Tunnels are dark and sometimes kind of frightening. The uncertainty of what lurks out there in the vast and unseen space of its deep recesses often plays tricks on your mind as vertigo sets in, forcing you to shuffle your feet slowly underneath you to feel your way through the darkness, hoping to catch a glimmer of light to lead you out of the blackness and out to safety.
It’s only appropriate that Jeff Wagner and Patrick Crawford named their band The Tunnel. Both dark and full of sinister hooks, the San Francisco duo’s music draws you into an abyss, out of simple curiosity, and sucks you into the vaudeville of sonic dementia.
Wagner’s raw guitar playing and spooky lyrics transport you to the days of old when gypsies roamed in packs and magic potions were sold on dust covered street corners. Part Howlin’ Wolf, part Neil Young on the soundtrack to the film Dead Man, his style of guitar playing is arpeggiated, emotional and sinister.
Drummer Patrick Crawford’s hands reach to the sky and come crashing down on taut heads like an anvil dropping off a ten-story roof. He plays heavy and his drumsticks continually reach that John Bonham-style 12 o’clock position between collisions with the tom, snare and cymbals. Patrick is brothers with French Miami’s drummer Chris Crawford and has participated in stages of Rally of the Dead. He isn’t afraid to ride a bike.
Rumor has it that The Tunnel has recently added another member, Josh Layton, to make the band a trio. I’m looking forward to seeing how it comes together in a live setting. I have a feeling they chose well and he’ll do the band justice and round out the sound, not that there was anything lacking in the first place.
Do yourself a favor and get your hands on The Tunnel’s “Carver Brothers Lullaby.” It’s a solid album and showcases their musical and songwriting talent. Play it loud and often … and don’t be afraid when the lights go out.
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