January February March April May June July August September October November December 200820092010

With their second CD about to drop frontwoman Coco Hames takes stock.

BY APRIL S. ENGRAM

 

The Ettes-guitarist/vocalist Lindsay "Coco" Hames, bassist Jeremy "Jem" Cohen, drummer Maria "Poni" Silver-are coming, and bringing their dose of old-school thunder once again. After serving up high octane, ‘60s-evocative punk rock on 2006 debut Shake the Dust (Sympathy for the Record Industry), the trio returned to their sonic roots for their sophomore effort, Look at Life Again Soon, recorded in London - as was the first album - with British producer Liam Watson (White Stripes, Kills, Billy Childish) at Toe Rag Studios. The new record was self-released this spring exclusively on vinyl just in time for a trip to Austin for SXSW (which by all accounts went smashingly); San Francisco's Take Root Records just issued it digitally and will have it in stores on CD starting September 9.

 

In May the Ettes went back to the UK and Europe for a tour as the opening act for the Black Keys. Prior to that, though, Hames, feet still planted in the States, let us into her world. In this modern age of artificial intelligence and electric cars, resorting to antiquated technologies like the phone may seem passé. Thus, while basking in the Florida sun at the group's temporary home (they've since relocated to Nashville), Hames braved a terrible gash on her finger - disposable shavers are deadly weapons - and typed a droll yet acute response to our inquisition on her BlackBerry. We'll take her thinly veiled threats to burn the house down and wield her Fender as a truncheon as a cue to watch our ass.

 

***

 

SIMPATICO

 

Live and in action, the Ettes share glances, smiles, laughs and jokes - it's apparent they just get along. "We communicate without speaking," Coco elaborates. "It makes it easier that everyone is so great on their own and when we come together, we're like... Captain Planet. We already recycle, what's a better analogy? A Swiffer?"

 

 

HOW SHE COOK

 

When not holding her guitar, Coco can be found with a skillet in hand, but that may prove to be a deadlier combination. Though she indeed loves to cook, "I don't think I could be a professional cook; I have a bad temper," she says. "If someone scolded, ‘Coco!  Table four says the lobsters are still alive!' I'd probably burn the place down."

 

 

CUDDLE VS. CUDGEL

 

Coco might look cute and cuddly, but after one show, the trio usually converts their doubters. "We don't give a fuck if you've got antiquated sexist notions. How fucking boring, you know? If people have something to say [about it], that's fine... our instruments double as weapons!"

 

 

SONGBIRD BACK HOME

 

Recording with producer Watson "was a dream come true" for Coco, and now the Ettes are a viable contender in the rock and roll arms race between the US and the UK. "Rock and roll has always gone back and forth across the pond. We had Elvis, they had the Beatles; we had the Ramones, they had the Sex Pistols. It's a terribly lovely volley but I'm afraid it's back to America now, old chaps. I do beg your pardon."

 

 

 

[Photo Credit: Matt Wignall; L-R: Poni, Coco, Jem]

 

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