The stomp box is part of Jon's sound; he uses it as a percussion instrument and has spent a lot of time learning clog rhythms and different beats. They always use the same engineer, Mark Whyles, who they started using after his stint as the sixth member of my band and then the Ratcatchers proved fruitful. He likes the beat loud, it's true, but it is an integral part of their sound: a musical choice, not just useful. Not everyone will like it unfortunately, but that's art for you.
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