Jason & the Scorchers

Disciples of Loud
“Let the Beatings Begin”

A brutally smoldering July 2002 morning, inhumane early, a couple or three security checks requiring ditching the oh so valuable $5 cups of coffee every single time. End of ferocious Texas shows allowing only hour nap. Reclined at gate, Jason and the Scorchers’ wildman guitar virtuoso Warner Hodges, the man capable on stage of careening out-of-control while still playing with incinerating flash and precision, unexpectedly proclaims, “we shouldn’t be on our way home, shouldn’t we be on our way to Louisiana, Georgia, somewhere else?” So it begins. After years of denial and prodding from colleagues, friends, family and fans, he decides it’s time. Time to do what he was born to do, do what his hands were made to do, do what he innately has to do and do it hard, fast and loud.

Warner asks Scorchers’ bassist Kenny Ames if he’s interested, a more redundant question perhaps never broached. A mere discussion and a couple weeks later Kenny suggests Warner go with him to check out this ‘unbelievable’ drummer. Unbelievable understating the slamming thunder of drummer Matt Green. Perfect, hard, fast and loud.

Though mesmerized by the veracity of the man behind the kit, Warner is struck by another force, a familiar cyclonic element, Todd Austin, lead guitar-could be a vigorous challenge-umh. . . . Hard, fast and loud. The birth of Disciples of Loud, Warner Hodges: lead vocals, guitar. Todd Austin: guitar, background vocals. Kenny Ames: Bass. Matt Green: Drums. Instant Chemistry, Cranking Rock’n’Roll, Hard, Fast, Raucous, Loud, the way it’s suppose to be.

The Disciples of Loud, “Let the Beatings Begin”, the name and title fairly well describes it all. Finally a band that can perform live, entertain, and leave feeling good and wanting more.

CAUTION: Listening to this CD at appropriate volume while driving has proved to result in speeding tickets.
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Warner Hodges debuts new band, Disciples of Loud
'Let the Beatings Begin' showcases Hodges' and Austin's precise and powerful one-two guitar punch. Ames and Green create an on-point rhythm section, creating the backdrop for this 48-minute sonic assault.'

Jason and the Scorchers guitarist, producer and instrumental guiding light Warner Hodges has debuted his new band, Disciples of Loud. A melodic hard-rock four-piece, Disciples of Loud features fellow Scorchers bassist Kenny Ames, and Nashville locals Todd Austin on guitar and Matt Green on drums. Hodges handles the bulk of the singing, and splits lead guitar duties with Austin.
Hodges described the Disciples of Loud in October 2002: "I know I have managed to put together a bad-ass band. I'm extremely excited about that. But we'll see. Do I have anything to say? That'll be the biggie. I'm pretty fired up about it." On the Disciples' website, Hodges says he put the band together "because I'm not done." Based on the evidence of 'Let the Beatings Begin,' not only does Warner have plenty to say, but his axe is talking loud and clear.
Hodges' influences range from AC/DC to Little Richard, the Rolling Stones, Merle Haggard, and Cheap Trick. Ames has become one of the most versatile and sought-after bassists in Nashville. 'Let the Beatings Begin' showcases Hodges' and Austin's precise and powerful one-two guitar punch. Ames and Green create an on-point rhythm section, creating the backdrop for this 48-minute sonic assault.
In 'Let the Beatings Begin,' the Disciples pull you into their world of frayed amplifier cords, unfiltered cigarettes, and all-night drives to gigs. The band struts unapologetically through your speakers and declares its opinions, anger, and passions. Song highlights range from the AC/DC swagger of 'I'm Your Man' and 'When Mercy Calls' to 'Seduction,' a melodic chronicle of sobriety. The band is more sentimental in the power ballad 'You Must Give Me Something.' 'Tick Tock' is a hidden gem, a hard-hitting examination of the chaos and contradictions in modern America. This record gives you an immediate sensory experience of the world of rock and roll. After hearing it, you know and respect the Disciples. They might be prisoners of rock and roll, but they are proudly doing time.
The tension between captivity and freedom, in the music business or in relationships, is one of the recurring themes. In 'Seduction,' Hodges tells his demons that 'I'll stand and fight you for my life,' recalling his own Steve Earle moment. The opening track, 'Uh Huh,' sums up Hodges' uncompromising career: I went around the block a time or two/Didn't have a dime when I was through/Got lots of critical acclaim/My critical mistake was I did not play the game.' Hodges and Austin search for a degree of stability in their worlds, as long as they can do so without sacrificing certain core values. The Disciples want to succeed on their own terms, as a unit.
Two more standout tracks are 'Wind Me Up' and 'Go