Amanda Mack
This isn’t a thought I imagine many people have but I have often wondered who is keeping garage rock alive and well in the Hostess City of the South. After many a night of lost sleep over this question, I had it vigorously answered in the flesh by Beneath Trees.
The two-piece, originally hailing from New Jersey, is made up of vocalist and guitarist Genevieve Chasty and drummer Hemmy Hemmerich. In my first few moments of watching them tear through their set, I found myself actively looking for a tucked away third member. Chasty and Hemmerich have a sound bigger than any two people should, creating a controlled cacophony of infectious, crunchy, psych-infused rock. There’s an easy and nearly unavoidable comparison to The White Stripes somewhere in there, but the reverse dynamics of Chasty’s mellow, full-bodied vocals being front and center and Hemmerich being perfectly content to wallop the drums without too much vocal responsibility deserves a comparison to version 1.0 of Los Angeles garage rock royalty Giant Drag. Just don’t compare anyone in the band directly to Annie Hardy.
While the two are currently based in Savannah, Georgia, there will be chances to see them melt faces in St. Augustine, FL at Sarbez! on March 10th along with Pink Peugeot, Smoke Rocha, Gary West, and Naum. They also have a few gigs at 3 Points on May 12th and May 19th where they will further bless Savannah along with Pink Peugeot and Missing Parts (May 12th).
I was recently lucky enough to get the two under The Probe where they talked about UFOs and Mary Shelley.
1) What’s your proudest self-taught skill?
Genevieve Chasty: Guitar/crocheting/sewing
Hemmy Hemmerich: Drums and guitar/carpentry
2) What reality TV show competition could you see yourself going on and winning?
Chasty: Naked and afraid
Hemmerich: naked and afraid
3) Have you ever had a weird, unexplained experience?
Chasty: yes a few but most notably potentially seeing the spirit of the person that built an old house I used to live in.
Hemmerich: I saw a ufo flying over the east side of Fort Pulaski like 10 years ago. I was with two good friends that also saw it. This bright object was hovering just above the tree line. It was gone in the blink of an eye; leaving a trail of vapor behind it.
4) What’s your favorite useless fact to tell at parties?
Chasty: I’m not sure! I like talking about weird old literature facts. Maybe how Mary Shelley kept the calcified heart of her husband Percy Shelley on her desk
Hemmerich: probably something travel or history related 🤔
5) What spice or condiment can be added to any food to make it taste better?
Chasty: I love ketchup. Also hot sauce and Adobo.
Hemmerich: everything bagel seasoning on all of it. Ranch on pizza every damn time.
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