Dubbed as “one of the great lost, eclectic underground rock n’ roll bands” by the L.A. Weekly, you can find Andy and the Rattlesnakes today making some of the greatest music of their careers, combining their classic sound with the musical influences they have absorbed over the past three decades. In the late 70s and early 80s, Andy and the Rattlesnakes captivated L.A. music fans with their exciting live performances.
Their audiences quickly understood that a Snakes performance was not going to be just another rock n’ roll evening. Whether politically charged, strikingly imaginative or sweetly romantic, their songs covered an expansive musical and lyrical territory. The band’s sound combined twisted punk overtones, reggae dubs, ska skanks, and spontaneous jazz and blues improvisations, into a mixture held together by the heart and soul backbone of solid R&B. Since the self-release of their first single in March 1980, a cover of Neil Diamond’s “Solitary Man”, the Rattlesnakes have always believed in the importance of the DIY ethic Their single “Third World Wives” was included on 1981’s The D.I.Y. Album: Ten of America’s Best New Bands.
The Rattlesnakes’ musicianship provided the perfect accompaniment for New Jersey singer/songwriter Andy Krikun’s poignant lyrics and soulful singing style that bring to mind both Otis Redding and Joe Strummer. Keyboardist Morley Bartnoff combined the raw energy of Jerry Lee Lewis with the jarring harmonies of Thelonious Monk, guitarist Paul Lacques mixed Chicago Blues and Chuck Berry with metallic space age atonality, while saxophonist Jeff Hollie moved from soothing full-bodied warm tones to ominous caterwauling. The rhythm section of Rob Hasick on bass and John Lacques on drums provides the solid foundation for the Rattlesnakes’ musical explorations. Together, Andy and the Rattlesnakes devised a musical melange that still resonates over three decades later.
Since Andy and the Rattlesnakes disbanded in 1981, the members have continued to lead active musical lives. Dr. Andy Krikun is currently Professor of Music at Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey, where he guides the careers of future musicians and music business professionals. When not leading his own band Cosmo Topper, keyboardist Morley Bartnoff can be found performing in the theatrical celebration of John Lennon’s life and music, Just Imagine. Guitarist Paul Lacques has recorded three albums with his highly acclaimed country rock combo I See Hawks in L.A. as well as Double Naught Spy Car and the Earthworm Ensemble. Bassist Rob Hasick has been active both as a musician and as a visual artist. Living in Amsterdam since the early 90s, saxophonist Jeff Hollie has toured Europe collaborating with DJs and spoken word artists. Percussionist Mike Tempo continues to perform with his band the Bonedaddys and is also active as a visual artist. The newest Rattlesnake drummer John Lacques, is the founder and principal facilitator of drumtime.
Last Summer to Dance, the band’s first full-length album, consisting of twelve re-mastered tracks compiling studio sessions, demos, and live performances at the Taurus Tavern, was released on Fellaheen Records in 2006. The new album recorded in Los Angeles, New York, and Amsterdam will be available in 2024 on vinyl and streaming services.