McLovins - "Purple Trees"
[Video:Eric Helton/Alex Tirpack; Editing by Eric Helton]
A few months ago we told you about the McLovins -- a trio of Connecticut kids who have managed to harness the musical ferocity of Trey Anastasio, Les Claypool and Stewart Copeland before being able to legally drive a car.
The McLovins are drummer Jake Huffman, 16, bassist Jason Ott, 15, and guitarist Jeff Howard, 14. Don't let their age fool you though, these kids wail. In fact, we were so impressed we invited them (and their parents, of course) to S.S. headquarters to hang out and play a few tunes for us.
Jake and Jeff met at a jazz camp in Connecticut last summer. A week later they hooked up with Jason and they've been jamming ever since, starting with Phish and Meters covers before writing originals. "We're definitely influenced by a lot of jam bands," Jake says. "But my primary focus had always been jazz. Moving from jazz to rock, well, jam-rock seems to be a nice transition."
Jeff, though, has a soft spot for metal. "I was into a lot of heavy guitar shredding, metal, that sort of thing," he says. "It's influenced me a lot. But jamming is just so much fun."
Check out "Purple Trees" above, and click the jump for "Din" and "Guillotine Machine" -- all original tunes. Also, Look for a McLovins album this summer, and make sure you catch them at the Gathering of the Vibes festival or at one of their upcoming gigs.
UPDATE: LOVIN' the McLovins? Send an email telling us why. The best entry gets an autographed Rolling Stone t-shirt AND an McLovins t-shirt too!
McLovins - "Din"
[Video:Eric Helton/Alex Tirpack; Editing by Eric Helton]
McLovins - "Guillotine Machine"
[Video:Eric Helton/Alex Tirpack; Editing by Eric Helton]
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xanax drug interaction antiboitics | November 26, 2009 1:51 AM
Excellent site. It was pleasant to me.
xanax molecular formula | November 25, 2009 1:08 PM
Great work, webmaster, nice design!
Anita | October 13, 2009 10:28 AM
I just saw them yesterday and my mouth dropped. Before I saw them I thought it was a band of mid 30s because of the level of experience. These guys are awesome and they are so nice. Check them out
Anonymous | October 12, 2009 9:01 PM
Overrated and unoriginal. Recently saw them live. What is all of the fuss is about? I was shocked to hear there was any "buzz" about them. I wish them well but this is a barely mature garage cover band. Keep the spirit but please keep practicing.
supmang | August 15, 2009 11:37 AM
yo, change the band name, mang.
McLovin? lame, holms.
Matt | July 27, 2009 11:46 AM
Just saw these guys at the Vibes, and oh man do they wail. All I can say is check them out.
McLovins Fan | July 16, 2009 8:45 AM
Can't wait for Conundrum next week. Love the trippy t-shirt design and poster.
drumlovinbasslovin | July 6, 2009 2:58 PM
Happy Happy Ohhhhh My Friend...
Axlovin turns 15 today!!!
See you at Revolution Hall in Troy, NY Friday Night
McLovins opening for UMELT!
McLovin Summer | July 2, 2009 8:30 PM
Can't wait for the album, Vibes, Rev. Hall & Preshows!
McHater | June 28, 2009 1:22 PM
Hats off to a group of kids who studied their instruments. I'll leave my hat on until I find people who are artists. If you believe that it is only the ability to play the music makes you a musician, you should listen to death metal not jam bands.
-_- | June 19, 2009 2:36 PM
how did these jokers get on here? I want my band on here! I guess all I have to do is put up a video of us playing a half-assed version of a phish song.
Jillybeene | June 16, 2009 10:23 PM
I went to Sully's on 6/13/09 to watch this group of young men perform - they were totally awesome / they blew me away. They had people up on the dance floor throughout their whole set - they certainly are energetic, full of life, love what they do and most importantly are having the time of their lives. Way to go - keep up the great work. Can't wait for your next gig.
McLovins for Life! | June 11, 2009 10:13 PM
dude i found out about these kids a while back from a friend. at first i was sceptical about all of the wonderous things he had to say about this band...but i went to a live show at a place called sully's, and i know this is not just any kid band...these young fellas are gonna make it big! when i was there jamming rocking out to their tunes with a beer in my hand, i felt like i was witnessing a miracle...sounds phoney i know but its true! i know we'll be seeing more of these dudes soon!
Peace on earth
wow | June 11, 2009 5:10 PM
Hey Guys they're not a cover band... The album is coming out later in the summer, All originals... And the Tweezer tease that they do only happens in one song. Mr. Bummer look at the smile and look in all of those kids eyes. They have more soul than most bands of today. These kids are going to go far.
Mclovins | June 7, 2009 12:02 AM
In there original song they dont play that bridge part and jason has a sweet bass line during there original don't know where it was this time. Saw them a Simsbury Battle of the Bands jeff made the fire alarm go off when he played "Cliffs of Dover."
Stoneman | June 5, 2009 9:13 AM
LOL at the haters in the comments section. Is this band rough around the edges? Yes, but for 14-15, they are way ahead of the curve. To the band: continue to practice diligently, master your craft and you will punch your own ticket.
netts | June 5, 2009 2:35 AM
fckn A
jamman | June 4, 2009 12:18 PM
this has to be a joke. a cover band of kids getting press in rolling stone?
has anyone even listened to this? it is horrible.
