The incredible Walker twins, Cedric and Eva, are the beating heart of the Black Tones
The incredible Walker twins, Cedric and Eva: the banging heart of the Black Tones. Danny Denial

I realize we write about howling grungy blues-punk/crunchy Hendrixian rock torch-bearers the Black Tones a lot. We recommended them as a must-see at last year's Capitol Hill Block Party. That was followed by a CHBP post-op on a set that surpassed even our high expectations. And then, most recently, a feature about their imminent rise to superstardom that preceded the release of their debut full-length, Cobain and Cornbread, which was produced by none other than the legendary Jack Endino (Soundgarden, Nirvana, etc.).

Of course, we wouldn't be gushing about them so much had we not been fans. This is a big city, after all, and there are loads of great bands operating here. But some, like the Black Tones, feel more special, more ready to break out, more compelling and engaging, more powerful and fiery, than others, which makes it hard not to give them extra ink.

And we aren't the only ones who've taken notice.

Proof of this lies in their sold-out April 11 album release show (video after the jump), and the national buzz they've been generating: Just this week, NPR shined the spotlight on 15 Seattle musicians “redefining” our city’s music “beyond grunge,” and the Black Tones were listed among several other groups that have gotten ink in The Stranger, too (Chong the Nomad, Knife Knights, Tres Leches, Gifted Gab, and a handful of other locals who are actually noteworthy).

Here's what Martin Douglas wrote for NPR:

Deep in the old stomping grounds of Jimi Hendrix, it's only appropriate that The Black Tones' members play rock and roll music as it was originally intended: rooted in blues and blackness. On their debut full-length Cobain and Cornbread (a succinct and accurate description of their aesthetic), the band recorded a stirring version of the African-American spiritual "Rivers of Jordan." "The Key of Black (They Want Us Dead)" is a call-and-response anthem in protest of anti-black violence, complete with a weeping guitar. Also appropriate for a band composed of twin siblings, family is not too far away from The Black Tones' subject matter, as "Mama! There's a Spider in My Room!" is a funny song about arachnophobia and "Hello Mr. Pink" discusses their father, who served time in prison after robbing banks.

In celebration of this exciting exposure, the Black Tones are premiering some videos with The Stranger today.

First, a four-part video series featuring the making of Cobain & Cornbread:

And here's a cool little post-op video from their sold-out album release party at Chop Suey on April 11:

The Black Tones will be returning to Capitol Hill Block Party on July 19, playing a late (11:15 p.m.) set at Neumos. They'll also be performing at the new THING festival in Port Townsend in August (more about that here). Whether you're going to one or the other, put the Black Tones on your 'must-see' list already.