and more. All Of This Awaits You springs from 2023 writing sessions for a Hot Snakes record that never came to be, due to the passing of Rick Froberg (Hot Snakes, Drive Like Jehu, Obits, more). Think Hot Snakes meets last year’s solo solo Reis
While the record comes, in a sense, from a dark place, it delivers the upbeat and borderline festive rock spirit that’s defined many of the bands named above: classic rock ‘n’ roll with a modern sound. Think of those greaser ‘60s stereotypes, drop the overdone hair and rockabilly, substituting SoCal beachwear and a cool ocean breeze. This is music to celebrate the good times and to let the bad times momentarily bounce away. It’s an escape to an alternate reality where rock ‘n’ roll rules and we serve no masters. Think of all the bands named earlier, with some subtle Ramones and a few synths, pianos, and horns added tastefully into the mix. The opening track, “How Are You Peeling?” puts it out there right away with a silly banana metaphor. The band keeps this mostly easy-going ‘tude going, with songs like “Harbor Freight” (the best song I’ve heard about steel supplies in some time), and “Ketchup, Mustard and Relish.”
It's not to say this is all picnic party punk though. “Teen Hate” pulls back the curtain on age, and it’s impossible to listen to a record knowingly inspired by the passing of a friend without reading deeper meaning into a closing song named “Beware the Halo.” Rick Froberg made significant contributions to the music scene of the past 30+ years while touching the lives of his bandmates. Swami & the Bed of Nails is a fitting tribute that keeps that legacy going.
