Last night we spent most of the time pouring some high-octane fuel into the tank of the Krakathoom marketing machine. Rob showed up at the practice space with his cameras and shot a few rolls of film so we can have a band photo. We illuminated the “set” with a few painter’s work lights and went to work. Yeah, work it, baby.

Rob got some shots of us playing, but we all had to bunch up around the drum kit like INXS when they played “Suicide Blonde” at the 1990 Video Music Awards because that was the only way Rob could get us all in the shot. He took some group and individual photos while we played an extended version of “One More Day.” We picked that one because it’s easily our most photogenic song. When that was finished we ditched the instruments and Rob shot us just sitting and standing and looking intense.

Ever notice how bands never smile in photos? What’s up with that? Like people will see smiling musicians and say, “Shoot, they can’t play. They don’t look pissed-off enough.” I could go into the semiotics of that but I don’t have a clear opinion on it so I won’t.

In any case, Rob got some of us smiling and some not, and some where we’re just being goofy. Frankly, some of us were a little uncomfortable with the whole process of trying to look cool, probably because we spend so little time doing that and are therefore a little out of practice. We’ll see when Rob gets the pictures developed and/or uploaded.

Actually, it’s possible that last night might just turn out to have been a rehearsal. A friend of Richard’s who has tons of photo equipment (including lights, diffusers, an enlarger, and perhaps even a camera) might be doing a somewhat more formal shoot for us in the near future, possibly in exchange for playing at her wedding. So we’ll see how that transpires.

After the photo session, we put our clothes back on and did some rocking. Rob brought his harmonicas as well, so he was able to jam with us on a few songs before he left. By this time, it was getting a little late so we just played a few more without any particular strategy.

In other news, progress is being made on the new and improved KrakaTomb. Apparently the Sheetrock is going up. More on that as events develop. Also, Richard’s going to order stickers and t-shirts this week. Woo-hoo!