By Keith Walsh
At first glance, Abusements, a five piece punk band out of Montgomery, Alabama, may seem like an ordinary, loud and fun punk band. After a few minutes, and considering Alabama’s cultural legacies, not only of the rich gospel music tradition but also a tradition of inequity that still continues, one might find that Abusements’ style of pushing back is not only cathartic for the band members , but also a way of mediating socially imposed differences by presenting them in song.
In a conversation with lyricist/vocalist DJ Fake Name (Todd Souvignier), guitarist Jay Hensley, and Wil Evans, we discuss their sound, their inspirations, and the importance and challenges of making music in the American South. Also present in some way, but absent were bassist Lyra Stephens and drummer/musical director Dominique Bradley.
‘Just about every genre that you can play and cover on a guitar, it started with black men and women who invented it and made that possible. The only reason I can do what I do today is because they were there to do it before me, and I think it’s very well celebrated here.’
Jay Hensley, guitarist for Abusements, a band from Montgomery, Alabama.
My review of the exciting new album, Grievance Beerwater Revival, is on punkrockbeat.com.
Abusements Linktree
Abusements YouTube
American Leather Records
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