NEWS4U JUNE 2023 | MUSIC
THE CHUGS Big buzz: Evansville-based poppunk trio goes head over heels for Hamm's on The Cancept Album
L
ike so many bands before them, the Chugs sing primarily about love. But the object of their affection - budget-priced
beer - certainly strays from the norm a bit. Specifically, the Evansville-based pop-punk trio is totally hung up on Hamm's, famously brewed in the land of sky blue waters - otherwise known as the state of Minnesota. Members Scott Wambach (guitar/vocals), Brian Harding
PHOTO: ETHAN DOUGLASS
found themselves working together at the
set. "We treated the event like a long, long
same web-based marketing agency where
practice," Kuban jokes. Just a couple months
the seeds of the Chugs were planted in late
later, with a chaotic yet promising live debut
2019, just prior to the pandemic. "We were
in the bag, the Chugs started recording with
like, we should probably start a band," Harding
Wes Luttrell at Wally Opus Records (reports
recalls, "but coming up with a name is always
on how much Hamm's was consumed in the
the hardest part." Creating the concept for the
studio vary). In addition to "Sky Blue Waters,"
project proved to be much easier, considering
inspiring tracks like "Morning Beer," "Breakfast
the frequent presence of Hamm's at their hang-
of Hammpions" and the emotionally-charged
born.
out sessions. Yet even after coming up with
closer "Chug with You Forever" took shape,
a spot-on moniker, it all seemed more like a
building on the pop-punk sound of Blink-182,
Having crossed paths, musically-speaking,
farce - something to joke about while cracking
MxPx and Pennywise, while also introducing
open more cans of that Minnesota brew. Then,
a surf vibe, "because it's fun to pretend that
seemingly on cue, Kuban conjured up "Sky
Minnesota is some sort of coastal paradise."
(bass/vocals) and Sam Kuban (drums/vocals) break this odd infatuation down in simple terms: "It's a cheap beer that everyone talks sh*t about, but there's nothing wrong with it - that's what makes it perfect." So perfect, in fact, that the guys felt compelled to dedicate an entire album - a six-pack of songs, more accurately - to this favorite of frugal drinkers everywhere. Thus, The Cancept Album was
through the years and bonded over another deep love, punk rock, the guys ultimately
"because it's fun to pretend that Minnesota is some sort of coastal paradise."
Blue Waters," a punk-infused theme song for the Chugs, complete with a sing-along chorus
The Cancept Album, in all its glory, was
that gave Hamm's its proper due. "Oh, sh*t, this
released last month and is available on all
is real," Wambach remembers thinking at the
major streaming platforms with cassette and
time. "Now we've all got to learn this song."
vinyl editions to follow. Catch the Chugs in June at Lamasco (6/10, record release show)
Not only did the rest of the Chugs get on board
and Tiki on Main (6/16).
with "Sky Blue Waters," the newly-formed trio accepted an offer to play the 2022 Front Porch
For more info, follow The Chugs on Facebook or
Fest in downtown Evansville with few songs
visit thechugsband.com.
to their credit and no prep for the two-hour
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