Quaker City Night Hawks

Quaker City Night Hawks - Darlington County - Rolling Stone

Hometown: Fort Worth
Members: Sam Anderson, David Matsler, Pat Adams, Matt Mabe, Andrew Skates
Current Album: Honcho (2013); Texas Heavy EP (2014)
The title of the band’s two-song EP, Texas Heavy, is the ideal descriptor for their brand of blues-infused southern rock. Their songs “Cold Blues,” “Ain’t No Kid” and “Some of Adam’s Blues” were all featured on season 5 of the television series “Sons of Anarchy.” The Quaker City Night Hawks will be touring this winter and spring with performances at Paste Untapped, SXSW and Tortuga Music Festival. - PASTE

Fox in the Hen House - Quaker City Night Hawks | Jam in the Van at SXSW 2014 - Jam in the Van

"You Got it Easy" - Quaker City Night Hawks | Jam in the Van at SXSW 2014 - Jam in the Van

"Cold Blues" off Quaker City Night Hawks debut album Torquila Torquila on Season 5 Episode 6 of FX's Original Series Sons Of Anarchy - www.fxnetworks.com

"Ain't No Kid" off Quaker City Night Hawks debut album Torquila Torquila on Season 5 Episode 7 of FX's Original Series Sons Of Anarchy - www.fxnetworks.com

"Some Of Adam's Blues" off Quaker City Night Hawks' debut album Torquila Torquila on FX's Original Series Sons Of Anarchy - www.fxnetworks.com

By Pete Freedman

As I type this, the fellas in the Sons of Anarchy-approved Quaker City Night Hawks are likely huddled around a computer somewhere, cursing out iTunes for taking its sweet ass time in uploading its new material to the Internet.

Of that much, I'm almost certain.

Because, for whatever reason, the band, while frustratingly awaiting its new material getting all set to go up for sale on that online retailer, passed those same cuts our way, too.

And, hell yeah, we're glad that they did: These two new songs -- one called "Tell It Like It Is" and another called "Prize to Find" -- are being packaged together by the band as a short, teaser release of sorts called Texas Heavy; and, very much so, they live up to their own lofty billing.

They're raw, loud and brimming with the towering swagger and impressive harmonies we've come to expect from this standout group. And yes: They're yet another step closer to the band appropriately catching its unbelievable live show energy on tape, too. Here's the other thing: They also just might also be the best cuts the band's recorded yet.

Lucky us, then, that the group's given us the OK to post these new songs for your streaming pleasure, iTunes be damned. Check 'em out.

These songs, the band tells us, are just the start of a little something new from the group, too. More releases like these -- excess recordings from the group's recording sessions for its sophomore Honcho LP -- are on the way as additional teasers from the band as it prepares to release its next, almost finished and already-recorded third LP.

In addition to digital iTunes releases, this short Texas Heavy batch, as well as future ones, will be available for purchase on vinyl right here, as well as at the band's live shows.

As for that next full-length? Well, the band has this much to say: "It'll feel a lot more like Texas Heavy than Honcho."

Well, alright then. All the more reason to be stoked on this new two-fer. - Central Track

35 Denton fest's 10 must-see concerts

35 Denton
March 7-10
Various venues, Denton
$25-$55
35denton.com
By Preston Jones
dfw.com
Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013

Slowly and steadily, North Texas has become a music festival powerhouse.

Where once there were just a handful of events, scattered throughout the year, the calendar now boasts an almost continuous cycle of single- and multiple-day gatherings in Fort Worth, Dallas and Denton.

From mainstays like Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival and Mayfest to relative upstarts like Fort Worth Music Festival and the Untapped Festival (which announced its plans to go national this week), there's no shortage of live music events for practically every taste.

One of the most eclectic and rigorously curated fests is the four-day 35 Denton, beginning March 7. It's heading into its fifth year and is keeping things relatively low-key in 2013. (Past headliners have included the Flaming Lips and the Jesus and Mary Chain.)

There are plenty of impressive names scheduled to appear this year, provided you keep tabs on the next big thing at home and elsewhere. From veterans like Thurston Moore (appearing with his side project, Chelsea Light Moving) to upstarts like Solange Knowles, the four-day festival promises a smart mix in an easily walkable setting.

Here are 10 can't-miss acts, local and national, out of the 150-plus bands scheduled to perform across 35 Denton's more than one dozen stages. For the full schedule, visit 35denton.com. (Stages and times subject to change.)

