Search - Honchie :: Deathfists of Rage

Serious Fun

Robert Rodriguez | [Scream for me] Dallas, Texas | 03/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Honchie is:

Joe Elwood (Drums)

Doug Krause (Bass/Vocals)

Troy Larkins (DJ)

James Pafford (Guitar/Vocals)

Chuck Stephenson (Keyboards/Vocals)



Produced by Jim King and Honchie

Recorded at Sonic Dropper Studios



Awwww, look at da cute bunny on da cover...the inside CD artwork finds the five members of Honchie in matching bunny costumes in attack formation and wielding various utensils including a pitchfork, mini-tomahawk, aluminum baseball bat, and what appears to be an icepick. Yes. These cute bunnies pack a punch. Likewise, Honchie's debut CD may appear silly and vapid at first - But a deeper look and listen proves that this band is quite serious about having fun.



Deathfists... offers up fourteen entertaining songs - all amusing and/or offensive to varying degrees. It starts off strong with the Country/Rap hybrid "Bitch Stole My Liquor". These two sides of the musical spectrum merge seamlessly, due largely to the subject matter: lost love (for the Country & Western folk), the degradation of women (all to common topic in the Rap genre), and Liquor (both). "Monkey Midget" is a fun, uptempo, funky, guitar driven tribute to midget/monkey crossbreeds(?). "5 Knuckle Shuffle" is a 3 minute penis joke complete with every masturbation euphemism this side of a Beavis & Butthead DVD set. The track "Mofo" is the disc's standout: it's cool 70's vibe understates the lyrical rage of a man who's lost his stereo, Cheerios, and G.I. Joe. ...I'd be pissed, too.



Keep in mind that some of the genius that is Honchie could go unnoticed by the under-educated rock fan. Take "Welcome Back/Starflight 2000" for instance: a parody or tribute (maybe both) to Progressive Rock, the songs sound like a collaborative effort between Queen and Rush after several straight weeks watching Animaniacs DVDs. I'm not even sure how many listeners would pick up on the band's homage to "The Final Countdown" by the Swedish 80's hair-metal band, Europe. Come to think of it, I'm not sure if they'd want them to.



With fourteen flavors of novelty, there's always sure to be some stinkers. And Deathfists... is not without filler. The tracks "Nascar", "Greatest Lover", and "Spacegoat" are amusing but unnecessary: their absence could make for a leaner, more focused offering. Even the Elton John parody "Mullet Man" is at times trite and obvious ("it's all business in the front, but it's a party in the back") but it's a cheap laugh, a fun subject, and a familiar tune ("Rocket Man") so what the heck?



Musically, Honchie is right on. Doug Krause's and Chuck Stephenson's vocals complement each other nicely. Doug's sweet falsetto and subtle delivery is a welcome counter to Chuck's more energetic approach (you should see his live antics). The alternating vocals and group backgrounds on "Meatseeker" are a great example of the collective vocal talent present in this band. James Pafford's guitar work is simple but articulate and his work at the end of the Tenacious D-ish "Asspants" could send Jack Black to take another semester at the School Of Rock. DJ T-Lark dazzles throughout the disc with various samples, scratches, and beats. And drummer Joe Elwood is solid to boot.



Honchie's Deathfists Of Rage is clearly a must-have for any fan of novelty music or Dallas/Fort Worth music. The production is superb and the disc even offers an enhanced portion for your PC - complete with photos, demos, a video and more. Oh yeah, and if you're easily offended by lyrics, keep away. These cute bunnies are deceiving. Remember, their fists pack a deadly punch.



- Robert Miguel

Scream For Me Dallas Productions"