Freakqualizer by Honeycreeper

” And, while it’s true that the band mashes a bunch of different musical styles live and on Freakqualizer (usually within the same song) as one reviewer put it, “they never lose sight of what is truly important - the songs.”

A recurring theme in Honeycreeper’s music is the idea of dichotomy- the existence of two contrasting ideas that combine to make a balance (think Yin & Yang). “Lyrically, our songs are about some serious life shaping events, like growing up with my father’s alcoholism, as well as religion and morality, but the music is very up-beat and positive with a strong punk undertone. This is very much our personality. We have gone through hard times, everybody does, but we figure there’s no use being whiney or negative about it.” Beck says, smiling. And while listening to Honeycreeper, it would be hard not to notice Beck’s musical aggression. “I hope I can be a positive role-model for female musicians. I’ve spent the past 5 years teaching music as my day job and practicing my butt off. I hope to spread the word to girls everywhere that you don’t need to be a man to play music with balls!” she says with a laugh.

In a musical climate where sadness and angst reign supreme, another trait that makes Honeycreeper particularly endearing is their good-natured and off-the-wall sense of humor. This humor not only comes through in their music and live shows, but also in their entertaining website and emails. But, it’s not just the humor that keeps people interested, but Honeycreeper’s amped-up live show as well. "They groove like there's no tomorrow and they rock like mad. Honeycreeper can go from a laid-back groove to an all-out aural assault so quick they'll knock your socks off…” is how one journalist explained a Honeycreeper live experience. One of the main goals was for Freakqualizer to capture the “live” Honeycreeper energy. With screaming sax solos, tight and funky grooves, powerful vocals ranging from James Brown to James Hetfield, and serious hard rocking guitar solos, Freakqualizer delivers the goods.

And apparently, Honeycreeper’s efforts are starting to pay off. The band has been playing shows - rocking clubs, all-ages DIY venues, house parties and college campuses throughout the Northeast and beyond - and finding themselves booked with some of the nation’s best up-and-coming bands like Streetlight Manifesto, Jupiter Sunrise and Big D and The Kids Table, as well as seasoned, well-respected national bands such as Fishbone, The Toasters, Black 47, They Might Be Giants and Murphy’s Law. Honeycreeper is also receiving quite a bit of college and indie airplay (the count is about 200 stations nationwide and in Canada… and growing). “It’s great to see the work paying off,” says drummer El Mustango. “There’s nothing better than playing live and having the audience returning the love and energy we’re feeding them.” The band is far from satisfied, though. “We’re happy with what we’ve accomplished so far, but we won’t rest until we’re playing 300 days of the year to packed houses.”

Songs from the high-energy Freakqualizer (produced by D. James Goodwin, who has worked with bands such as Murder By Death, New London Fire and Thursday) can be streamed and/or downloaded at Honeycreeper's website, myspace, or pureVOLUME page or can be digitally downloaded on iTunes, eMusic, AudioLunchbox or where ever else you can legally download music.

In a nutshell (a rather large nutshell) Honeycreeper is a dirty, nasty, sexy, sweaty, high-energy rock band that's funky as hell. This “stock” is seasoned liberally with punk and ska, and even a little hip-hop, metal, and reggae. Honeycreeper is serious but fun, edgy and eclectic yet easily accessible and danceable. They are freaky without being embarrassing, clever yet not pretentious, and sexy without being slutty. Honeycreeper has a sound all their own, yet it’s completely familiar and you’ll want to sing along to every chorus. The music can be sort of dark and mysterious, but you'll want to give it a big hug at the end of the night. It's music played by people who need to play music. It's a stew that's cooking on its own flame—all you need to do is show up with your spork and dig in.

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In case you care, here's what others have said about Honeycreeper and their debut album Freakqualizer:

"The members of Albany-area alternative rock outfit Honeycreeper are nothing if not ambitious: atop a pneumatic punk-funk base, the energetic foursome pile on weighty slabs of hip hop, reggae, hard rock and 1990’s American ska. And it’s proven to be a winning recipe, making the act a frequent club favorite locally and up and down the East Coast. Freakqualizer, Honeycreeper’s debut album,is a sharply produced, impressively realized first effort that, quite loudly and literally, screams out for college and alternative radio airplay."

- Peter Aaron for The Daily Freeman

"The opening of Honeycreeper’s Freakqualizer grabs your attention with a jazz-infused rhythm that rages straight out of Mandy Beck’s saxophone. But when the multitalented Beck’s voice joins the fun, you’re suddenly jolted into taking a second listen. Shouldn’t be surprising, then, that the track is entitled “Your Voice”. Honeycreeper do not need to rely solely on the strength of this kick-ass lead female singer/saxophonist, though; their personalized approach is enough to latch on to your eardrums and hold on tightly throughout the rest of the album. By “The Man”, you’re probably thinking this band is certainly rocking your iPod and would probably be even more gratifying live. The punk, ska, hip hop, and reggae blend together for a sound that is eccentric, catchy and ultimately entertaining."

- Amy Tetreault for Face Magazine

“Honeycreeper has released what I consider one of the best albums of 2006 with Freakqualizer. Every song is fun and energetic and will make you move. The vocals, provided by Mandy Beck are absolutely amazing. This is destined to be a classic record so you may want to jump on this one right now. Great record and this would make a fine addition to anyone's collection of music.”

- Jeffrey Kurtis for All Ages Zine

“Those of us who grew up listening to Pantera, Tribe Called Quest, Bob Marley, Deee-lite, and the Dead Kennedys all on the same mix tape won't want to miss Honeycreeper, a funky, sexy mish-mash of all those genres. Leading lady and songstress Mandy Beck plays sax with a vengeance and her boys bring the funk.”

- Amy Martin for The Portland Phoenix

“Honeycreeper is the shit, plain and simple. From the first track, “Your Voice,” you know that this CD will be like nothing you’ve ever heard before. This is a disc jam-packed with styles, solos, energy, and fun. I definitely recommend seeing these guys and picking up a copy of Freakqualizer.”

- Todd Springer for CTSka.com

“Bringing together influences from all over the musical spectrum with a dynamic female lead… Honeycreeper is one of the most fiercely original groups in the current music scene.”

- Gutterman for TeamScene.com

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