Dragmules
Archived
There must be a dozen brilliant records each year that are overlooked by radio, press and music video outlets. With an aggressive approach by Atlantic Records and some media exposure, New York City’s the Dragmules are bound to become a success. Their major label debut, 2A (named after a bar in the East Village of NYC), is more or less a folk-rooted rock journey composed of melodic guitar licks (going dirty in the choruses), a fine rhythm section-drummer Paul Garisto who did a stint with Iggy Pop, and vocalist, Trippy Thompson’s raspy moans. Depending on the tempo, the music reminds you of Buffalo Tom, maybe even Sugar at times. 2A was recorded at Bearsville Studios in upstate New York— a famous facility with the likes of The Dave Matthews Band passing through to record their hit album!
Band members, Joshua Weinberg: guitar, Johnny McNabb: guitar, Marty Sarandria: bass and Thompson met on the Dallas music scene before making the move to the Big Apple. Garisto jumped in on drums, and the Dragmules (a Dragmule is apparently a cocktail!) were on their way. Before their record deal, Thompson made money through bartending, Sarandria did metal work, Joshua played for drag queens and Johnny just did “stuff.” The Dragmules met up at Vinnie’s Rehearsal Studio in the city, putting together music for their current release. Trippy, lyricist and spokesman for the Dragmule party, clarified the creative process of the band, “We come up with songs all together [through jam sessions], and then… I guess lyrics are added later.” 
The band’s first live show in NYC was only about a year ago. They have since made the dutiful rounds in the city with performances at the renowned CBGB’s, Mercury Lounge, and Brownies. A veteran of the national tour circuit would explain to the Dragmules some finer points about camaraderie on the road, avoiding fist fights and hurling verbal obscenities at each other! The Dragmules have toured the country opening for Eleven (Hollywood Records) with a goal to make it back to NYC and write songs for another record. One thing is undisputed within the Dragmules camp—they can’t get enough of the ‘Apple.’ According to them, NYC is a “super-charged magic place!” —Gary Savelson
Read more archived SLUG here: