The Libertines US

The Libertines US stunned the underground music scene with their reunion in 2006 after a thirteen-year absence. The riveting live performances leave no doubt that they’re back, better than ever, exuding power and grit. Formed in 1983, the Libertines US were a power trio consisting of Cincinnati native Walt Hodge, with Randy Cheek and Joe Hamm of West Chester. Their debut performance was broadcast live on WAIF radio in 1984, immediately gaining them a following. The Libertines US debut single "Everybody Wants to be my Sister" was an underground hit in the Midwest, with college and alternative stations like WOXY placing it in heavy rotation for several weeks. Not bad for a one-shot afternoon recording session… They set themselves apart in the alternative music scene with an interesting variety of original material. Heavily influenced by music of the 1960's and 1970‘s, most notably Credence Clearwater Revival, Velvet Underground, and the Stooges. The Libertines US sound has been described as a blend of Replacements, Echo and the Bunnymen, and early REM. Add a dash of Dream Syndicate and the Gun Club. Dark pop lyrics, reverberating guitar, a thumping bass line, and driving drum beat. Jingle, jangle, and crunch. The Libertines US toured most of the US, performing with major recording artists and alternative acts such as the Violent Femmes, Replacements, the Long Ryders, Eleventh Dream Day, Guided by Voices, Del Fuegos, True Believers, Bodeans and countless others. Despite a very limited budget, the Libertines US received alternative radio airplay in various parts of the world. The late John Peel on BBC radio introduced their second single, “Voices from the Past” to Europe. After 1986, they expanded to a quartet, adding longtime friend Jimmy D on guitar, and Greg Blanton replacing Joe on drums. The band then launched some heavier rockers to augment the earlier pop material. Their performances often shifted from pop, country twang, psychedelic punk, to grunge (before it was described as such). The band’s genre hopping made it difficult for A&R people to categorize them, and no major US label at the time would touch them. Finally, in 1988, the Dutch record label Megadisc released Tilt-A-Whirl, the Libertines US first LP in Europe. Tilt-A-Whirl received good reviews in alternative press… but unfortunately was never distributed here! By the early 1990s, Randy had found major label success playing bass with the Ass Ponys, and touring with Over The Rhine. Jimmy D began working as tour manager for them, and a number of bands. Walt continued briefly with Ted Nagel playing bass, and Greg drumming. After playing and recording throughout the Midwest for a decade, the Libertines US went into hibernation for thirteen years. But they seem to have been carefully frozen to preserve freshness. In late 2005, Jimmy D, Walt, and Randy reunited after a charity event for Hurricane Katrina victims. They recruited another longtime friend, Todd Witt better known as T-Lo (BPA, Wolverton Brothers, Go To Hell) to beat on the drums. Jingle jangle crunch. The Libertines US are one of the finest American underground bands, yet remain relatively obscure. It must be something in the water...