PINKISH BLACK (10:30 P.M. MARCH 7 AT HAILEY'S)

The guitarless Fort Worth duo of Daron Beck and Jon Teague has had a busy few months, what with the release of its acclaimed, self-titled debut, signing with California-based label Century Media Recordings and completing work on a sophomore LP at the Echo Lab in Denton. Wasting little time, Pinkish Black will preview tracks from its forthcoming album during its sure-to-be-intense set.

QUAKER CITY NIGHT HAWKS (10:30 P.M. MARCH 7 AT ANDY'S)

Another Fort Worth band riding high on a new album, this hirsute foursome is gearing up for a full slate of shows in support of the just-released (and fantastically gritty) Honcho. The Hawks have built a reputation as one of the area's sharpest live acts, so if you haven't seen 'em before now, consider this an open invitation.

ROKY ERICKSON (7 P.M. MARCH 8 AT MAIN STAGE TWO)

Something of a godfather to the avant-garde set in Texas, psych-rock legend Erickson has artistically rebounded from a life that was drifting into oblivion. In 2010, he released his first album in 14 years (a thrilling collaboration with Austin indie band Okkervil River titled True Love Cast Out All Evil) and just last year, he toured Australia for the first time.

OLD SNACK (9:30 P.M. MARCH 8 AT MELLOW MUSHROOM)

This Denton trio makes no bones about what it does -- smart pop-rock tinged with enough punk and country overtones to make it stand out from the crowd. The band's 2011 debut, Everything Is Happening So Fast, remains a master class in breakneck jangle-punk.

A.DD+ (5 P.M. MARCH 9 AT MAIN STAGE TWO)

Paris Pershun and Slim Gravy are fresh from releasing the bold new mixtape DiveHiFlyLo. Teamed with longtime collaborator DJ Sober, A.Dd+ remains one of DFW's truly great live rap experiences.

SOLANGE KNOWLES (8 P.M. MARCH 9 AT MAIN STAGE ONE)

She may not sell out stadiums like her sister, Beyoncé, but the younger Knowles arguably has the more interesting career. At the very least, Solange has one of 2013's best releases -- the Dev Hynes-produced EP True, anchored by stellar single Losing You -- and a quirky, hyper-hip style all her own.

DATAHOWLER (10:30 P.M. MARCH 9 AT THE HIVE)

Known off-stage as Ross Edman, the Dallas-based DJ Datahowler excels at stitching together gorgeous blankets of sound that envelop the listener. His latest effort, the faintly psychedelic The Crystal Gazers EP, will likely make for a dazzling sonic display in concert.

JESSIE FRYE (11:30 P.M. MARCH 9 AT BANTER)

One of Denton's most relentless creative singer-songwriters, Frye, a 35 Denton veteran, is hard at work on the follow-up to 2011's John Congleton-produced Fireworks Child. Tentatively titled Obsidian, the record is due out later this year.

CAMERA OBSCURA (7 P.M. MARCH 10 AT MAIN STAGE TWO)

The Glasgow indie-pop sextet hasn't released anything since 2009's My Maudlin Career (the band's website says it is "slowly putting together new songs"), but it's a testament to the group's sparkling melodies and facility with wistful lyrics that they remain in demand Stateside. It's a band best consumed through headphones, but this set is still a treat for North Texas fans.

DOUG BURR (11:30 P.M. MARCH 10 AT SWEETWATER GRILL & TAVERN)

A Denton staple and arguably one of the most underrated troubadours in Texas, Burr has reportedly been working on new music, intended for a follow-up to 2010's O Ye Devastator. His liv - DFW.com Print Edition

Today, local 817 bad asses the Quaker City Night Hawks new album HONCHO has officially been released! Now available on iTunes, on Amazon, and at their live shows, this is clearly a record that you will want to purchase. It not only helps our local friends travel down the highways of Texas, but it will give you more pleasure than $10 has given you in a long time.

I got my copy of HONCHO a few weeks ago, and after listening to it a total of 56 times all the way through, I can honestly say it surpasses my already high expectations for the young band.
The lead vocalists, David Matsler and Sam Anderson, have crafted their style methodically over the past half-decade, and this record is clearly one of the pinnacles of their career and a shining beacon for things yet to come.