Julie P | May 28, 2009 10:01 PM
This is great! I'll be flying out for the weekend to see you guys with U-Melt in July! It'll be great to see the 3 of you again.
worst video link ever. | May 27, 2009 4:40 PM
Why in the hell is your video link look like it will play in the browser , when it opens a freaking ad.
-no u
A.Hill | May 27, 2009 11:54 AM
Very nice...Looking forward to have you guys back in Troy with U-Melt. It's gonna be a great night!!!
brody hilton | May 27, 2009 1:34 AM
this band alright but i know canadian bands younger without fame that are ten times more innovative and unique in jam sessions, and a comparison to les claypool come on lets use our heads
Dwoods1 | May 27, 2009 12:25 AM
Come to 10,000 Lakes Festival A.S.A.P!!!!!!!!!!!!! Awesome!
Brad | May 27, 2009 12:08 AM
Having the drummer as the lead singer will be tough to swing if they have any kind of extended concert...
whatever | May 26, 2009 11:53 PM
Uninspiring music. Doesn't matter if they're 15 or 50.
The real tragedy will be if these guys play this bad when they're 30.
mr.bummer | May 26, 2009 11:11 PM
lame
mr.bummer | May 26, 2009 11:07 PM
let me preface this comment that i love the s.s. and look forward to checking it out daily.
but i really couldn't care less about another young jam band that makes its bones by covering phish. although its somewhat redeaming that they do have some originals, i can't help but think that due to thier age each song is only a rip off from the same bands they cover.
i'm really not trying to sound like a dick, but most of us don't give a shit.
this style is played out and boring. maybe its cliche but you've got to have soul in your art...these kids have acne.
Scott | May 26, 2009 8:38 PM
shouts from Hartford...keep doin it guys. warehouse on saturday?
At Anon: | May 26, 2009 12:48 PM
You obviously don't know what you're talking about. They were jamming on their own tune, went into Tweezer, and then went back into their song again. It was a bow to Phish. You're dumb.
caladera | May 26, 2009 7:49 AM
Black Sabbath did it all :)
Kids are great!
Anonymous | May 26, 2009 7:05 AM
Nice Tweezer rip off riff,is there any original new music or has everything been done over and over
Sober Blues | May 25, 2009 2:55 PM
Oh for God's Sake, UPDATE THE SMOKING SECTION ALREADY!!!! I noticed that the SS and R&R Daily have remained unchanged since Thursday! Proof that the RS staff is NOT ON DUTY!
widewideocean | May 24, 2009 4:45 PM
they're decent. this is good for their age, but kind of amateur to be featured in rolling stone
La Donna | May 24, 2009 9:14 AM
I forgot to wish HAPPY BIRTHDAY yesterday, Ken. And, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! to Jake tomorrow!!
La Donna | May 24, 2009 9:12 AM
I love you guys, especially you, Jake! You guys rock, UNBELIEVABLE!!!
I can't wait to say, "I knew Jake when;"
You are going to be huge!!
Heather Gatley, Madrid, Spain | May 24, 2009 3:15 AM
Wonderful stuff!
BGS | May 23, 2009 9:18 PM
Can't wait to see them at The Warehouse in Hartford next Saturday night!!!
Anonymous | May 23, 2009 7:05 PM
hmmm.. not that great.
AT | May 23, 2009 11:06 AM
Simply amazing. Keep it up, McLovins!
bigkat | May 22, 2009 6:51 PM
rawk it McLovins...
EL Jefe | May 22, 2009 10:44 AM
Bueno
Dave S | May 22, 2009 10:39 AM
super sound, starts with a Dead and Phish vibe and just jumps off from there..
Visorkid | May 22, 2009 10:11 AM
I am so happy for you guys.
You deserve all of the success you've had so far, be sure to savor the moments as they pass. There will be greater successes to come- you're good people and that's what happens to good people.
Always believe in yourselves- I sure do...
vk6
Drumlovin | May 21, 2009 10:18 PM
Check us out on Facebook, just search McLovins and become a Fan
Ike | May 21, 2009 10:12 PM
a very pleasant surprise! i can't believe how young they are, they play like 'summer of love' veterans!
Mr_Pat | May 21, 2009 9:18 PM
Yeah Gathering of The Vibes is one of the best music festivals going, I am stoked they are playing it.... If you like the jam band music scene, you need to hit the Vibes!
Chris G | May 21, 2009 5:14 PM
Thanks Jeff for gonna play at my party! Real honor to have u guys
phishmmw1229 | May 21, 2009 4:02 PM
saw these guys at a phan art expo in troy, ny...they blew the headliners off the stage! the jazz covers are awesome...birdland!
Nashville | May 21, 2009 3:40 PM
Awesome - they can play.
Ben Sherbacow | May 21, 2009 3:30 PM
Wow... simply amazing. I've known Jeff since 5th grade, and its just amazing to see one of your best friends become famous like this... they're gonna be huge!!! GO MCLOVINS!!! :D
Phish Phan | May 21, 2009 1:37 PM
Just amazing....
Can't wait to see them at the Vibes