Above: Fitz of Depression has a new digi-single, "My Two Feet."
The last set of recordings by Olympia's heavy heroes, Fitz of Depression, have been collected on the Epilogue E.P. [KLP299] LP. The first single, "My Two Feet," is available now, world-wide. Says Fitz of Depression bassist Ryan Von Bargen, "This song was written in [drummer] Jerry Zeigler's basement around 2007. We recorded it but we never played it live for a few years. We added to the set, 'Hey, what about those new tunes we came up with?' It's one we kept in the set because we enjoyed playing it." Rock'n'roll.
"My Two Feet" is one of nine songs included on Epilogue E.P. [KLP299], which features four original songs and five covers by other favorite artists. "I feel great about it. The covers on it are cool, a good representation of us. It's great to hear Mikey's voice." Unfortunately lead singer and guitarist Mikey Dees died in June, 2019.
About Epilogue E.P. Ryan says, 'We recorded this over two very hot sessions on 90+ degree days with Andrew Worzella at his studio upstairs in what was a tile shop on 4th and Jefferson in downtown Olympia.' Jack Endino offered to mix and master the recording ‘after he baked and digitized the 1” tape we hadn’t seen in years. It quickly became apparent there were three instrumental songs lacking Mikey’s unique vocal stylings, including a cover of “She’s From Salinas” by Sweet Baby. Drummer Jerry Zeigler said "You should do the vocals, Ry." I felt comfortable doing one of them (“You and Me”), but not all. Jerry’s next idea was to recruit Chris Smith (formerly of KARP) to add vocals. Chris did vocals for “She’s From Salinas” and “Transistor Radio”, which we had been playing live and was previously called “One.” Chris did an amazing job with harmonizing and coming up with a great vocal for “Transistor Radio.” We had totally forgotten about one of the instrumentals, as we never played the song live after recording it, and that tune became “You and Me.”’
This 9 song album represents the last recordings by Fitz of Depression. Each LP copy includes a sticker and download card. The vinyl LP is available in two distinct colors, fairway green and toxic river yellow. Ryan Von Bargen designed the artwork, including a gatefold center featuring ‘flyers and set lists from the many Fitz shows I had played or attended over the years.’ Ryan also silk-screened and hand numbered the inserts.
Fitz of Depression, Epilogue E.P. [KLP299] is available now from The K Mail Order Dept.
Above: Ryan Von Bargen and Mikey Dees, Fitz of Depression, playing the Showbox, Seattle, Washington, 2018. Photg by Andrew Repcik.