Artist description Started by a trio of fresh-faced Harvard students in 1997, Hank Plank was more of an idea than a coherent musical entity. In a totally self-aware fashion, they set out to update the music of their forefathers (well, not THEIR forefathers, but someone's for sure) for the prematurely cynical youth of today. A genuine interest in country and old-time music, combined with a little Derrida and a healthy dose of self-criticism brought forth songs like "Ridin' Shotgun on the Bandwagon," an anthem about commercialism and artistic integrity, and the title track from their first CD.One doesn't necessarily have to describe the music as raw or energetic, but however you decide to say it, they weren't obsessed with technical perfection. And the songs weren't all complex reflections on commerce and legitimacy, either. Really, you don't have to know the difference between a plectrum and a simulacrum to enjoy their art. A little heartache and a beer (or ten) is about all you need to "get it."What was "it"? Well, what WASN'T it? They had costumes, they went on tours, they recorded a second album "Venus Hair Trap" as well as a 5-song CD-EP called "Rocket to Venus." They changed lineups again and again. They got better at their instruments. They got better instruments. They got praised. They got panned. They did everything. They got nowhere. They kept going. They keep going. Why? Because they don't give a fuck. Because they're having fun. Stay tuned.-July 2000

Music Style country, alt-country, avant-country, bogus country

Musical Influences Hank Williams, Holy Modal Rounders, New Order

Similar Artists Jackass Willie, Robbie Fulks, Old 97s

Artist History This is the story of the band as they choose to tell it: Matt Donahue (drums) had the great idea to start Hank Plank and the 2x4s in the fall of 1996. They were young then. Mark Yokoyama (guitar) had just been dumped from a truly disastrous relationship and was, I suppose, vulnerable at the time. I think Ben Herzog (bass) was just naive. At any rate, they proceeded to drink a lot of beers and write a lot of songs and play for their friends around Boston. The friends clapped, but not enough and they moved to Portland, Oregon in the fall of 1997. It was wet and they practiced a lot and drank a lot of beers. They were joined by a series of musicians playing various stringed instruments who eventually left town including Juliana 'Pro-Style' Trivers, who saves a little grace for them on the CD you're about to read about and the notoriously good natured Billy what's-his-face. In the summer of 1998 they recorded in a little studio for a couple days and released a CD entitled Ridin' Shotgun on the Bandwagon. They also went on a short tour of California and did some swimming. They bought really big novelty foam cowboy hats and became very attached to them. Currently Hank Plank and the 2x4s is a five piece band with Ben Brooks (called Bjorn to avoid confusion) on fiddle, and Tom Niebrzydowski on banjo. Shortly after completing their second album, Venus Hair Trap, Matt Donahue left to New York with Juliana and David LyBarger started drumming with the boys. They have been playing endless gigs around Portland for the last couple years, and have ventured on tour again to California, Arizona and Nevada. Venus Hair Trap is now available, showcasing their remarkable improvements in musicianship and songwriting. They are also trying to decide whether to describe their music as postmodern roots country, or country "to the extreme!" They are seeking a soft drink sponsorship. They have lightsuits, but it used to be about the music. They proudly accepted the self-awarded "Portland, Oregon Devo of Country Music Award." They believe our children are our future. If they don't make it big, they will start a Christian rock band called Dr. God.

Group Members Mark Yokoyama (guitar, vocals)Ben Herzog (bass)David LyBarger (drums)Tom Niebrzydowski (banjo, vocals)Bjorn Brooks (fiddle, mandolin)Matt Donahue (drums, vocals)Juliana Trivers (violin)Billy Paoli (guitar, banjo)

Instruments guitar, bass, banjo, fiddle, drums

Albums Ridin' Shotgun on the Bandwagon, Venus Hair Trap, Rocket to Venus

Additional Info featured on rootsrock.com sampler

Location New York, NY - USA

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