75 Bands in 75 Days – Day 45: Greenriver Thrillers

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome, welcome, to 75 Bands in 75 Days, where we’re showcasing some of the best talent that the Pacific Northwest has to offer, at least one band per day, leading up to December 31st, to ring in a new year. This list is in no particular order and it is not a chart or a countdown. It’s merely a list of bands or musicians that we feel are worthy of checking out. The band for Day 45 is a heavy fucking band from Seattle called the Greenriver Thrillers.

Formed in 2002, Greenriver Thrillers are a three-piece noise rock band formed in Seattle, Washington. All three members (Gary Hughes, Alan Alfano and Phil Smith) were born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. Each of them have an extensive background performing in several bands in the local scene over the years – which ultimately caused them to cross paths and form a cohesive unit of sound that they have perfected. The musical style of the Thrillers blends many elements of rock ‘n roll ranging from classic punk, metal and even shades of experimental music. They have a wide range of musical influences including Unsane, Retox, Gaythiest and Unwound.

Like we said earlier, this is a heavy fucking band. If you miss the mid to late 80’s, the time when the “Real” Seattle sound was developed and developing, then you will love their album “Retarder”. I read a review that named Scratch Acid as influencing them and while I hear some of that Austin band, The Melvins, Skinyard, Green River, Soundgarden and many other pioneering NW bands have influenced this face-melting band as well. From frenetic grungy, punk driven beats to heavy droning guitars down-tuned into the key of despair and gloom, the Greenriver Thrillers have delivered a throwback album that works for today but still manages to sufficiently pay homage to the Seattle musical titans that came before them.

Check out Greenriver Thrillers on Facebook and visit their WEBSITE