Spider and the Webs formed in Olympia, Washington during the summer of 2004 after Tobi Vail (Bikini Kill, Frumpies, The Go Team) and James Maeda (Serum Greys, November Witch) added Chris Sutton (Hornet Leg, C.O.C.O., Dub Narcotic Sound System) to the line up, allowing Tobi to switch instruments so she could play guitar AND drums.
This debut four song EP was recorded by Calvin Johnson at Dub Narcotic Studio. "Frozen Roses" is a romantic expression of the inexpressible. "It's Lovely Weather for Ducks" came about after 40 days and 40 nights of rain in Olympia. Is it a wistful spinster anthem or a sad cry for attention? "Mister Hypnotist" (co-written by Alan Larsen of Some Velvet Sidewalk) is a defiant cry, a seduction and a dance contest all in one...in order to subvert the masses we must engage on the subliminal level...you are getting very sleepy and it is time for action! Dance! "A Kid Named Jay" is sk8tr nostalgia. It sounds the way Stacey Peralta's hair looks when he's doing 360's.
James' guitar is wild and eccentric, with a 1981 northwest punk/1966 psychedlic flavor. Tobi and Chris keep the rhythms solid, driving and simple. Tobi's guitar playing is deliberately sparse yet meticulous; the sound governed by the use of a black and white Rickenbacker, generous amounts of reverb and a 1960's Fender amp with the treble on 11. The singing is classic Tobi Vail style, varying between screams and whispers. Her songwriting hearkens back to her most musically innovative group, the Go Team. She uses simplicity and starkness as punctuation.
This is Vol. CIX in 
's International Pop Underground Series.
- Frozen Roses
- It's Lovely Weather for Ducks
- Mister Hypnotist
- A Kid Named Jay