Premiere: The Freqs ‘Poacher Gets The Tusk’ – From ‘Poachers’ EP That Drops 3rd February

The Freqs, a Salem, Massachusetts-based rock and roll power-trio are a new band to us at Shaman HQ and hell, do they kick some serious butt. Although it states ‘noise-rock’ on their Bandcamp profile, and there’s no denying they are, it’s also doing them a huge disservice as they seamlessly straddle the blurred lines of infectious heavy rock, fuzz and post-punk.

The Freqs - Photo by Zack Fierman
The Freqs – Photo by Zack Fierman

As their latest six-track EP Poachers is gearing up to be released on the 3rd February, it’s our absolute pleasure to bring you the second single in the form of Poacher Gets The Tusk, and about the track, guitarist and vocalists Seth Crowell comments…

Poacher Gets The Tusk is about the misguided appeal of despotism for a false sense of security and to reject the propaganda designed to erode our sense of empathy for our most vulnerable. The decision made by the song’s narrator is to revolt against this paradigm but is ultimately unsuccessful in changing anything and is consumed by this bleak thought.’ 

Now click played below to check out the four-minute stomper, you won’t regret it…

More On The Freqs & ‘Poachers’

Delivering fuzzed-out, psych-punk, stoner rock, and sledgehammering noise at a crushing decibel, The Freqs formed on the north shore of Massachusetts in 2019 by guitarist/vocalist Seth Crowell and bassist/vocalist Ian Mandly, and drummer Zack Fierman joined in 2020. Together, the trio crafts a distinctive sound at the intersection of genres.

Released at the end of 2022, The Freqs newest single Witch is a thundering voyage inspired by the past and present of their hometown, Salem, Massachusetts. The song is the first single off the band’s fourth EP, Poachers, which was recorded by, mixed, and mastered by Alex Allinson at Bridge Sound And Stage in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and completed with cover art photography by Colby Todisco. The tracks Power Trippin’ and Witch feature additional backing vocals by Nicholas Pentabona (Bedtimemagic).

The Freqs 'Poachers'
The Freqs ‘Poachers’ Artwork

An interesting fact about the track Witch, it was written by the band’s Seth Crowell who is a descendant of Rebecca Nurse, one of the witches hanged during the Salem Witch Trials. The song is his attempt at dissecting that too often glossed over tragedy in the context of today.

Crowell writes, Witch aims to serve as a condemnation of the male gaze and the greater patriarchy at large. The lyrics are sung from the perspective of the crazed accuser who demands violence for the accused Witch for denying his advances. The lyrics are delivered as deliberately aggressive to illustrate that the accuser is the true danger to his community.’

The Freqs - Photo by Zack Fierman
The Freqs – Photo by Zack Fierman

Nominated for Best Rock Artist of the Year at the Boston Music Awards in 2021, the power trio continues to lash ear drums with their bombastic live set across New England and beyond. The Freqs crew oozes high-octane, dirty, fun, heavy rock and will make you believe in the magic of live music all over again.

Poachers Tracklist:
01. Poacher Gets The Tusk
02. Power Trippin’
03. Asphalt Rivers
04. Sludge Rats
05. Chase Fire Catch Smoke
06. Witch

The Freqs is:
Seth Crowell – Guitar, Vocals
Ian Mandly – Bass, Synth, Piano, Backing Vocals
Zack Fierman – Drums, Auxiliary Percussion, Backing Vocals

The Freqs Live Dates:
01/14/2023: The Cantab Lounge – Cambridge, MA w/ Zip-Tie Handcuffs, Wicked Dead, Black Hatch [Info]
02/04/2023: The Middle East Upstairs – Cambridge, MA w/ Landowner, Miracle Blood – EP Release Party [Info]

Poachers, the infectious new six-track EP from The Freqs, releases independently on 3rd February and pre-orders are available now over on Bandcamp.

Label: Independent
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram