PROFILE: Mystery of Two

...heading into town this evening from the birthplace of rock n' roll, Cleveland trio Mystery of Two channel a unique amalgam of post-punk energy. As the first stop on their current tour in advance of the debut full-length, we caught up with guitarist/singer Ryan Weitzel to talk about the band's origins, it's label, Exit Stencil Recordings, and the nature of playing music in Ohio...

The Buddha Den: Starting off, how did Mystery of Two come into being? What influences brought you together? What outfits preceded this one? Where did you get the band name?

Ryan Weitzel: Mystery of Two started several years ago, with Nick eventually joining and then more recently Jeff. It feels like we've solidified as a unit at this point so that's an exciting place to be as a group. We've all been floating around the Cleveland music scene for a while, we all came together through various personal connections and from just knowing each other from around. The band name comes as a reaction to a poem that 's being read under or during the Gang of Four song Anthrax, he is questioning why so many groups sing about Love and or what the root of that is. The reading ends with... " I dont think were saying there's anything wrong with love, We just don't think that what goes on between two people Should be shrouded with mystery." So the name is kind of a reaction to that statement, it also speaks to how people interpret things, which I'm always interested in lyrically. I enjoy the vast differences in what two different people can pull from the same thing.


TBD: What is the relationship between Mystery of Two and Exit Stencil Recordings? Which came first? How do you view Exit Stencil Recordings as a label in the current music industry climate?

RW: Brandon Stevens started Exit Stencil, I got involved with a solo 7" that I had recorded which ended up getting released under the name Mystery of Two, It was just about the time the band was getting together originally. So I kinda got signed by Brandon if you will, but we partnered on the label end of things, from there Paul Murphy joined up so we're a three man partnership. We've always been interested as a label in being artist oriented and releasing music we really like with people we believe in and work well with. It's a tough time right now in the industry, so we're working extra hard to show some returns on things. We all do this because we love music, so that helps keep it going, there's a ton of work involved with things so it can be overwhelming at times.

TBD: Last year you released the "Gravity" single as a digital single. What was the reasoning behind that decision? Do you feel that it was a good decision from an artistic/commercial perspective?

RW: Another part of Exit Stencil that we work on is a service called recordcode.com, which people can get the digital download codes from. We started offering it because ESR wanted to having codes on records, shirts, etc. and we had a hard time finding what we wanted elsewhere. The digital 7" was something Mystery pulled together for tour last year before the record got finished up. We wanted to have something that represented the group better since the other recordings were from before Jeff had joined. It's nice to have the ability to attach music to things as you see fit, sometimes people get it and like it, sometimes not so much, It's going to be great to have the download with the 12" though, super excited about that.

TBD: As Dayton will be the first stop on your current tour in advance of your self-titled full length, what can people expect from you this time around? Why the decision to tour out just in advance of the release of the record? Will there be more extensive touring following the release of the album?

RW: We're playing mostly songs off the new record for this tour with a new one or two sprinkled in there. We've started writing our follow up to this one, but won't be recording or anything like that till this winter. The original intention was to have this record done for a spring release, but things got pushed back on it, so we'll also be touring in late September closer to the release date of the record which is Sep 15th.

TBD: Being from Cleveland, how do you feel your local scene compares to other locales? What do you feel makes Cleveland a unique scene? Do you feel a certain connection with other Ohio music towns (Columbus, Dayton, Athens)?

RW: I'm not exactly sure how it compares, but the Cleveland scene is pretty competitive and everyone knows each other more or less, so it can be a lot of fun, it seems like bands are starting to tour more which is good, and hopefully some more groups from the area will see some success outside of Cleveland. I'm hoping that happens for us no doubt! But locally we've been getting some great support and have had the opportunity to open for the Meat Puppets and last week we played with Man Man out in front of the Rock Hall which was a blast. We're having a release party when we get back from this tour at the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern which Jeff manages. The exitstencil studio is also just down the street ( Waterloo) from the club and there a couple record stores on the block, so we're in a really music oriented part of town called North Collinwood. As per connections with other scenes, I guess it's more connections with people and bands that we play with and meet on the road, we have some friends in Cbus and I went to school in Athens, but outside of that I don't think there's been an overwhelming connection with scenes, maybe that's something that will develop more down the road?

TBD: Is there anything else people need to know about Mystery of Two at this point?

RW: Come see us on Tuesday at the South Park Tavern and you'll find out!

...The Buddha Den Presents: Mystery of Two at South Park Tavern tonight, July 14, along with locals Mountain Screamer. Doors at 9 pm for all ages....

