Thump the Witch Drums In many cultures and traditions around the world, drums hold a significant role. They are not only instruments of music and rhythm, but also carry symbolic and spiritual meanings. Among these various drums, the witch drums stand out as particularly intriguing and fascinating. Witch drums, also known as shamanic drums, have a long history dating back centuries. They have been used by indigenous peoples to communicate with the spirit world, invoke healing energies, and perform sacred rituals. These drums were not mere musical instruments; they were considered powerful tools that connected the physical and the spiritual realms.
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Nuanced layers of electronics seem at once ancient and timeless, blended with haunting vocal performances and romantically complicated sonic architecture. War Drum celebrate the 60s birth of heavy psych, combining all the great elements of the classics like The Doors and Iron Butterfly, to the current torch-bearers like Witch and Mario Lalli s associated acts.
These drums were not mere musical instruments; they were considered powerful tools that connected the physical and the spiritual realms. The term "witch drums" may sound dark and mysterious, but it is crucial to understand that it does not imply evil or black magic. These drums were associated with magical practices, but in a positive sense, aiming for healing, protection, and spiritual growth.
Witching Hour
Few bands can match the pleasantly violent assault on the ears of The Stooges’ 1973 classic Raw Power . But Frankie and the Witch Fingers can claim to be in the company that can rain down upon its listeners grinding guitars, pummeling bass and thumping drums.
Frankie and the Witch Fingers bring this energy to its Eugene debut at Old Nick’s Pub on Wednesday, Feb. 1. The band will be traveling into town fresh off a Jan. 31 sold-out show in Portland, and the show will include new songs by the band.
The band’s most recent album — Monsters Eating People Eating Monsters , released in 2020 — shows its musical style. It’s a dynamic range that runs from gentle to guitar amps on the brink of collapse in a matter of seconds.
“We love to incorporate dynamics into the music. It makes it more fun to listen to, definitely more interesting to play and a little easier on the ears, too,” says lead guitarist Josh Menashe. “It’s nice to treat every song like a journey.”
What’s part of the song’s journey is the lyrics, which can sometimes lean into the macabre as found in “Reaper” from the 2020 album: “As I search for meanings code/ She lies beside me decomposed.”
The musical side of the band is what directs and influences the lyrics, says lead singer and guitarist Dylan Sizemore. He struggles to describe the lyric writing process, saying it’s an organic process and that the music influences the lyrics.
In 2022, the band played about 100 shows, says bassist Nikki Pickle. The current tour is the first of the year, which began in San Diego, up to Seattle and will go back down to California.
Frankie and the Witch Fingers at Pickathon 2022 (Grove stage). Photo by Todd Cooper.
Frankie and the Witch Fingers is about to release a new album, which it teased with two singles “Electricide” and “Chalice” that came out in 2022. The new album won’t be too much of a departure of the band’s sound, except that it’s the first with new drummer Nick Aguilar, and he brings a new energy to the band.
“As we were getting to know him and jamming with him we were also writing,” Menashe says. “It was a really explosive kind of creativity because you’re getting together with this new person and simultaneously writing.”
The band recorded the new album while on its hectic 2022 tour schedule, which Menashe says added some rawness and funk to the album. Rather than record the album digitally, the band relied on the analog reel-to-reel tape. That approach not only has more depth to it but also made the band appreciate every take, he says.
When Frankie and the Witch Fingers take the stage at Old Nick’s Pub, the band will take its music — that is at times as unstable as an ion — to the next explosive level. But it won’t go too far, cautions Pickle. “That would ruin the venue. Somewhere in the middle.”
Frankie and the Witch Fingers with Monsterwatch is 9 pm Wednesday, Feb. 1, at Old Nick’s Pub. Tickets are $15.75.
“As we were getting to know him and jamming with him we were also writing,” Menashe says. “It was a really explosive kind of creativity because you’re getting together with this new person and simultaneously writing.”
The sound produced by witch drums is distinct and captivating. The rhythm created by the drumming is often repetitive and hypnotic, inducing a trance-like state in the participants of the rituals. This altered state of consciousness allows individuals to connect with their inner selves, their ancestors, and the spiritual forces surrounding them. It is believed that this connection brings forth wisdom, guidance, and healing. Besides the spiritual aspect, witch drums also carry cultural significance. They are often beautifully handcrafted, decorated with symbols and motifs that hold cultural and historical meaning. Each drum is unique and reflects the traditions and artistic expressions of the community it belongs to. In modern times, witch drums have gained popularity beyond indigenous communities. Many people have recognized the power and beauty of these drums and incorporate them into their spiritual practices. As individuals seek a deeper connection with nature and the divine, witch drums provide a means to achieve this connection. In conclusion, thumping the witch drums is not merely about creating music and rhythm. It is about entering a sacred space, where one can connect with the spiritual energies that surround us. These drums allow us to transcend the boundaries of the physical world and explore the realms of the unseen. They serve as a powerful symbol of our connection to the spiritual and the divine, reminding us of the mysteries and wonders of the universe..
Reviews for "The Witch Drums in Popular Culture: Drumming in Wiccan and Pagan Traditions"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Thump the witch drums". The plot was confusing and the characters felt one-dimensional. I couldn't connect with any of them and found myself not caring about what happened. The writing was also lacking, with repetitive phrases and awkward dialogue. Overall, I found this book to be a letdown and wouldn't recommend it.
2. John - 1 star - "Thump the witch drums" was a complete waste of my time. The story had potential but was poorly executed. The pacing was off, with drawn-out scenes that added nothing to the plot. The dialogue was often cheesy and the interactions between the characters felt forced. I struggled to finish this book and was left unsatisfied with the resolution. I do not understand the hype around this novel and regret reading it.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Thump the witch drums" based on the positive reviews, but it fell flat for me. The world-building was weak and the magical elements were underdeveloped. The main character was unlikeable and I couldn't find any redeeming qualities in them. The book also contained several grammatical errors, which was distracting. Unfortunately, this was not the captivating story I was hoping for and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Michael - 3 stars - "Thump the witch drums" had an interesting concept, but the execution left much to be desired. The pacing was uneven, with slow parts that dragged on and fast-paced moments that felt rushed. The writing style was also not to my liking, and I found myself skimming through paragraphs. However, the plot twists were unexpected and added some intrigue to the story. While this book had its flaws, it had potential and might be enjoyed by others who have different tastes.