Formed: 1986, in a Wrigleyville basement.
Personnel: Lori S., lead guitar, vocals; Lori Peter, drums; Edna Ho, bass.
Current lineup together since: August 1988.
Sound: ”Alternative hard rock,” says Lori S. ”We`re into being loud.” Influences: The Stooges, Jimi Hendrix, Seattle`s current Sub Pop bands and `70s hard rock.
In-concert cover versions: The band used to play some old punk songs but stopped. ”We don`t do any covers because then people recognize the covers and request them,” Lori S. says. ”When we play, they`re forced to remember our originals, or I hope it works that way.”
Namesake: Ho named the band after an Indian hemp plant.
Turf: The band plays Cabaret Metro, Lounge Ax and other North Side clubs. They`ve also toured the Midwest and West Coast, and they plan to hit the East Coast in June.
Memorable concert experience: When the band performed at the Lincoln Park Peace Festival last summer, ”people were slamming to our music and the people at the Peacefest were not happy about it because it was supposed to be a peaceful thing. They haven`t asked us to come back this year yet-put it that way.”
Recordings: Bhang Revival released a three-song, 7-inch record in October. Next month they enter the studio with 10 songs and producer Iain Burgess. Lori S. says the band hopes to emerge with a six-song EP to be released by an independent label.
Philosophy: ”We`re not in it to make money,” Lori S. says. ”We formed the band to meet people. If we have a good time, meet people, get free beer, sell a few records, that`s a good night for us.”
Goals: ”To get this (upcoming) recording out on a label other than our own and to tour the world,” Lori S. says. ”We`re not looking to be big rock stars. If it happened that would be great, but that`s not what we think about. As long as we have a good time and like what we`re doing, we`ll keep doing it.”
Next appearance: Avalon, May 10.
