Chicago – Nashville band All Them Witches  got the second night of Tomorrow Never Knows Fest going with their psychedelic, southern, bluesy rock, heating up Lincoln Hall with plenty of sick jam sessions. All Them Witches were joined by fellow Nashville band Ranch Ghost and Louisville band Old Baby. Every winter TNK Fest brings a plethora of bands and comedians to a variety of Chicago venues, over the course of five days. Last year Best New Bands caught Alvvays and Sun Club at TNK Fest. This year we’re happy to feature to Nashville bands’ TNK performances: All Them Witches and Bully. Stay tuned for our review of Day Four TNK Fest with Bully and METZ!

Fans up front packed in tight, late in the night, to see All Them Witches take the stage. The foursome – made up of bassist and vocalist Charles Michael Parks, Jr., guitarist Ben McLeod, keyboardist Allan Van Cleave, and drummer Robby Staebler – were all smiles, as were their fans. Between the beers and music, people seemed to be feeling pretty good. Bodies swayed to the music. Occasionally fists and horns were raised in approval. Frontman Charles Michael Parks, Jr. toasted the crowd, raising his can of beer. A sea of raised drinks followed, with fans toasting right along with him. Charles Michael Parks, Jr. didn’t talk too much, but when he did, the banter was warm, friendly, and sprinkled with humor.

All Them Witches recently released the album Dying Surfer Meets His Maker via New West Records. The guys played some new material, most notably “Dirt Preachers.” Of course they also played plenty of older material including “The Marriage Of Coyote Woman” and the 2014 hit “Charles William,” from Lightning At The Door. The crowd especially loved “Elk. Blood. Heart,” off Our Mother Electricity, and I particularly loved “Mountain.” It left me entranced.

All Them Witches closed out the night with the beautiful “Swallowed by the Sea.” As the band broke into this haunting song, many fans were transfixed, standing still with eyes focused intently, until the heaviness of Park’s bass prompted people to move to the beat, banging their heads slowly. McLeod’s electrifying guitar playing made smiles spread, closing out the night with warmth and cheer.

Ranch Ghost started the night out at Lincoln Hall, and they were brilliant. I would describe the band’s sound as psychedelic country, but I much prefer the description on their Facebook page: “The noise that emanates from these ruffians is heavily reliant on the vibe. Imagine that lone, solitary man on the front porch in Mississippi, playing only for the God within and around, suddenly splitting open – wild with color – Think Blind Willie McTell giving Ray Charles an Indian rug burn and The Kinks bleeding all over them. This should give you a good sense of what it’s like to hear Ranch Ghost.”

This five-piece was delightful to watch and experience. I couldn’t keep my eyes off them! Songs like “Sugar and Milk,” “Nahla,” “Black Caboose,” and “Grow Hair Grow Teeth” were mesmerizing. Song after song was pure ear candy. The evening proved these Bonnaroo alumni have a bright future.

All Them Witches are on tour now with Ranch Ghost. All Them Witches will be touring North America and Europe throughout the Spring and Summer, including Shaky Knees Music Fest. A list of dates can be found on the band’s All Them Witches Facebook page. Dying Surfer Meets His Maker is available for purchase on iTunes.

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Sarah Hess

At the age of six, Sarah Hess discovered True Blue by Madonna. This resulted in her spending hours in front of the bathroom mirror with a hairbrush microphone, belting out "La Isla Bonita" off key. Her love for music only intensified over the years thanks to her parents; her mother exposed Sarah to The Jackson Five and had her hustling to the Bee Gees, while her father would play her albums like 'Pet Sounds' and 'Some Girls' from start to finish, during which he'd lecture on and on about the history of rock & roll. Sarah would eventually stumble upon rap and hip-hop, then punk and alternative, and fall madly in love with Jeff Buckley and film photography.

After attending The School of the Art Institute in Chicago, Sarah went on to study education at Dominican University, earning a degree in history. When not teaching, writing, or taking in a show, she is most likely to be found with a camera to her eye or hanging out in a darkroom.


You can follow Sarah Hess on twitter at @Sarahhasanh and view her music photography on her website: smhimaging.com.

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