Among the pine trees, The Doctor Teeeth mentally prepare for their concert tonight. PHOTO COURTESY OF DOCTOR TEEETH

Credit: Jason Hall

Most bands name check some of their influences to show who has helped shape their music. Very few actually get the chance to open a concert for the band that inspired them. Local band The Doctor Teeeth are getting that chance today when they open for Queens of the Stone Age lead singer Josh Homme’s side project, Eagles of Death Metal.

“When we first heard the news we were like, ‘Holy shit, this is great!'” drummer David Horton said. Horton added that opening for Eagles of Death Metal is great for the bands because they both have a similar style.

The self-described power trio formed three years ago when guitarist Rusty Boyer and bassist James Burge began writing songs and jamming, later picking up Horton as their permanent drummer.

“(We) just thought we were going to play one show at Mugs,” Burge said.

Burge said due to the band’s shortsightedness, they chose the name The Doctor Teeeth after a character on the Muppets. But it’s a name that sticks with you, Burge said, and one they don’t regret giving themselves.

Although they only expected to play one concert, Horton said they kept on booking shows and have toured extensively throughout Ohio and parts of Pennsylvania.

“We’ve been in every bar that you could name off the top of your head in Cleveland,” Horton said.

Along with establishing a fan base in Ohio, the band recently won the Battle of Standing Rock in Kent, which allowed them to release their debut album Totems.

After initially recording six songs in 2004, Boyer said the band ran out of funding to complete the album.

“We spent so much money recording those (songs), we couldn’t release them,” Boyer said.

After seeing the CD package that the Battle of Standing Rock could give them if they won, Boyer said they entered and eventually won the competition, allowing them to spend some free time at Moondog Recording Company to re-record some songs as well as lay down some new tracks that would round out the album.

With their new album and tour schedule, which includes an upcoming concert in Montreal, The Doctor Teeeth hopes to bring rock ‘n’ roll back to its basic form with no glam or gimmick.

“We’re not going for an emo or punk thing; we’re just rock,” Boyer said. “Our goal is not to be specific, but inclusive. There are so many variations out there, it seems like it’s getting away from what rock is, and that’s what we’re trying to bring back.”

The band combines harmonies that recall The Beatles with the jam-band feel of bands such as ZZ Top and James Gang in part due to their back-to-basics recording techniques.

“Most of the songs are just us playing live and then we went back into the studio and recorded our vocals and harmonies.” Burge said. “It’s the best, but cheapest way to record.”

Burge said that those expecting a no-frills, in-your-face rock show will not be disappointed.

“(The audience) gets to see rock ‘n’ roll junkies on stage,” Burge said, “We’re having a blast.”

Fans will also be able to see the band at their highest level so far, opening for the Eagles of Death Metal.

“This is our biggest show to date,” Horton said.

Contact ALL Editor Andrew Gaug at [email protected].