The Macks are one of the most creative, focused bands in the Northwest, producing banger after banger at a breakneck pace that can hardly keep up with their work ethic and restlessly evolving sound. Their sixth full-length "Bonanza" dropped just a few weeks ago, and Sam and Ben from the band joined us to talk about prolific rocking/rolling with an eye toward improvement, the hail-mary toiletry of the contemporary American mall, the marketability of merch based on individuals, the Juggalo-curious lifestyle, and gearing up for their massive ongoing tour.

Music this week:

• "Nice" by The Macks (22:34)
• "Flesh and Soul" by BALTHVS (34:09)
• "Cowboys & Cattlebroads" by The Macks (50:57)
• "Paystub" by Forty Feet Tall (71:28)
• "Downhill Racer" by Couch Slut (84:52)

Cherry Cheeks is fast-paced, punk/art rock with substance and a sneer. Kyle Harms, the creative force of the band, joins the show this week, and more delighted we could not be. We discuss the persona of the punk rock brat, the importance of songs with genuine meaning, embracing the performer within, the erotic potential of deep-faking yourself, and the plight of the proletariat vis a vis the monocle.

Music this week:

• "Therapy" by Cherry Cheeks (15:23)
• "Wings of Fire" by The Boojums (28:55)
• "Black Hair" by Lothario (45:36)
• "Motivator" by Cherry Cheeks (64:43)
• "Fucking It Up" by Sex Mex (78:06)

Rock 'n roll rippers Helena Rats are in the house this week! The band's May release "Plague City" embraces the rich possibilities of fast, heavy-tinged guitar music without pretension—though not without an accessible complexity that rewards the true heads. Diego and Jeff from the band pop in to talk about the new tunes, drink-to-performance ratios, the cocktail of ingredients that make up their sound (hint: the 70s play a role), the languages of rock shorthand, and the simpler times of their teenage fandom.

Music this week:

• "Grab the Shovel" by Helena Rats (13:01)
• "Time Out" by Stuck (36:05)
• "Bombit Baby" by Helena Rats (52:04)
• "Night Terrors" by Altar Girl (67:06)
• "Somebody Put PCP in My Clam Chowder" by Xray Xeroxx (92:29)