Bates, Big John
Skinners Cage
Skinners Cage is the third full-length release from Big John Bates Noirchestra on Germanys Rookie Records. The LP cover concept (an original oil painting from Santiago Caruso) reflects the bands vision of social media as a virtual Skinners Box, a direct feed to the human brain. Starting the LP we find all of the modern Devils rampaging in this newest creation of Hell, while Broken English and cultural conflicts are reflected in Brandys intense version of Broken English. Tragedy and horror culminate into Big Johns lament for Halcyon days just out of reach. The cover songs also include the bands tribute to West Coast punk pioneers Dead Moon. Harrow is a mournful goodbye to a lost father while the title track is the epitaph and the epicenter of the album. Overcoming loss and loneliness is a golden thread running throughout the record and into a duet with Brandy Bones creepy version of Kurt Weills original with Big John invoking the darkness and RequiEmily exorcising wandering spirits with eclectic violin. After working with Vancouver mixer Felix Fung on the 2017 video remix of Bitterroot, the Noirchestra was thrilled to have him breathe his expansive style into every groove on this LP. Drums, upright bass and electric violin were all recorded at Monkee Cage Studios on the waterfront in Wilhelmshaven with Pete Monkeeman behind the boards. Across the room Ty- Ty pounded his spirits into a drumset the band was gifted from legendary German band Trio. All other recorded on board the Caleuche.