Photo: rohofoto.com (NITF/Facebook)
We caught wind of NITF somewhere a few months back. And you can say what you will about the seemingly increased popularity in bare bones punk/blues/rock duos (a la WHITE STRIPES, BLACK KEYS, etc.) these days…NOT IN THE FACE is definitely raising the roof with their own unique ramblin’ and rollin’ thing.
NOT IN THE FACE formed back in 2009, and like many a band’s story, started as “something fun to do at a local bar for friends and free drinks.” Jonathan spent a couple of years making a name for himself as a solo artist, and opening for country legends such as Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard. And Wes had been touring with a couple of his own bands and sitting in with the likes of Alan Haynes and Dale Watson. The two eventually re-connected, and NITF eventually took precedence over all other projects.
Photo: rohofoto.com (NITF/Facebook)
Later in 2011, Electric Factory Records released their first album ‘Bikini’ and it began receiving regular play on several radio stations across the country. Laurie Gallardo, radio-host at Austin’s KUT 90.5, named the album as her favorite release of 2011, stating, “It never ceases to amaze me when all it takes is two great musicians to make such a big sound. High-octane, high-energy rock and pop from this dynamic duo. Excellent. Well done, lads.”
Since the album release, the band has been out on the road, touring relentlessly from L.A. to New York and everywhere in between. They say they’re constantly writing new music and injecting their own unique sound into covers by the likes of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and T. REX, all the while putting more and more touring miles on the ol’ van.
“NOT IN THE FACE is setting out to light a fire and breathe the fun back into that good old-fashioned hot, dirty, and mean rock and roll revival.” For sure. Check ‘em out for yourself. I reckon it was the killer live video of “Fire Through Time” (via Austin Music Weekly) that pretty much sold us.
MORE NOT IN THE FACE ON: WEB | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | Video via Austin Music Weekly