MP3: Mystery of Two "Gravity"
MP3: Mystery of Two "French Rocking Horse"

The Buddha Den Showcase Presents: The Northwest Ordinance @ South Park Tavern 2.28.09

...every month we host The Buddha Den Showcase, we're just so stoked to bring in our favorite bands for what amounts to a glorified basement party. The best part is, we know we'll never run out of beer at South Park Tavern. Really, this format was made for The Northwest Ordinance. With severed mannequin heads and Mexican wrestling masks dotting the stage, NWO invited a number of friends from other Dayton bands to kick up the mayhem. With contributions from members of Mountain Screamer, The Goody Two Shoes, and local radio DJ, Spex, NWO served up a night of great rock n' roll fun...

PROFILE: Hans Condor

...we know you still have a thing for rock n' roll. So do we. That' why we're so excited to bring you this little interview we did with Nashville's Hans Condor. We spoke with guitarist/vocalist Charles Kasper in between tour stops. Enjoy...

The Buddha Den: How about we hit rewind for a minute and get a little Hans Condor history? How did you all meet up in Nashville? What led to the formation of Hans Condor? Where'd you get that name???

Charles Kasper: I came to Tennessee from Iowa via Alaska. Eric (Elsner/drums) came down from Rochester by way of Seattle, and Erik (Holcomb/bass, singing) moved to TN after Alabama and Texas. Everyone wound up living in East Nashville, working, drinking, wasting time, and trying play in different bands. Over time we all eventually played shows together or wound up working the same jobs and got to know each other while serving time in that particular microcosm. Hans Condor had been trying to get off the ground for a while and when our other projects dissolved/lives went to shit, we said fuck it all and took flight. The name refers to the sex move the "Hans condor" also called the "caged bird","dirty bird", "foul fowl" or the "randy pigeon".

TBD: Within a few seconds it's pretty obvious you guys are pretty into Detroit rock a la The Stooges/MC5. What other influences do you hold dear? Any contemporaries yr hot for?

CK: Silverhead, Motorhead, NWA, Meat Loaf, Jack Oblivion, Billy Joel, The Pogues, James Carr, Electric Light Orchestra, Rose Tattoo, The Animals, The Kids, Dr. Hook, Warren Zevon, Mudhoney, ... you can see we listen to everything except the man. We hope that comes out in our music, ya know hatin' up the man and all, but also the unlikely elements one might not immediately associated with our move. Most popular music kinda sounds like the man. Contemporary artists...hmmmm. We like bands that we get to play shows with and get Cd's/records from. We've met so many great musicians over the past months and they all have their own powerful swagger and that's what really incites us to keep our moves alive and powerful. That's beautiful. the people we meet and play with along the way, they jam, they drink with us, they aren't in that damn box and that makes them more relevant to us and what we like doing than the man's music.

TBD: Looking at yr itinerary it seems like yr a band that loves the road. How much time do you spend out? What keeps you out on the road so much? Do you see yourselves as more of a touring band than a studio band?

CK: We don't have homes, jobs, or much else to lose, so we just try to stay moving. We are also ready to rip the lid off some new tunes. We enjoy the studio as much as the road, so we will probably let the van take a nap and track some moves we've been stepping into.

TBD: We're very excited that you've buddied up with Daytonians The Northwest Ordinance for a few dates following yr stop through Dayton late last year. How did you two bands hook up?

CK: I think I was on the computer randomly listening to music this past summer and found their tunes, dug it, and started talking to them about doing a show together. Though that summer was hazy, so those creeps might have a different story. We lived it in November. We'll live it again. It sounds good and we're looking forward to it.

TBD: With so many bands out there these days, what sets Hans Condor apart from the pack? What keeps you guys motivated to keep on?

CK: An extra testicle, toilet humor, and speed...lots of speed.

TBD: Anything else you'd like The Buddha Den readers to know???

CK: We all are electrically charged. We all are troubadours. We all wield the sword of song and live a few feet off the ground. We are often mistaken for gentlemen. We will all tear this curtain away and see a new sun rise. Free-fall speed doesn't lie, but the man does.

...Hans Condor will be rolling into Oregon Express this Saturday, January 31. Along for the ride are locals The Northwest Ordinance and Mountain Screamer...

Turkish Engine

...hey kids, you've got a pair of great shows to get out to tonight. Here's the details...


...over at Canal Street Tavern tonight the brothers Remnant celebrate the release of their split 7" from Southeast Engine and Jesse Remnant. Although older brother Adam Remnant's Southeast Engine is sporting a leaner lineup these days, their delivery is still potent. Jesse Remnant will be getting backing from members of Shrug. Opening the evening will be youngster Jordan Hull...


