The Merry Widow Presents: RATTLESNAKE MILK

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Rattlesnake Milk is an alternative country and cow-punk band hailing from the desolate southern plains of Texas, originally formed in Lubbock around 2012. The band, led by singer and rhythm guitarist Sean “Lou” Lewis, crafts a raw, rebellious sound that blends eerie rockabilly, psychedelic country, and Southern Gothic vibes, defying easy categorization. Their music evokes the haunting expanse of the Texas Panhandle, mimicking the howl of coyotes and the rhythm of lonesome trains, while drawing influences from vintage country, surf rock, and punk.

The band’s origins trace back to Lewis’s rough eight-song demo, recorded while farming cotton in Olton, Texas, inspired by Dust Bowl migrant songs and 1950s melodic gems heard on Lubbock’s KDAV 1590AM. These demos, initially played solo by Lewis, were brought to life with childhood friends Zach Davis (drums), Brad Ivy (bass), and Andrew Chavez (electric guitar). Their debut, *Snake Rattle and Roll* (2013), was a cult cassette-only release, blending Ricky Nelson’s rockabilly with the chaotic edge of The Birthday Party. After relocating to Austin around 2015, the lineup evolved, adding drummer Corey “Chencho” Alvarez and bassist Eric Pawlak.

Rattlesnake Milk gained a cult following through unannounced shows and a commitment to anonymity, playing dive bars and honky-tonks with a gritty, unpolished energy. Their self-titled album (2020), released on Feels So Good Records, refined their sound, merging punk-inspired rockabilly with soulful country songwriting. Their third album, *Chicken Fried Snake* (2022), leaned further into Americana, delivering desolate, road-trip-ready tales of drifters and lost souls, earning praise for its simplicity and emotional depth. A 2022 EP, *.38 Special*, further showcased their haunting storytelling.

Known for their tight live performances and a mystique that enhances their allure, Rattlesnake Milk has played festivals like Austin City Limits and continues to captivate with their unique blend of country, punk, and psychedelia. The current lineup includes Lou Lewis (vocals, rhythm guitar), Andrew Chavez (lead guitar), Corey Alvarez (drums), and Eric Pawlak (bass). Their music, described as “the musical truth” by Saving Country Music, remains a potent, underground force, resonating with fans of both Hank Williams and The Cramps.