The Warlocks - Heavy Deavy Skull Lover (2007)

Founded in Los Angeles, USA in 1999

US act THE WARLOCKS were formed in Los Angeles in 1999, lead by Bobby Hecksher (vocals, guitar). After a period with members coming and going the band stabilized as a 8-piece outfit, with JC Rees (guitar), Corey Lee Granet (guitar), Jeff Levitz (guitar), Caleb Sweazy (bass), Laura Grisby (tambourine, organ and vocals), Danny Hole (drums) and Jason Anchondo (drums) complementing band leader Hecksher for recording of their self-named EP The Warlocks and the full length debut Rise and Fall - issued in 2000 and 2001 respectively.

Shortly after the band is approached by Birdman Records, who wants to issue their next album. Line-up changes are in store however, as Sweazy leaves, replaced by Ben Ashley (bass); but shortly after Ashley as well as Laura Grisby are fired from the band. Mike Diaz (drums) hooks up with The Warlocks for a brief tenure when Danny Hole leave. Hecksher decides to take care of the bass himself for the forthcoming recording sessions, and the slightly ironically titled sophomore effort Phoenix is issued in the fall of 2002.

Their new album is given favourable reviews, but even so their line-up problems continue. In January 2003 Bobby Martine (bass) joins the band, Laura Grigsby returns - while Jeff Levitz calls it quits.

In 2004 the band starts planning a new album, and their line-up troubles are still an issue. Martine is out again at this point, while Jenny Fraser (bass) and Bob Mustachio (drums) are in. And during the year the planned 2004 album is pushed back for a 2005 release.

Eventually, Surgery is issued in the fall of 2005; yet again with a favourable reception from buyers and critics alike.

After touring, promotion and other happenings; as well as getting signed to Tee Pee Records, there's the now customary line-up changes in the band to deal with. Prior to the recording of the album there are only four members left; with Rees, Granet and Grigsby out.

This vastly downsized version of the band records Heavy Deavy Skull Lover, issued in the fall of 2007.

Two more years go by before any new material appears by The Warlocks, but in May 2009 The Mirror Explores see the light of day. Yet again with a new line-up; the band now consisting of Bobby Hecksher (vocals, guitar, keyboards), John Christian Rees (guitar), Ryan McBride (guitar), Jana Suzanne Risher (bass) and Bob Mustachio (drums).

During their 10 year long history the band, although always staying within a psychedelic rock framework in terms of musical production, have explored several different facets of this stylistic expression - from droning krautrock-tinged excursions to harder, Hawkwind and stoner-rock influenced ventures. And it is pretty safe to assume that the numerous line-up changes in the band is at least partially responsible for the changes in musical output this outfit has had over the years.