From the very start of the opening song, Fox in the Hen House, the Quaker City Night Hawks introduce you to their style of Rock n Roll, bred full of piss & vinegar & cigarette butts & fast cars, loose women, & runs across the Mexican border.

Their music conjures up visions of ZZ Top, Creedence and Pink Floyd while hanging with Cheech & Chong in an El Camino cruising down Stockyards Boulevard. Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, and even a little Beatles I can feel in the Rhythym. But the concoction that truly ignites the musical soul of the album is the dual-fronted dynamicism of singers David Matsler and Sam Anderson.

The songs throughout Honcho have this great flow, making it easy to listen to but yet also piquing your interest further at every turn. The way Anderson and Matsler's voices transition from song to song and in-turn play harmony to each other really works magic.

These Night Hawk fellas are definitely Texans, something evident in their lyrics & in their musical spirit. While this ain't Country Music by any stretch of the imagination, a common thread with Texas-Red Dirt Alternative Country artists like Reckless Kelly, Cross Canadian Ragweed, and Whiskey Myers can be heard.

But where the newest crop of TX-Red Dirt artists lack in testicular fortitude, the Quaker City Night Hawks clearly are overflowing with testosterone and have their balls spread out all over the table. The music is raw, the lyrics are real, and the music flat out jams.

There are many stand-out tracks on the album, but tunes I have found myself repeating over and over include such barn-burners as Rattlesnake Boogie, Cast the Line, Crack the Bottle and the dark, Floydish-like Witch Kitchen.

Overall, HONCHO is an album that I found myself listening to over and over again, constantly main-lining their guitar solos, bass runs, and kick drums like an addict seeks heroin.

The rise of the Quaker City Night Hawks is clearly upon us. The war-drums of percussionist Matt Mabe have been sounded. Bassist Pat Adams and his beard are ready to dominate. The two-headed monster of David Matsler and Sam Anderson are coming for your kids.

Get ready folks, these boys are the real deal! Boogie!

Visit www.thequakercitynighthawks.com/ for their tour schedule and go hear em live. You won't be disappointed! - Fort Live

Sons of a Gun.
Before You Hear Them On Sons of Anarchy, Stream an Exclusive Quaker City Night Hawks Track.

By Pete on Tuesday October 16 2012 at 5:01 PM

A couple weeks back, I'm checking out Quaker City Night Hawks at the Prophet Bar, trying to listen to the band perform yet another astonishingly tight set filled with rich, gritty harmonies and absurdly memorable hooks -- only, this label rep I know standing behind me won't let me.

He's too busy complimenting the band.

It was his first time seeing them, but, within seconds, he learned what so many around North Texas have known for some time: Quaker City Night Hawks just might be the best band in the region. And he would just not shut up about them.

Frankly, after I gave in to his chatter, neither could I. The band deserves the kudos.

Over the course of the past year, the band, now in its third year together, has hit a stride few area bands ever approach. They're gritty, soulful and just plain good. And through charm and strong songwriting, they've accomplished the near-impossible feat of becoming fast-adored around town and without any signs of a backlash.

And they're not slowing down, either. Tonight, thanks to the mixing engineer of their first record (Torquila Torquila) passing along their music to a music placement agent, the band will reach another milestone in its strong 2012. Their song "Cold Blues" earns placement on tonight's episode of the hit FX series Sons of Anarchy. Even better: Next week, the same thing will happen with their "Ain't No Kid" song.

"We're pretty excited about it," Quaker City Night Hawks bassist Pat Adams says this afternoon before acknowledging that he and his band have actually gone so far as to plan a watching party for tonight's episode at their home base of Fort Worth's Magnolia Motor Lounge. After the show airs, QCNH co-songwriters Sam Anderson and David Matsler will perform a set in the venue, too.

That spot really is their home: In addition to performing at that venue on a seemingly weekly basis, the band's upcoming album, Honcho, slated for release in early 2013, was recorded at Dallas' January Studios with some help from Magnolia Motor Lounge owner and ex-Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses drummer Matthew Smith (along with Ryan Bingham front-of-house engineer Grant Jackson Wilborn).

Honcho will also be released on Smith's upstart Magnolia Records label. And, Adams promises, it should come across like a nice evolution from the band, too.

"We recorded our first record after being a band for three months," he says. "Now we've been a band for three years. So it's all in the same vein, but it's different. If you've ever seen us live, it's like that."