...you could also swing over to Oregon Express to catch a solid bill of garage/punk goodness. Between Thee Pistol Whips, Mountain Screamer, Hospital Garden, and newcomers Turkish Delights, you've got plenty of good rockin' tonight. We'll see you out...

Rebel Mountain Minutes

...if you're headed out tonight, you've got more options than you can possibly engage. Alas, you have some tough choices to make...


...over at Jimmie's Cornerstone you've got a chocked bill full of Dayton faves: The Northwest Ordinance, Electric Banana, and Mountain Screamer are poised to dish out an excellent show...


...over at Oregon Express, local rockabilly underdogs The Rebel Set host a bill that also includes Drexel, Akillis Green, and the return of one of our favorites, Jordan Hull...

...if you swing by Blind Bob's tonight, you can catch new locals Minutes, along with Gentlemen, and Brandon Hawk...

...well kids, you've got it all laid out for you. Head on out and support whatever sounds like fun tonight...

The Buddha Den Presents: The Interiors/Hospital Garden/Mountain Screamer-Tonight @ Pearl 9.25.08

...with a small, but enthusiastic crowd on hand at Pearl last night, we were very excited to present two of Dayton's finest young bands and a great band out on tour from Chicago last night. Opening the evening were the duo Mountain Screamer. Despite numerous PA issues and some early guitar mishaps, the band plowed through a relentless set of bluesy punk numbers without fail. With heavy leanings toward John Spencer Blues Explosion, the snarling guitar and frenetic-yet-solid-drumming signal a solid outfit. Keep an eye out for Mountain Screamer-the duo could very well make a mark on the Dayton scene in the coming months...




...with fresh copies of the debut EP in tow, Hospital Garden hit the stage with their trademark fury and soul-engraving tunes. While guitarist Lucas has a way of delivering heart-wrenching vocals, on her sole turn at the mic, bassist Sarah seems to have the passion, but perhaps not the delivery as yet to match his intensity. The band, however, have been on a roll lately and their throwback indie recalls such heavyweights as Pavement and GBV, all the while firmly holding to their own interpretation. Be sure to grab the new disc while you can...




...out on tour from Chicago, The Interiors won over the late night crowd last night. Although starting out somewhat pensive, the band finally settled in and with their engaging banter drew the crowd in. Performing much of the material from their debut album, the intricacies and nuances were delivered with stunning precision. Guitarist Chase Duncan melded his sparse guitar lines seamlessly into his wide-ranging vocal delivery, effortlessly dancing over the meticulous rhythm section of Brian Lubinsky (drums) and Collin Jordan (bass). We're hoping for a return visit very soon...




For more photos from the evening, go here.

The Buddha Den Presents: The Interiors/Hospital Garden/Mountain Screamer-Tonight @ Pearl

...The Buddha Den is very pleased to present another great evening of some of the finest from Dayton and beyond. Headlining this evening at Pearl will be The Interiors (from Chicago), whose debut on 54-40 or Fight Records we reviewed a while back and who have since performed in their hometown for a Rolling Stone magazine showcase. The band are currently out on a fall tour in feverish support of said debut album. Also on the bill are two of our newer local faves, the throwback indie of Hospital Garden and the raunchy punk/blues of Mountain Screamer. If you need added incentive, Hospital Garden will be making the debut offering of their debut EP, which we highly recommend picking up. We'll see you there....

Mystery Arrows

...if yr out on the streets of Dayton tonight, you've got a great pairing of shows to check out. Head down to the Dayton Dirt Collective early to catch a couple of locals and couple of touring acts. In from Cleveland, you've got regional buzz band Mystery of Two who serve up an infectious blend of twitchy jangle doused in sheets of swirling noise. Highly recommended. Rounding out the bill are Aura (from Buffalo) and locals Hospital Garden and Mountain Screamer. Show starts at 7, so head out early...

...if you're still out later, head over to Oregon Express to check out some new projects from old Dayton faves. The remnants of Snake Oil have reformed as Suicide Hill and the country-flavored indie of Twin Arrows emerged from the ashes of Late Nite Drivers. Opening the night will be Mascot. See ya out...

The Northwest Ordinance/Moutain Screamer @ Oregon Express 6.19.08

...while we may have shown up to the Oregon Express a few minutes later than planned, we figured we would at least catch some of the opening act. We also didn't expect the opening act to be the only out-of-town band on the bill, Church of the Red Museum. Apparently, there was some confusion as to who was to play when and the show started promptly at 10 PM, which from our experience never happens. Arriving at 10:35, we completely missed the first band. If you're planning to attend a show at OE in the near future, please make a of this as you may very well miss some of the show. To add insult to injury, we were told that COTRM were incredible. We hope to remedy this soon...

