Andrew W.K.
The letter "W" is symbolic of a world of strength and unity - the shape of 2 arms locked in unyielding power.
"K" represents the consumption of the universe. The continuous symbol of greater than, less than, always level.
Born James Edward Andrews on the outskirts of L.A., Andrew W.K.'s family moved to Michigan when he was four. Growing up, Andrew played piano but later switched to drums joining several long forgotten Punk and Metal bands. At 18, he left Michigan in the dust and moved to New York. Once there he began circulating demos. Though not quite Beck's "two turntables and a microphone" Andrew played shows along the East Coast armed only with a CD player, keyboard and microphone.
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On Bulb Records, Andrew W.K. released his debut EP "Girls Own Juice" in '99 and "Party Til You Puke" a year later. Once again he hit the road and opened for the Foo Fighters. But figuring the "one-man band" thing had gone as far as it could Andrew finally formed a group with guitarist Jimmy Coup, bassist Greg R. and drummer Donald "D.T." Tardy. Two additional guitarists were added: E. Payne and Sergeant Frank.
Debut full-length album, "I Get Wet" (with the bloody nose cover), released in '01, featured "Party Til You Puke," "Party Hard," "It's Time To Party" and "Don't Stop Living In The Red" (see a theme here?). Andrew W.K. soon got tagged as an '80s Metal revivalist. "We Want Fun" was used in the '02 film and major gross-out hit "Jackass." Following extensive touring, the "Wolf" LP arrived in '03.
"I Get Wet" presents Andrew W.K. as a true party animal. It all comes off sounding like a Poison/Ratt update with grittier vocals and synth pads. Andrew W.K. slams through several anthems and does it with considerable verve.
"The Wolf" keeps the party going; in fact the album adds more "party songs" (including a live version of "Party Hard") to Andrew W.K's already extensive catalogue. The titles tell the story: "Long Live The Party," "Tear It Up," "Never Let Down," "Make Sex," "Totally Stupid" and "I Love Music." Lyrically, the "you can't stop the party" and "be yourself" lines are serviceable. But then, you don't (or shouldn't) expect anything profound from a hard-core carouser.
It's too early to say the party is running on fumes but Andrew W.K.'s hedonistic approach is showing signs of wear and tear after only two full-length albums. There isn't much more he can say about partying that he hasn't already covered - except the morning after hangover and cleaning up. And those are no fun. While he skates by (a true reveler trait) on "The Wolf," Andrew W.K. is probably due for a re-tooling on his next effort. Of course, if that happens everyone will say they miss his fun-loving party songs. Sometimes you can't win.