Smog Veil Records today announced the debut recording by punk rock supergroup "Batusis" featuring the legendary Sylvain Sylvain (New York Dolls) and Cheetah Chrome (Rocket From The Tombs/Dead Boys). Batusis makes their highly anticipated live debut concert performance at America's premiere music gathering, SXSW, in Austin, Texas on March 18.
The SXSW performance will be followed by a nationwide UK tour during the first two weeks in May, all of which will coincide with the vinyl and digital download of the 4-track EP on May 4th.
The self-titled 4-song EP will be released in the US and UK on May 4, 2010. The debut recordings will be released on collectable multi-colored vinyl, with eco-friendly recycled content jacket and full color two-sided insert, and also on digital download.
This exciting rock and roll project celebrates the first-ever collaboration between punk icons Cheetah Chrome (Dead Boys, Rocket From The Tombs) and celebrated glam rock innovator Sylvain Sylvain (New York Dolls). The 4-track EP also features Enzo Penizzotto (bass) and Thommy Price (drums) - the driving rhythm section for Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
"I've known Sylvain since 1975," says Cheetah. "The Dolls were a huge influence on me." Sylvain adds "We're just nuts about rock 'n' roll. We knew that's what we'd come up with, no matter what!"
Producer Ken Coomer (Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, Tim Finn), and former drummer for Wilco and Uncle Tupelo, oversaw the recording of the 4-song EP over a five-day period during November 2009 at Nashville's top studiosWestwood Sound, 16 Ton and Creative Workshop.
"I asked Ken for a sound that would peel paint and piss people off, and I got it," recalls Cheetah. Engineer Charlie Brocco (George Harrison, Fleetwood Mac), whom Sylvain raves about as "wonderful," also contributed another experienced hand to the recording.
Batusis SXSW Premiere
* Thur., 3/18 - Prague, 10:00 p.m. - Austin, TX
* Fri., 3/19 - Cheapo Music, 5:00 pm - Austin, TX
* Includes Miss Derringer and the BellRays