Every once in a while a band will snap back to life, totally unexpected, as a sudden jolt of energy lifts them off the ground and back to action. Two of the more pleasantly unexpected resurrections have been Jon Spencer-related, first via the resuscitation of his Blues Explosion, and now with Boss Hog, the wife/husband team he joined with Cristina Martinez. Martinez is the de facto leader of this ship, and she’s been making bold moves ever since their first 12″ EP came out, where she was defiantly staring out from the cover, wearing only black patent leather long-sleeved gloves and thigh-high boots.
After some sporadic live shows over the last handful of years, Boss Hog is back with Brood X, their first record in nearly twenty years, and is on the road to support it. They hit town this Friday, with fellow veterans Ian Svenonius’ new project ESCAPE-ISM, and familiar local face Roger Miller, with The Trinary System. I had a chance to ask Martinez some questions fashioned around Boss Hog song titles, via email, so let’s dig in:
1) “BLACK EYES”
DIGBOSTON: When is the last time you got into a physical altercation?
MARTINEZ: Post-protest march, one block from Trump Tower, two weeks after the election.
2) “SHH SHH SHH”
DIGBOSTON: What is the quietest place you’ve been to recently?
MARTINEZ: Ladies room at the Dunkin Donuts, Natick service plaza, I-90 eastbound.
3) “SUNDAY ROUTINE”
DIGBOSTON: What does a typical Sunday look like?
MARTINEZ: Coffee, toast, and poached eggs. Reading airport novels, hiding under wolf skins.
4) “FORMULA X”
DIGBOSTON: As a musician who has been active for 30+ years, how do you keep from getting into a rut in terms of songwriting?
MARTINEZ: Don’t do it all the time, take breaks.
5) “FEAR FOR YOU”
DIGBOSTON: Do you have any irrational fears?
MARTINEZ: Clowns. More specifically that some clown will start a war with North Korea. Wait, that’s not irrational . . .
6) “SKI BUNNY”
DIGBOSTON: Do you enjoy any winter sports and if so, have you skied with J Mascis?
MARTINEZ: It’s nice to watch figure skating. Never skied with J but once caddied for Evan Dando.
7) “WHITE SAND”
DIGBOSTON: Where is the best beach you’ve been on?
MARTINEZ: Longnook, Truro MA.
8) “CHOCOLATE”
DIGBOSTON: What’s your go-to convenience store candy bar of choice?
MARTINEZ: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Best to stock up after the holidays when the stores have to get rid of all the unsold Christmas-Tree/Valentine-Heart/Easter-Egg/Halloween-Pumpkin themed Reese’s.
9) “GET IT WHILE YOU WAIT”
DIGBOSTON: Would you consider yourself patient? What’s the worst thing in the world to wait for?
MARTINEZ: Yes. A new Boss Hog record.
10) “MONKEY”
DIGBOSTON: Assuming Monkey Man is the best Stones’ song, what’s the second best?
MARTINEZ: Mixed Emotions.
BOSS HOG + ESCAPE-ISM + THE TRINARY SYSTEM. FRI 4.28, THE SINCLAIR, 52 CHURCH ST, CAMBRIDGE. 8PM/18+/$15. SINCLAIRCAMBRIDGE.COM
Primarily based in Boston, Massachusetts, Tim Bugbee is no stranger to traveling throughout the country or overseas to capture the best live music photos.
