A few years ago Las Vegans Mike Damron and Flapjack Texas (formerly Scott Brown) left the desert for Portland, Oregon where they started the roots-rockin’ band I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch In The House. The wordy yet memorable moniker comes courtesy of bare-knuckle boxing champ John L. Sullivan, but as boastful as it sounds this band has the originality and intensity to back it up. The lineup is rounded out by guitarist "Handsome" Jon Burbank, bassist Mole Harris and harmonica maniac David Lipkind, and the band’s second release, Put Here To Bleed, takes a gutsy, anti-establishment stance that’s garnered as much attention as their fiery shows. Lyrically, Damron is not afraid to take risks; he willingly opens his soul and puts his heart on the line, in the hope of making himself a better man. “Dear Mr. Heston” takes a swing at the NRA through the story of his brother’s accidental death, while the soaring “La” showcases SOB’s melodic side. Live, the band members put everything into each passionate and swe at-soaked performance; playing as if it is possibly the last time they’ll ever grace a stage. Damron’s vocals may be gritty and gruff, but that only helps to accentuate the anguish he has experienced.

A recent Maxim Magazine on-line feature brought them national exposure, and according to Damron helped sell a bunch of CDs. To capitalize on this attention the band is now working with Roadwork Music and will be making their first trek to the East Coast in March 2004, during a two-month tour. SOB has also been busy writing songs for their next record; this time stepping back from politics to focus on the human condition. “It’s a real hopeful album, with a punk rock, gospel feel,” he proudly states. “It’s heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time.”