Tojo Yamamoto isn’t just a band—it’s a sonic smackdown straight out of Kentucky’s underground scene, blending raw punk rock energy with storytelling rooted in the wild world of classic Memphis wrestling. The group’s forthcoming six-track EP Turning Face! (set for release on January 24, 2025) captures the raucous spirit of a wrestling match while pushing the boundaries of punk and noise rock with gritty narratives and unapologetic soundscapes.
At the helm are Larry Joe Treadway, a veteran of Lexington’s punk scene and part-time filmmaker, and Elwood Francis, best known as ZZ Top’s bassist and a legendary guitar tech with deep punk rock roots. Backed by the powerhouse rhythm section of Will Pieratt on bass and Darren Howard on drums, Tojo Yamamoto delivers a sonic haymaker that speaks to decades of underground musical expertise.
The band’s name pays homage to Memphis wrestling villain Tojo Yamamoto, whose villainous antics and foreign-object-filled matches captivated audiences. Fittingly, the music reflects the chaos and bravado of a wrestling storyline, with track titles like “Las Vegas Leg Lock,” “Loser Leave Town (A Cautionary Tale),” and “Hardway at Shitsville” weaving thematic threads throughout the EP.
One standout track, “Turning Face,” embodies the title’s wrestling reference—a character’s switch from villain to hero—through blistering guitars and a primal beat that pounds like a ringside brawl. Francis’s guitar work, often played through vintage fuzz circuits and department store guitars from the 1960s and ’70s, gives the songs a distinct, gnarly edge. Treadway’s vocals, delivered through everything from a battered old stage mic to modified CB radio receivers, are visceral and commanding, reminiscent of a chaotic ringside announcer.
But it’s not all just wrestling antics. Beneath the distortion lies sharp social commentary. “Loser Leave Town (A Cautionary Tale)” tells the story of a fallen cam girl, transforming a classic wrestling trope into a dark reflection of internet fame and modern identity. “A Face Made for Radio (Hog Jowls)” showcases the band’s wry humor and ability to turn everyday absurdities into punk rock anthems.
Treadway describes the lyrical approach as “vague, violent, braggadocious, and inane.” Yet, despite the chaos, there’s an undeniable coherence to their storytelling—a reflection of the band’s deep connection to Kentucky’s underground music scene. Both Treadway and Francis reminisce about Lexington’s vibrant punk scene of the ’80s and ’90s, name-dropping iconic venues like The Wrocklage and bands like Ted Bundy’s Volkswagen and The Mighty Skullhead.
Francis’s return to punk after years in rock’s upper echelons with ZZ Top is particularly noteworthy. “We’re playing simple music that’s loud, filthy, and distorted,” he explains. “These aren’t clean sounds. We’re throwing down with the raw energy that got us into music in the first place.”
Looking ahead, Tojo Yamamoto is gearing up to bring their chaotic brilliance to live audiences. Francis hints at a winter tour, promising a performance experience complete with visual elements and wrestling-inspired theatrics. For fans who crave a show as electrifying as a piledriver, Tojo Yamamoto promises to deliver.
Their debut EP on Forbidden Place Records already showcased their raw energy, but Turning Face! promises an even bolder, more brash sonic punch. The group even managed to pull off a cover of David Bowie’s “Heroes,” a spontaneous studio creation that encapsulates their anything-goes spirit.
What sets Tojo Yamamoto apart is their refusal to play by the rules. They’re not out to top charts or cater to mainstream expectations. Instead, they craft music that feels authentic, unfiltered, and deeply rooted in their creative histories. As Treadway puts it, “We’re making what we want. That’s pretty rare, and we’re grateful for it.”
Tojo Yamamoto’s Turning Face! drops on January 24, 2025, available on vinyl in two exclusive variants and streaming on all major platforms. Stay tuned for their upcoming shows and more wild antics by following them on Instagram at @Tojo.Yamamoto. One thing’s for sure—this is a face turn you don’t want to miss.
