Pedal Board Breakdown – Jim Blaha – The Blind Shake

Last Thursday, I had a chance to see a three-piece band (consisting of guitar, drums and baritone) that blew my mind. We’re talking The Blind Shake from Minneapolis, MN. Many of my friends told me these guys are awesome, and they were so right. We’re talking one of the most energetic, hardest hitting, loudest and funnest three-piece band I’ve ever seen. Another one of my friends described them as Helmet meets Devo. Thinking about this, it’s pretty accurate.

The Blind Shake had elements of Man or Astro-man? mixed with jagged guitars similar to Shellac/Arab on Radar, with a very up tempo and powerful drum beat. I watched the drummer break a stick and the whole time was wondering when he was going to break through his snare head. I was also intrigued by their ‘look’. All wearing track suites, with symbols (#, Masonic and math equation) made out of duct tape, all bald (or shaved heads). Once you were caught up in the swirl/pulse of the musical energy, it was over, and leaving you wanting more.

I thought it would be cool to break down the Jim Blaha‘s board for today.

Vox Wah
Behringer Vintage Delay
Danelectro DE-1 Dan Echo
Boss TU-2 Tuner
Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail Reverb (older version)

I found this video that captured what I saw pretty well! Nothing compares to feeling it hit your face though.

If you see these guys on a poster in your town… go to the show!

If you’ve seen The Blind Shake, let me know what you think by commenting below! Or if you have any thoughts about the above board, please comment also! Special thanks to Amy for the photos (Amy Donovan Photography)