“We’re a pretty dark band—I don’t see this record getting a lot of radio play.” There’s a warmth in the voice of Bryan Giles, guitarist for Portland, Ore., band Red Fang, that belies his group’s darkness. The band just released its third album, Whales And Leeches (Relapse), after a summer raging across the festivals and rock clubs of Europe. Through a series of hilarious viral videos and years of intensely cathartic, energetic shows, the group has earned a reputation as one of heavy music’s premier party bands—whether it wants that title or not. Giles will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our new Red Fang feature.
Giles: I don’t frequent strip bars often, but if I’m in the mood, my favorite Portland spot is Magic Garden. The drinks aren’t crazy expensive, it’s very casual, and most folks are very friendly. The dancers are typically tattooed and have great taste in music. I went there a few years back for a Bloody Mary around noon, and a gal was stripping to Sleep’s “Holy Mountain.” Not too shabby.
