"10w40 are a flush of excitement and bewilderment. A little guitar, bass, drums, harp, and trombone lubricate the trail for words of wisdom in anthems of drinking, the Old Testament, big-breasted women,, and kerosene. It is reported that as the band prospers, they will invest their money accumulating semi-trucks and Ranger bass boats for their infamous 10w40 fishing team. Their sound is a lure and it is rumored Babe Winkelman is envious of their skills with the rod and reel. Neil (Young) had nothing but good things to say when I explained their position in the corral."
- First Avenue IN-HOUSE MAGZ, ..13
The music of Minneapolis MN trailer-noir-core band 10w40 brings to mind Harmony Korine's visual masterpiece Gummo. Think the swamp blues of Captain Beefheart, the velvet of Morphine, the cacophony of Giant Sand, and the occasional freakouts of a jam band. Like the oil, 10w-40’s sound is greasy – and like getting your hands into a car’s engine, a 10w40 show will leave dark stains on your palms and dirt under your nails. Assembled in 1997, the band's history reads like the brackets of a typical NCAA basketball season. At one time or another, someone from every goddamned band in the twin cities has been in 10w40. Jim Michels has been fired and re-hired twice. And there is the issue of the band never really being "together". As one fan described in his blog: "One of Minneapolis' best bands, but 10w40 is in a state of semi-perpetual hiatus". This is somewhat true as the band goes on benders of activity only to hibernate at the point of any notoriety.
During one fit of activity in 2002, 10w40 recorded "Food, Drink, Speed, Mathematics". NY native turntablist Chris Marose brought a unique kineticism to the mix. Following the release of the album, sax player Jergen Rowe was welcomed aboard. The band played for about a year and then imploded again, not to resurface until July 2006. At this point, after a long incubation and collaboration period in a dark, beer-soaked basement, collaborator Rich Waryan's B-3 playing was added to the lineup. At a performance with Nonsuch recording artist Laura Veirs and Captain Yonder at Carleton College's All-School Class Reunion, the band was reborn... Again. Clearly revitalized by the show, 10w40 began rehearsing every few weeks during the summer. Now the band rehearses in its own studio and is about to begin working on their second album, comprised of material that spans pastoral ala Nick Cave to raucous, trashy blues-based dirges and the occasional reverie.
Given their command over various genres and idioms, 10w40 is a welcomed fresh breath to the Minneapolis/St. Paul scene. Those who remember the incendiary shows at Mayslacks and the Turf can attest to what the band is capable of...
Please visit www.theband10w40.com or www.myspace.com/theband10w40 for more information . According to the band, they promise to stick around long enough to "stomp the terra" once again. Look for upcoming shows at the Hexagon and Turf in November.