If that label rep's reaction is any indication, that's a good thing. You can find out for yourself below, though, as the band's been kind enough to pass along a new song from Honcho for us to stream exclusively for Central Track readers. Check it out. - Central Track

Quaker City Night Hawks

Fort Worth band Quaker City Night Hawks has built a solid brand. Their dedicated following proves that their rough-and-tumble style fits right in with the west side of town — just stop by any of their local shows and see the crowds for yourself.

QCNH’s jagged country sound is also uncompromised: The guys know how to play the electric guitar without overdoing it; they add that natural country twang that sounds like small-town Texas. All of this and more are captured on their newest record, Honcho, out online Tuesday, February 19.

The way these country boys get down and dirty is simple – they bring their sanded-down vocals, their guitars, and a bottle of whiskey to the neighborhood bar for a rowdy set of highs and lows much like your most tumultuous relationship. Tracks like “Fox In The Hen House” and “You Got It Easy” show off their instrumental experience, with a stealthy guitar and harmonica that steal the spotlight at a comfortable pace. Sam Anderson’s gravelly chords are the glue that secures these moving parts, giving their loud-and-proud style the grit it requires.


It’s easy to see why they have such a devout following — their rock-infused country music gets fans out of their seats, beers in the air. QCNH's lyrics aren’t whiny enough to be country, and their rough-around-the-edges rock persona entices you stick around to see if they can live up to the guise. In concert, they are the real deal.

Although the album's pace is accelerated throughout, “Yellow Rose” stops the record dead in its tracks with a stride as slow as molasses. It comes near the end of the record, at just the right time, and organically reveals QCNH’s softer side. With a beat made for a cowboy two-step in "Yellow Rose," it transforms Honcho into a blend of fast and slow, rowdy and unwinding.

The release party for their sophomore album at Magnolia Motor Lounge seemingly conquered what it set out to do: Pack the house so they can share their rowdy, fun-loving songs. Honcho manages to capture this riveting presence while flashing a bit of the band's vulnerable side, showing they can satisfy their fans without sacrificing their identity. - Pegasus News

Each week, we take a survey of the local music scene and try to determine which bands in town are really putting in work and seeing it pay off. Which bands have the most intriguing shows coming up? Which bands are getting the most press around town? Which bands have accomplished the most notable feats of late? Based off these criteria, three of our music writers submit a list to be weighted and compiled into a master list to be revealed in this here space. We like to think it's fairly revealing.

Only months after forming, Fort Worth's Quaker City Night Hawks recorded their very well-received debut Torquila Torquila!. But, with another year of playing time under their belt and a sophomore album on the horizon, it seems as if even bigger things are ahead for the Funky Town rockers. Case in point: A pair of cuts from their first record are currently airing in back-to-back episodes on FX's biker drama Sons of Anarchy. Also, we debuted one of their new tracks earlier this week.

To celebrate their big television debut on Tuesday, Quaker City songwriters Sam Anderson and Dave Matsler played an acoustic set after a watching party at Fort Worth's Magnolia Motor Lounge. They'll be doing the same thing this evening on Good Records' AstroTurf stage.

Following the Night Hawks in both this week's rankings and their Good Records set this evening are J. Charles and the Trainrobbers, who released their new full-length, Upon Leaving last weekend. Since then, they've kept busy promoting the album with several appearances, including one at Goodfriend's one-year anniversary party last night.

Both Quaker City Night Hawks and J. Charles and the Trainrobbers are nominated for Dallas Observer Music Awards this year, in the Best Group Act and Best Americana/Roots Act categories respectively. To further promote their ceremonies, several other nominated artists were profiled on the Observer's DC-9 at Night blog this week, including The Colurs, Snow Tha Product, My Wooden Leg, Mora Collective, Joseph SoMo and Tum Tum.

Several national acts with Dallas ties are performing in town this week as well: Norah Jones performs at McFarlin Auditorium, Ben Kweller will be at The Kessler and Centro-Matic opened for the Afghan Whigs at Granada Theater last weekend.

Meanwhile, Kelly Clarkson released the newly-recorded lead single from her upcoming greatest hits album on Tuesday.

Not to be forgotten, the Polyphonic Spree continue to raise funds for their currently in-progress studio LP via Kickstarter while prepping for their performance next weekend to commemorate the opening of the city's new Klyde Warren deck park.

