Russian Girlfriends Reveal “House Fire” Video

Albuquerque’s Russian Girlfriends patented brand of retro metal, punk, pop and rock’n’roll has allowed them to embark on six tours across North America and Europe. With their newest lineup, they have just released a new self-titled EP, and have also shared their brand new video for House Fire. The song is an Americana rocker chock full of righteous guitar harmonies and heartfelt vocals, all taking place in a familiar sight to many musicians these days: the masked-up band practice. It is so refreshing to see the world reflected as it is sometimes, and honestly, you might not even notice the band is wearing masks the first time you watch the video. It’s just life right now. 

The set has plenty to look at. It’s a perfect practice room in that it looks like someone’s smoky, laundry-covered basement. Posters include but are not limited to Iron Maiden, Ramones, Motorhead and Thrasher. Outfits include but are not limited to–one red one-piece jumpsuit with silver sequins, sleeveless tees and a black leather jacket. The whole look is simple, effective, and endearing. The band looks like they’re having a hell of a jam session. Should the world begin to look less like a House Fire, expect to see Russian Girlfriends touring across the continents ASAP.

“In 2014. It felt like losing my home, a pain I didn’t ever think could be so bad. I couldn’t see an end to it. “House Fire” connects those feelings with how endless and hopeless the last two years have felt. I don’t know if the world will ever be normal again, but my search for peace has brought me new strength and hope. I hope the world’s search does the same.” That loss and that hope shine through as Jarrell belts the lyrics /We will never be safe/and I will find some old way/never held the sustain/ since you’ve gone.” (guitarist and lead vocalist Ian Jarrell)

This is a working band full of working musicians. You’re used to touring a lot. How have you all held up during the past few years?

Colin Dowell (guitar): I got laid off at the beginning of the pandemic so I was actually able to dedicate more time to music! Obviously not playing shows or touring, but we were able to collect ourselves as a “new” band and focus on what that was going to be like in the absence of our former singer, who had quit the band just a few months prior. We were quarantined from each other for awhile so I had to sit alone in my house and jam by myself and learn how to use home recording technology. It’s weird to say that was actually “fun” because obviously the world was falling apart at the time but I guess it helped keep me sane during all of that. I also went back to school and will have a Master’s Degree by the time this pandemic ends. 

Jeremy Keith (bass, vocals): I won’t lie, it’s been a real drag for sure! I have been afforded the privilege of being able to do my computer-based job remotely since March 2020. But not being able to tour has been tough. I’ve always depended on our tours to give my brain a hard reset from the average day-to-day routine of endless emails, phone calls and Zoom meetings. I feel like there’s a weird emotional rollercoaster and catharsis you experience when you go out on the road and play. I’ve been missing all of that big time. Luckily, Colin kept us all busy and occupied by texting and sending us new song ideas to work on. We each contributed our own ideas and slowly but surely, they turned into real tunes. Great tunes actually!

Have you learned anything about yourselves as musicians during the insanity of the pandemic?

Colin: Apparently I love effects pedals! I watched way too many gear videos and listened to too much Mutoid Man (if that’s even possible). I’m not egregious about it. But I definitely have a pedal board now and I’ll tastefully pepper in bits of chorus, pitch-shifts, wah, tremolo, reverb, and octave here and there. I guess that might seem egregious. I swear its not!

Jeremy: I think I’ve learned that, at least for me, there’s no replacement for the feeling and energy of making music in a room with your friends. Putting these songs together remotely was honestly a challenge for me because I feel like I need regular real-life practice with the band to feel engaged, and excited about it. It wasn’t until we went and actually recorded these songs together that I felt like I knew we had something really special.

Where did you film the music video for “House Fire”?

Colin: The footage from “House Fire” was shot at our rehearsal space in the Fall of 2020. We actually recorded a live set that has never seen the light of day. It’s a set of early versions of our new material as well as a few old songs. The new material has since evolved so I’m not sure what the plan is for that set. So the footage is from that shoot and us hanging out and getting ready before the shoot.

What’s the absolute best thing about being in a band together? Has the interplay changed significantly with the new lineup?

Colin: I was actually just joking about this with our drummer the other day- I don’t really have many “friends” these days, or at least people that I talk to or hang out with regularly except for the band. Outside of my day job, 90% of my socializing is done at our practice space with the band. I know its probably a cliche to say but I get to make music with my best friends. They practically seem like family at this point. I feel like this line-up definitely gets along much better.

Jeremy: The best thing has been, and probably always will be, that these dudes totally crack me up. With the world in disarray and going insane, it’s easy to get down, but I always have these guys to count on for a laugh and keep me from taking everything too seriously. I appreciate that we pretty much avoid drama, in-fighting, and hold each other accountable without being total dicks to each other.

Where would you love to play once things open back up again?

Colin: It would have to be a coin-toss between The High-Dive in Denver or any of the venues in Oklahoma City- our homes away from home. I also miss playing the East Coast.

Jeremy: My favorite places we’ve played would be First Ave 7th St Entry in Minneapolis, Cobra Lounge in Chicago, and anywhere in Canada. They dig us up there and keep asking us to come back. But hell, honestly I’d settle for playing for 5 people in Beaumont, TX at this point. I just want to be out there again man!

Russian Girlfriends self titled EP is available via Bandcamp and streaming platforms including Spotify