By Christy Wolyniak, Intern

What began five years ago in Seattle as thick country sound has now grown into an out-of-control rock 'n' roll band sure to provide a good time and foot-stompin’ beats.

Five guys connected and created White Trash Whiplash in 2005, and after releasing their first CD in 2006 and disbanding for a few years, the band is now back in action with a new bass player and drummer.

“We all liked southern rock growing up and album rock from the 70s. It’s an exaggerated version of our authentic selves,” said rhythm guitar player, Ron Leonardi or ‘Ronnie Fingers.’ “I like to describe [our sound] as Johnny Cash, ACDC, and Frank the third put into a blender.”

Out of a determination to master an original sound not already breathing in hipster culture, White Trash Whiplash dug up some oldies, rock, and put it to lyrics that tell a story beyond their sound.

“Matt and I like to focus on writing songs. [Many] people like to write grooves or a cool riff, but Matt writes stories when he writes lyrics – like how bands used to write songs. [Our songs are actually] about something; by the end people get what we were talking about, we’re not just mumbling a bunch of stuff,” said lead guitar player, Dr. Buc Wylde.

A few of the band members hooked up in Florida and New Jersey and then eventually ventured out to the Northwest to blow up Seattle venues with rockin’ live shows unlike what many might expect. Their new CD “Whiskey Gun” is more rock 'n' roll than it is country, according to lead vocals, Matt Lewis.

“The cover of the record has a chick with just her hand coming into frame [holding a] gun in her mouth. The photo was from a past show, because I sport a squirt gun with the cheapest whisky they make, jump off the stage and hook people up,” he said.

They adopted some kooky nicknames and live shows that only reinforce them. Dr. Buc Wylde can be found hanging from things, riding mechanical bulls when accessible and playing guitar behind his back or with his teeth. Ronnie Fingers holds a deep background in music and piano, which gained him his nickname. Bass player, Nathan Adams’ nickname is ‘Billy Club Dirtbag’, who was in the the Orlando band “Bug Head” before White Trash Whiplash, though his nickname is as mysterious as he is.

“[Drummer] Webb’s nickname in the band is ‘Nasty Webb’ because the grooves he plays are pretty nasty, as in down-home and really gritty,” said Leonardi.

Passionate about rock 'n' roll with a country flavor, White Trash Whiplash pours out fresh energy and entertainment at their concerts. Nine of their new songs from their second album will be played at their CD release concert on Saturday August 13 at 9:30 p.m. at The Tractor Tavern. Opening bands include Knut Bell and Countrycide.

“[The show will be] a good time. It’s lots of country and good rock n’ roll. Liquor be flowin’ when we play,” said Adams.

To learn more about White Trash Whiplash, visit the band's page at www.reverbnation.com.