Sam Coffey and the Iron Lungs

I’m probably the least qualified person to write this article about Sam Coffey and the Iron Lungs. Of all the people who will read this, I’m likely the only one who missed the set where Sam, neither drunk nor sick (to my knowledge), proceeded to vomit on stage mid-song. I also more recently missed Andy suffer life threatening wounds to his wrist/forearm then not only manage to get stitched up on New Years Eve, but in a fashion so quick he made it back to finish the set.

I was there though the first time they played fully electric at The Schwaben Club, intoxicated to the point that going guitar to tuner to amp seemed like it would never happen. Sure enough though, once those minor issues were sorted out they started into a jam about running through the woods that produced a wall of noise among a small swaying sea of bodies that literally gave me chills. They will always, without a doubt, be the most fucked up people in the room but it’s generally because they’re having more fun than you. They may not show up with any gear but they’ll turn an empty guitar case into a kick drum that sounds better than any of the drum kits that night. They won’t remember what song comes next, but whatever it is; it will be well-written, entertainingly executed and the only thing seemingly ‘put together’ about the band at all. It is what you have to love about them though. The song writing is there, as is the musicianship and seemingly most importantly, they’re an entertaining band. You want to go see Sam Coffey and the Iron Lungs live because, as stated early, you don’t know what could possibly happen. There will likely be blood; vomit is a safe bet and at least one song about the effects/pros of cocaine as a recreational drug.

I’ve watched the band grow now for a few years. From Sam Coffey playing acoustic by himself in the old Music Box living room to the four piece ensemble they currently operate under. They only get better. The songs only get tighter, the performance only gets more outrageous and each time more people realize it. I can’t wait to see where 2011 takes them.

-Kyle Krische (Wayfarer, Mockingbird Wish Me Luck)

Band Members

Sam Coffey
Andy Clark
Dylan Bravener
Tyler Stoddart