When I was about 10 years old we used to sneak into my friend’s brother’s basement and leaf through his albums. They all seemed so cool and it smelled really funny down there. Sabbath, Jethro Tull, Zeppelin, and friends. That was my introduction to rock music. It also was my introduction to a couple of ass-kickings. He didn’t like us going through his shit.

No other band has brought me back to that basement like Howlin’ Rain. I caught them down in Austin but the sound and mix at the venue was nothing spectacular. Instead of hearing all of the five instruments comprising each tune, you were just able to hear one 5-instrument sound mashed together. It did get better as the set wore on but I was left wanting much more.

Howlin Rain’s latest album, Magnificent Fiend, is one of my favorite albums this year and I’m a huge Ethan Miller fan, so I was really looking forward to this session. It took just the sound check to know this was going to be WAY different than the Spiderhouse Cafe in Austin. You could hear each note mixing with the other in the studio; not one overpowering the other. Each was spectacular in its own right, but combined they make some sweet and powerful rock n’ roll.

Grab your computer, head down to the basement, and listen to these three kick ass tunes.

Exclusive: Howlin Rain - Dancers at the End of Time

Exclusive: Howlin Rain - Calling Lightning Pt. II

Exclusive: Howlin Rain - Nomads

Read our review of Howlin Rain - Magnificent Fiend

Check out past live sessions and stay on the lookout for our upcoming sessions with Justin Townes Earle and Modern Skirts.