...after stewing on the fact we missed a band we truly wanted to catch, we settled in to check out Mountain Screamer for the first time. While their Myspace tracks suggest a rough, sludgy sound as evidenced on their track on The Buddha Den Summer Sampler, in live performance Mountain Screamer are a powerhouse of a duo. Taking cues from the blues-derived guitar/drum duo sect, these guys infuse their brand with a whole lot of punk, Sun Records-style country, and a whole lot of Crazy Horse. Drummer Tubba Bumps propels the duo with his incessant stomp, throwing in dance-punk rhythms and tasteful tambourine work. Although guitarist JP Magical might be a bit of a shoegazer at times, his huge, bluesy riffage is traced with a nice punk edge that keeps the band's sound from veering into retro pastiche. While the band's set may have run a little long on this night, we're officially declaring Mountain Screamer a must-see band...




...closing out the evening, we had one of our favorite locals, The Northwest Ordinance. On this night, the band tore through tracks off their State of Ohio disc, as well as a number of new tracks, with a rapid-fire fury that never gave the audience time to catch their breath. We found the band's distinctive blend of punk/garage/grunge at it's most raw, intense state last night as the band truly played as if they had something to prove. If you're still waiting to catch these guys, get on with it...




For more photos from the evening, go here...

The Northwest Ordinance/Church of the Red Museum/Mountain Screamer-Tonight @ Oregon Express

...after sweating out in the heat all day, head on down to Oregon Express this evening to catch a great bill of raunchy rock n' roll. One of our local faves The Northwest Ordinance headlines a bill that also includes Church of the Red Museum (indie/psyche/folk from Columbus) and up-and-coming sludge duo Mountain Screamer. There will be no mercy...

I Can't Explain

...as is becoming custom here in Daytonia, looks like Thursday night is gonna be alright. Here's the lowdown...

...over at Pearl tonight, Fab Gear presents a very special show, featuring The Buddha Den DJ hour from 9-10, followed by garage/punk faves The Northwest Ordinance and special guests The Wholigans (The Who tribute band). Afterward, the Fab Gear DJs will be spinning all the best vintage jams you can think of...


...another good option tonight is the show over at Jimmie's Cornerstone featuring up-and-coming sludge purveyors Mountain Screamer. Also on the bill are Gem City Saints and space-age punk of Atomic Johnny...

...if your tastes seem to be leaning a bit more toward the avant this evening, head over to Acid Fever House to check out sludge/funk/experimentalit drum/bass duo E=MC Hammer (from Milwuakee), one-man noisefest Mannequin Hollowcaust (from Tennessee), and the electronic/noise machinations of The Killbot...

Mountain Screamer-Tonight on iBand Live

...local sludge duo Mountain Screamer will invade the internet tonight courtesy of the new iBand Live program. The band's set in Cincinnati this evening will be broadcast on the internet, so be sure to check them out....

Hospital Garden/The Northwest Ordinance/Mountain Screamer-Tonight @ Oregon Express

...you've got a rare Wednesday night treat tonight. Over at the Oregon Express, your host DJ Jay Madewell will be hosting his Wednesday Night Music Club from 8 to 10, then you've got three bands for FREE. First up is the sludgy duo Mountain Screamer. Then, the post-punk fury of The Northwest Ordinance. Closing out the night will be the last-minute addition of up-and-comers Hospital Garden. All this for free? Oh yeah...

Accidently On Purpose/Switchblade Serenade/Mountain Screamer/Splattertude/Shame Club-Tonight @ Nite Owl

...for your midweek mischief, we submit the following: head to Nite Owl tonight for five bands that are certain fix your rock n' roll needs up just right. Dig the female-fronted onslaught of Accidently on Purpose, the garage-trash of Switchblade Serenade, the fuzzed-out duo Mountain Screamer, the deranged grind of Splattertude, and the big vintage riffage of Shame Club (out on tour from St. Louis). You know you wanna...

Acid fever and cornerstones....

...it's a good night for Dayton music yet again, kids. If you're inclined to get yr drink on, head down to Jimmie's Cornerstone to witness the garage-trash maelstrom that is Switchblade Serenade. Sharing the bill will be fuzzed-out newbie duo Mountain Screamer...

...if perchance you long for the intimate setting of a house show, we've got a great one for you tonight over at Acid Fever House. Opening the evening will be The 1984 NFL Draft (nee Joe Anderl), fresh off an East Coast tour. Next up you've got one of our absolute favorites, Toads and Mice. Closing the night will be perennial Columbus faves The Kyle Sowashes, who will be celebrating the release of their new album, Yeah, Buddy! Should be a great one...