story by Matt Meisinger

The Greenhornes, a garage rock trio based in Cincinnati, borrow heavily from the '60s. Jagged three-chord riffs from British invasion groups like the Animals steer the trio. The connotation of garage usually implies sloppy play, but this bar-room band boasts some serious chops and they don't drown themselves in fuzz like many counterparts in the genre. In the past they recorded a blazing cover of "High Time Baby" by the Spencer Davis Group and a rollicking "It's My Soul" by Clifton Chenier, just a sample of their varied influences. A harpsichord has even been used on past albums, evoking groups like the Byrds.

Chicago Innerview talked to powerhouse drummer Patrick Keeler while he was running errands before a show with the Reverend Horton Heat in Ann Arbor, Michigan. A while back they played three shows with Southern Culture on the Skids, with whom they share mutual admiration. "Those shows were all great, the fans in Chicago amazed us," Keeler says about the town in which they have seen an ever-expanding fan base since starting out in 1996. Their name "greenhorn" actually means novice, referring to a ram with new horns. After years of experience the moniker does not really apply, though. "It was appealing at the time. We spelled it a little differently and used it for shits and giggles and it just stuck," Keeler says.

Since the green years, they have averaged over 100 shows a year, always branching further out from the Midwest. "Many more when we have a record out," Keeler says. Their grassroots promotion, relying on word-of-mouth from fans and other bands, has paid off with more and more press and a far reaching, unique sound. The road proves to be a double-edged sword. When asked about the best and worst parts of living in a van, Keeler sighs, "not knowing where you are going to sleep, and the best part is finding a place to sleep."

KEELER'S INNER VIEW "[The worst part about being on the road is] not knowing where you are going to sleep, and the best part is finding a place to sleep."

Another city welcoming them is Detroit, where garage rock has sprung up with the Dirtbombs, who Keeler has backed, and the White Stripes, close personal friends of the Greenhornes dating back to early shows when they were both starting out. Jack White enlisted their rhythm section, consisting of Keeler and bassist Jack Lawrence, to play on Loretta Lynn's last record, which they did not hesitate to do. "That was a once in a lifetime thing," Keeler explains, "she was really cool to hang out with."

Another project keeping Keeler busy behind the skins is a solo project of The Yeah Yeah Yeahs' front-woman Karen O.

This barely leaves time for their new album, which is "coming along great," Keeler says, with studio time for his band split between Nashville and Detroit. Will there be rockabilly undertones recording in the home of Sun Studios and playing with the Reverend Horton Heat on the current tour? "Every record has sounded better and the new one will have a raw feel," he says. "We are getting back to our roots."

We will have to wait and see as they put the finishing touches on their fourth record and first since Dual Mono, which featured a couple vocal tracks by satin-voiced Holly Golightly. As for subject matter - alienation, heartache and yearning are prevalent in the yowls and screams of singer Craig Fox, which take on new meaning when sung by a female.

Their albums can be found under the garage/rockabilly/psychedelic section at Chicago's Reckless Records, but the Greenhornes prefer a more general category. "I would call it rock 'n' roll," Keeler explains. "I prefer simplicity."

The Greenhornes :: with The Safes and The Peelers :: Empty Bottle :: January 8.