Localized Appreesh is our weekly thank-you column to the musicians that make the Bay. To be considered, contact emilysavage@sfbg.com.
I've been wanting to get Glitter Wizard in Localized Appreesh for some time. It's based in the Bay Area, plays local haunts often, and I appreciate what it's putting out there. Fronted by Wendy Stonehenge, the hair-shaking, psychedelic glam rock band is at once wildly individual and comfortingly throwback.<!--break-->
That vintage guitar sound and the fringed frocks that adorn Glitter Wizard recall tripping San Francisco musicians of yore; and yet, there really aren't many other bands doing it up quite like this now, in the modern day Bay. We're dying for the long-hairs, the rock'n'roll dramatics, the all-out performance of Glitter Wizard, sonically Hawkwind, aesthetically Bowie.
The band's next releases aren't out 'till summer (read: real soon), but you can catch the act live this weekend opening for another band with a penchant for glittering spectacle and glammy make-up, White Hills. Before all that, Stonehenge fills in the blanks:
Year and location of origin: Glitter Wizard was originally birthed in Santa Cruz sometime around 2006. The Bay Area version came together in 2008.
Band name origin: I just felt that the name was a perfect amalgamation of our glammy stage show and our heavy rock sound.
Band motto: Turn up the guitar!
Description of sound in 10 words or less: Gypsyhawk said it best: "You guys sound like Uriah Heep played by punks!"
Instrumentation: Wendy Stonehenge on vocals, Doug Graves on keys and synths, Fancee Cymballs on drums, Lorfin Terrafor on Guitar, Kandi Moon on bass.
Most recent release: Our last release was our first LP, Solar Hits, but we have a new seven-inch and full-length coming out this summer.
Best part about life as a Bay Area band: We've probably got more good bands here than any other city in the country, if not the world.
Worst part about life as a Bay Area band: You have to book shows at least three months in advance.
First album ever purchased: New Kids on the Block -- Hangin' Tough (how embarrassing).
Most recent album purchased/downloaded: Def Leppard -- High 'n' Dry (only slightly less embarrassing)
Favorite local eatery and dish: Lorfin and Kandi just introduced me to the beef brisket at Tommy's Joynt. So good!
Glitter Wizard
With White Hills, Disappearing People
Sun/13, 9pm, $12
Bottom of the Hill
1233 17th St., SF
(415) 621-4455
www.bottomofthehill.com