Wooden Shjips
Wooden Shjips is a quartet from San Francisco that plays loud rock ‘n’ roll in a style heavily influenced by the experimentalism of psychedelia, classical minimalism, and garage rock excess. Started as an experiment in rhythmic primitivism and group improvisation, the current lineup brings a more structured rock approach to its performances, utilizing a traditional lineup of drums (Omar Ahsanuddin), bass (Dusty Jermier), organ (Nash Whalen), guitar (Erik “Ripley” Johnson), and vocals.
The band released two acclaimed records in 2006, beginning early in the year with the self-released 10", “Shrinking Moon for You”. The record quickly sold-out, after capturing the attention of well-regarded tastemakers, such as Tom Lax and Byron Coley, who penned rave reviews on Siltblog, and in Wire magazine, respectively. A 7" followed on the Sick Thirst label, and received similar praise from music bloggers, as well as from veteran scribe David Fricke in Rolling Stone.