The Raging Teens

Taking their name from a series of Norton Records compilations called The Raging Teens that chronicled the work of New England rockabilly artists of the 1950s, the NH-based band The Raging Teens pay faithful tribute to hard-driving rockabilly of that era. Unlike some of their contemporaries, The Raging Teens steer away from punk rock posturing of psychobilly, sticking closer to the rootsy sensibilities of the genre's pioneers in song selection, clothing and instrumentation. Formed in 1997, the band features lead singer/rhythm guitarist/songwriter Kevin Patey; Amy Griffin on lead guitar, bassist Matt Murphy and drummer Keith Schubert. Before recording their first album, the group scored an opening slot on a U.S. tour by Mary Lou Lord, for whom Griffin played keyboards, guitar and Theremin. It was through that tour, along with heavy touring behind their eponymous 1999 debut album, that the group developed a following beyond rockabilly diehards. Singer Patey fronts the group with a frenetic presence, although Griffin's stunning good looks and guitar prowess often make her the focal point. In 1999, the group backed Lord up on a split single with Sean Na Na on the Kill Rock Stars label. Rock 'N' Roll Party was issued in spring 2001. ~ Brian J. Bowe