When it comes to Rock-n-Roll, it does not always need to be crystal clear or finely tuned. In fact, sometimes Rock-n-Roll should just be down-right dirty and gritty. Doing just that for some time now has been the four piece band out of Brooklyn, New York calling themselves Tournament. Performing show after show and consistently releasing new material, in 2016 they made their The End Record debut with the full-length album Teenage Creature. Often trippy and raw, but most definitely always fun, the album is a glimpse into what the future holds for Tournament. Recently we caught up with the band’s guitarist/lead vocalist to rap about the story behind Tournament, their latest album, and more.
CrypticRock.com – Tournament is a young band that has been paving their own way in Rock over many years now. Signing on with The End Records, what has your experience been like through the past year or so?
Montana Masback – Are we a young band?! We have been playing for close to eleven years (laughs), but i’ll take it, thanks! The End has been cool, they have a very eclectic roster, and I believe that us, along with American Sharks and Tower, are part of a newer side to the label.
CrypticRock.com – Yes, the label certainly has diversified their lineup in retain years, and it is quite exciting. What bands would you say have influenced Tournament’s sound?
Montana Masback – Circle from Finland. That’s the only one we give away for free. If you don’t know that band, either kill yourself or buy one of their records.
CrypticRock.com – Readers will have to check them out. There certainly is a Metal feeling to Tournament’s music, but there also appears to be a Punk vibe as well. Is that an accurate assessment for those new to the band?
Montana Masback – Only the listener will decide. It’s got guitars, drums, bass, and it’s pissed. Carve it up how you please.
- Independent
- Independent
CrypticRock.com – Fair enough. The band’s latest album, Teenage Creature, was released back in March of 2016. What was the writing and recording process like for this album?
Montana Masback – We recorded it at Spice World Studios. It was recorded in a few separate bursts. It was a real good time recording, always is. Tons of beers, a bunch of laughs… all good fun.
CrypticRock.com – Well, it is certainly a blast to listen to the album. Would you say Teenage Creature is an evolution from the band’s 2009 LP, Years Old?
Montana Masback – Yes, it’s way more of a Rock record. Years Old was some feedback freak out acid trip. Actually, that’s true, we were freaking out on acid a good amount back then. Still too old for it. Fuck, who cares, the album was weird, and really heavy; so fucked.
CrypticRock.com – In regards to Teenage Creature, the album deals with the many facets of the human spirit within the music and lyrics. What were your inspirations behind these songs?
Montana Masback – Adults pretending to be kids, sloppy bitches that turn into old nazi ladies, fucking cornbread, fighting with cops, turning to a life of crime, shitty places that make shitty problems for good people, dog shit, local bullshit, and dogs driving fancy cars getting their dog dicks sucked.
CrypticRock.com – That is quite an interesting mix of topics. The band is in fact from Brooklyn, which certainly is a cultural melting pot. How would you say the area has influenced the style and attitude of the band?
Montana Masback – I don’t know how to answer. I’m burnt out and from NY. Everywhere is a shit hole, we do the best to make sleep in the bed we made. Our songs are about stories left behind in that shit hole. Some true, some not.
CrypticRock.com – The track “Biff’s Future” is a fun detour in the album. Does the track have tie-ins to Biff of the Back to the Future films?
Montana Masback – Yup, it’s pretty much what the world will be like if Ol Donny T gets elected. Except, there is no time machine, just Michael J. Fox with Parkinson’s and a home ditch off the worm highway.
- The End Records
CrypticRock.com – It makes for an interesting story. We are living in a time where many Rock records are heavily polished and overproduced. Is the raw sonic quality of Tournament’s music something you pride yourselves on?
Montana Masback – I know, what a bummer. We use what we have to make these albums real. Redo the whole song , not just the track. That’s about all we can do.
CrypticRock.com – Every band has their own way of approaching music. You are currently preparing to hit the road for some more touring. What are the future plans for Tournament?
Montana Masback – Yea, we are on the road this fall a good amount, putting out 2 EPs a year for the rest of our shitty lives. That’s what’s on the horizon for us. We’ve been slamming through a lot of new songs lately. Making up for lost time.
CrypticRock.com – It will be exciting to hear some new music. Our last question is pertaining to movies. CrypticRock.com covers music and Horror/Sci-Fi films. If you are a fan of these genres, what are some of your favorites of all time?
Montana Masback – We are fans. Some of my favorites include The Lady Vanishes (1938), Lessons of Darkness (1992), Zardoz (1974), Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977), Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983).
- 20th Century Fox
- 20th Century Fox
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