ArtistInfo

Howlin' Widow

Band,
Rock

Howlin' Widow 2007 - 2011 The sound of Howlin’ Widow was inspired by the spirit and attitude of their late 60s and early 70’s influences. There is a clear heavy 70’s vibe, overdriven valve amps, understated fuzz tones with rolling and inspired drumming pinned together by a weighty and groove laden bass. The vocals range from clean howling/growling to harmonies and a gruff narrative often with influences from Ozzy, Waits, Rollins and Cornell. Howlin’ Widow was a short lived band from Belfast, Northern Ireland formed by guitarists Jason Hendry, Gary Spence and bassist Chris Burns in late 2007. Tony Murray joined on drums in early 2008 and they would remain a 4-piece, finding their sound and without gigging or recording for just over a year. Tom Clarke announced the break-up of Bad Boat (12” also available on Freak Flag Recordings) and was invited to sit in on Howlin’ Widow rehearsals which led to him joining as vocalist and lyricist. 2009 Demo: "No Trial Run", "Narcotics & Gnostics" and "The Dystopian Blues" were demo'd at Railway Studios, Lisburn. Not long after these recordings the band made it’s live debut and played six shows during the course of 2009; a highlight being the support for Chicago doom legends Trouble. Howlin’ Widow was quickly establishing itself as a band to watch within the Irish Metal and Rock scenes. Video supporting Trouble http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfEql7IFjDo Unreleased LP / 7" / CDEP / shows 2010: A line-up change at the end of 2009 saw Dave Boyd joining on Bass in early 2010 and the band entered Lib Lab Studio, Belfast. LP sessions were aborted and unfinished due to various reasons. Recordings of “At Peace at War” and “Davidian Strut” had been intended for a 7" however these would be shelved and left unreleased. Four songs were then recorded at a different studio, My First Recorder, Belfast in mid 2010. Three of these "Painted Spell", “Mass Appeal Martyrs" and "At Peace at War" would appear on the bands first EP while the fourth song, a re-recording of “No Trial Run” from the 2009 demo, was left as an outtake. 2010 saw the band playing more gigs than in the previous year most notably scoring support slots with Garcia Play Kyuss, Lord Vicar (both in Dublin and Belfast) and to finish the year off a gig with Diamond Head. Filmed for posterity this show would ultimately be the bands last: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5ATSOY7sDQ Final Recordings, Hiatus then Split: By Dec 2010 Howlin' Widow teamed up with Mudd Wallace to produce some fresh recordings at the Culturlann Theatre. The band was in good shape for the sessions and recorded the entire backing track for “Exorcised Accidental” live on the first take. “Son Shine” followed quickly and with some time in hand “Narcotics & Gnostics” from the 2009 demo was re-recorded. Vocals were completed at Mudd's own Homestead Studios shortly after and the completed tracks were left with Mudd to mix while the band took advantage of a self imposed holiday. The band regrouped in May 2011 but by this time guitarist Jason and Tony decided to leave. The remaining members called time on Howlin’ Widow. They leave behind a Demo '09, CDEP '10 and a 7" released posthumously in 2012. All available via bandcamp Vocals - Tom Clarke Guitar - Gary Spence Guitar - Jason Hendry Drums - Tony Murray Bass - Chris Burns ('07-'09) Bass - Dave Boyd ('10-'11)

Members

	Tom Clarke
	Jason Hendry
	Dave Boyd b
	Gary Spence g
	Tony Murray

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