Too drunk to, er, ‘love’

Patrick A. didn’t wear himself out on stage a few Fridays ago at the Drunken Unicorn, but he sure did try. For a good 45 minutes, he rasped out every song from the Love Drunks catalog until his voice seemed to go hoarse. Chris Koby Downs, one of his bandmates in the Love Drunks, twirled his standup bass as if it were his swing partner. At one point, guitarist Michael Holler literally jumped onto the bass while Downs continued to pluck away at it. The group didn’t run out of energy, but watching them could make you tired.

??
The occasion for these antics was a CD release party for the Love Drunks’ self-titled debut. Issued via noted garage rock label Bomp Records’ Alive imprint, and produced by the Cogburns’ Glen Kuras, The Love Drunks is as ragged and raucous as the group’s live shows. “Glen did a fantastic job,” says Patrick A., who declines to give out his last name. Currently on tour, he talks via cell phone from somewhere near the Joshua Tree National Park while the Love Drunks head to a L.A. show.

??
In addition to his role as vocalist of the Love Drunks, Patrick A. books and promotes shows for the Masquerade. “It’s nice to have your whole life centered on what you love, and for me that’s rock music,” he says. Contrary to the simple, chorus-driven words that most garage bands use, Patrick A.’s lyrics are imagistic, and often don’t have a chorus at all. Holler usually writes the music, “and the drummer and bass player just put their parts in,” says Patrick A.

??
Of course, the best way to hear the Love Drunks is in a live context. “We’re very much into the live band thing,” says Patrick A., “me jumping around all over the place, and our guitar player jumping on top of his amps and jumping on top of the bass player.”

??
The Love Drunks play Alley Cat Fri., Jan. 27. No cover. Midnight. 160 Kenny’s Alley, Underground Atlanta. 678-904-2759. www.alleycatclub.com.