Toadies to play Wooly’s in support of new album
Texas-based rockers, Toadies, will play Wooly’s on Oct. 7 in support of their latest album, “The Lower Side of Uptown, which was released on Sept. 8. It is the band’s seventh studio album and a “return to form” as explained by frontman Vaden Todd Lewis.
“This album is ‘roots Toadies,” full of riffs and time shifts.’ “The Lower Side Of Uptown” is the follow up to 2015’s “Heretics,” which saw the band taking a change of pace with a stripped down sound and mostly acoustic,” he said. “When they were preparing to enter the studio this time around there was no set idea for what was to come but, the process ultimately had the band going back to their signature sound. I feel that subconsciously we thought that this record would have ended up incorporating some of that quieter sound, but that didn’t happen. When we got to the studio with nothing more than a pile of riffs, what came out of the band was really loud and heavy music. So not only is this album louder than Heretics, I think it’s louder and heavier than the last couple Toadies albums” guitarist Clark Vogeler said of the sessions, which were recorded Arlyn Studio, a favorite of the legendary Willie Nelson, and The Bubble in Austin.”
Long time collaborators, producer Chris “Frenchie” Smith, along with mixer Rob Schnapf once again joined the band in the studio for the new set. Frenchie produced the last ‘loud rock’ album from the band: 2012’s Play. Rock. Music., and Rob produced Heretics and “Feeler,” and co-produced “Rubberneck” and “Hell Below/Stars Above.”
“Recording with Frenchie is always an interesting experience,” Vogeler said. “He brings such enthusiasm to the process that it’s infectious. He’s got a great ear for what makes a good rock ‘n’ roll record, and as much as anyone else, he put his heart and soul into this record.”
The cover imagery for “The Lower Side Of Uptown” was done by renowned comic artist Michael Lark, the artist of the critically-acclaimed, Eisner-nominated series “Lazarus” from Image Comics. Since 1992, Lark has provided artwork for a variety of comics including Daredevil, Captain America and Winter Soldier and books for Marvel and DC/Vertigo. He collaborated on the critically acclaimed, multiple-award-winning Gotham Central with Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka at DC Comics. He is the recipient of two Eisner Awards, both for his work with Greg Rucka.
Since reuniting in 2008, Toadies have released four albums, played hundreds of shows and festivals, released four signature craft beers, and have been featured in an X-Men comic. Last month they partnered with the Texas Rangers to release their own version of “Take Me To The Ballgame.” This year, the band continues that busy streak with “The Lower Side Of Uptown” showcased on a cross-country tour over two months along with Chicago’s Local H. on the bill.
Tour Dates
Oct. 6 – Omaha, NE Waiting Room
Oct. 7 – Milwaukee, WI Turner Hall
Oct. 8 – Minneapolis, MN 1st Ave.
Oct. 10 – Chicago, IL Metro
Oct. 11 – Louisville, KY Mercury
Oct. 12 – Indianapolis, IN The Vogue
Oct. 13 – Detroit, MI St. Andrews
Oct. 14 – Cleveland, OH Grog Shop
Oct. 15 – Pittsburgh, PA Rex
Oct. 17 – Washington DC Black Cat
Oct. 18 – New York NY Gramercy Theater
Oct. 19 – Philadelphia, PA TLA
Oct. 20 – Boston, MA Brighton
Oct. 21 – Asbury Park, NJ Stone Pony
Oct. 22 – Norfolk, VA Norva
Oct. 24 – Durham, NC Motorco
Oct. 25 – Wilmington, NC The Muse
Oct. 26 – Atlanta, GA Masquerade Hell
Oct. 27 – Orlando, FL Plaza Live
Oct. 28 – Ft. Lauderdale Culture Room
Oct. 29 – Tampa/St. Pete Ritz
Oct. 31 – New Orleans, LA Tipitinas
Nov. 4 – Carrolton, TX Carrollton Festival at the Switchyard
Nov. 10 – Austin, TX Stubbs BBQ