Also making their live debut this week are Dallas' newest cover band, The Venables, a Smiths-aping act who are performing on an '80s tribute bill at House of Blues alongside Cramps cover band The Gorehounds and Ishi, who will be performing Depeche Mode tracks exclusively. The Venables features KDGE program director Josh Venable on vocals, as well as Glen Reynolds and Matt Kellum of Chomsky on guitar and drums (respectively), Michael Rudnicki of Baboon on guitar and Daniel Reid Long from Long Sword Spectacular on bass.

(Also receiving votes this week: Zhora, Missile, Oil Boom, Tiger Darrow, The Longshots, My Wooden Leg, Spookeasy, Cardo, Menkena, The Angelus, Skeleton Coast, Dove Hunter, Brutal Juice, Kirk Franklin, Mora Collective, This Will Destroy You, Home By Hovercraft, Hunter Vaughan, Pageantry, Daniel Hart, Calhoun, Kelly Clarkson, The O's, Ynfynyt Scroll, DJ Wikkid Beat, Power Trip, Ronnie Fauss, Slick 57, DJ Sober .)

-Cory Graves - Central Track

Scenes from Quaker City Night Hawks' album release at Magnolia Motor Lounge on Friday Night.

Later this week, we'll have plenty more about Honcho, the new album from Fort Worth boogie rock favorites Quaker City Night Hawks.

Suffice to say just this much, then, for now: Them fools sure can play.

Yes, there's a reason this four-piece has become such a revered live outfit here in North Texas over the past couple of years. They're just one of the best in the region; their timing and harmonies are always ridiculously on point. They put that much on blast on Friday night at their album release show, playing before a jam-packed (almost uncomfortably so) Magnolia Motor Lounge in Fort Worth.

The question with Honcho, really, is this: Is there any way that this Sons of Anarchy-approved band's recorded stuff can live up to the hype of the live show?

Friday night's offering set the bar pretty high, that's for sure.

-Pete Freidman - Central Track

"Quaker City Night Hawks' brand of hard rock n' roll is bred from Texas boogie, Memphis soul and heavy blues. Their music is southern rock right out of '75, played with the fervor of a sermon crackling out of the radio in a '68 Lincoln. They're the whiskey bottler you finished Saturday night and the prayer you said the next morning. Like a country gunshot on a humid night and your first illicit beer, Quaker City Night Hawks are the spirit of rock n' roll. Come shake your hips. "
- Steve Steward, FW Weekly Columnist(Dec 04, 2009) - Fort Worth Weekly

"Describing the Quaker City Nighthawks' sound is easy. It's first-rate rock, no slashes needed. There's some soul in there, some swamp and some folk, and you can hear the influences of groups like Creedence Clearwater Revival and Golden Earring. But it's just solid, original Texas rock 'n' roll."
- Steve Watkins, DFW.com (Jul 14, 2010) - DFW.com Print Edition

"Brace yourself for ferocious, beer-soaked rock 'n' roll like few others can deliver. "
- Preston Jones, DFW.COM Music Minute (Oct 15, 2010) - DFW.com Print Edition

Alex Byrd

Staff Writer

@AlexByrdNTDaily

Thursday nights at Andy’s Bar are always unpredictable and even more excitingly erratic when 35Denton comes to town. Fort Worth’s Quaker City Nighthawks took the stage with their bassist, Patrick Adams, drummer, Matt Mabe, lead guitarist, David Matsler wearing a red trucker hat and the rhythms guitarist, Sam Anderson, wearing a rustic and black cowboy hat. The talented foursome all took turns singing.

This is a stylish bunch.

Besides the random grown man with a white wife beater on, the crowd was a beaut as well. The audience was dripping in new-age country western-inspired clothing, Vintage Great Gatsby, circa 1920s dresses, and fedoras.

Most people forget that country music exists—yes, even in Texas—until they channel-flip past CMT or see Lady Antebellum monopolize award shows. I guarantee that you will never forget again after seeing Quaker City Nighthawks.

These four men single-handedly cultivated a love for bluesy, southern rock for new listeners and rejuvenated the long-time fans. Their sound is similar to a mix of Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Black Keys nurtured specially for Texas.

The musicality was superb; in reference to the guitar, bass, and drums playing. The sound throughout Andy’s was executed in a rich and powerful way. True musicians are dying breed.

The first song on their newest album, “Honcho,” entitled “Fox in the Hen House” was amazingly played and filled to brim with soul and substance. Great way to start the festival this year, here’s to 35 more in Denton. - North Texas Daily - University of North Texas