09/30/2025
Stinkbug? We remember flipping those funny little bugs over with a stick when we were kids!This is one band that might just flip us over as we listen to the debut album, Between Timid and Timbuktu! We won’t forget this band name. When searching the band on social media we noticed there are a few Stinkbugs. This is Stinkbug of the west, Stinkbug, of Portland Oregon. Stinkbug is formed by the union of Andy Treister (guitars/vocals), Dick Fitts (Bass Guitar/Upright), Jake Riggs (Drums), and Ryan DeHaven (Keyboards). The band combines experimentation and outer space exploration of progressive rock with the DIY-ethic and quick tempos of punk. The name of the album is Between Timid and Timbuktu, and the listener won’t be sure if they are surfing in Malibu, are in a smoke filled jazz club, getting knocked around and thrown to the floor in a punk mosh pit, or headbanging to their favorite prog anthem. You can find the album at https://stinkbugpdx.bandcamp.com. The album was released on June 23, 2025. It is for sale as a digital release as well as a physical vinyl record. The album was mixed and mastered by Matt Taylor at Bungalow Studios in Portland, Oregon.
After listening to their debut album it was apparent that all four members are very competent on their respective instruments. What stood out was the band’s arrangements sound like they come directly from jamming together, rather than one person writing all the parts. A real band, which is rare these days. As a result, the listener really gets a sense of the band’s personality, which is usually hard to find, or develops later. Stinkbug’s personality comes across loud and clear right away.
There are eight tracks on Between Timid and Timbuktu. Starting with Chronos, this is the most classic Prog Rock song on the album. With memorable guitar melodies and a shuffle groove, ala Rush and E.L.P. What’s not to like?
The next track, Me and Czubo, comes straight out of Chronos, showing off their punk influence with shades of Box Car Racer, LIT, and Presidents of the United States (no politics here). The harmonies remind us of Crosby, Stills, and Nash, and creates a nostalgic longing. Truly what fires us up in our love for Progressive Rock.
Next, Up In Flames. Flaming for almost seven minutes is a strong rock, punk-pop, fully “LIT” song which drives hard, and then starts tossing around a light jazz acoustic guitar, very Joe Pass-ish. In addition, we loved the Rhodes keyboard solo playing the naughty blue notes. It jams along with a lot of great texture and sounds, then swings back hard as the band hits you over the head with fierce chords and methodic rhythm.
Time to take a rest with Stairwell. As the drummer picks up the brushes for this number, the band embarks on a fun instrumental departure with organic, bluesy acoustic guitars, and sensual upright bass. We feel a strong Pacific Northwest influence in this song. We smell the espresso from here. Love it!
In a Haze is a very cool tune that reminds us of Tull a bit. The middle groove section highlights some fine bass playing, and a spooky jazz electric piano solo that inspires the bassist to solo over the hypnotic groove and chord progression. Finally the song segues into a dreamy rockin section, ending with a killer guitar solo. Great song guys!
Birdsnest is a thematic, catchy instrumental that starts innocently enough, then takes the listener on a momentary acid trip in a dark Jamaican alley during a tornado, until a UFO finally picks them up at the end. Sic!
Take an eight minute voyage next with the track Hourglass, which takes the listener through incredible guitar and organ solos. You’ll be air drumming to this hard rock orchestra. Yup, we really did say air drumming.
So now we arrive somewhere Between Timid and Timbuktu. This closing track wraps up this impressive debut album by revisiting their punk influence once again, but not before it transitions into a Neo classic Prog guitar solo. “At The End Of The Road, At The End Of The Line” there is a wild organ and guitar solo section that would inspire Wakeman and Howe to captain these four talented guys into the sunset of the Oregon west coast.
Long Live Stinkbug!!!
