Typically, you'll see a band grow and grow as the years go on, adding more elements until the product is as massive as the band's history itself. Sort of like rings in a tree. With Shotgun Kitchen, the band found a more humble sound suited them better.

"I really wanted to go stripped-down, back to an acoustic sound," says Joe McInnis. "That's the sound I really like, and that's where we are now. We've just finished a CD, and it's almost all acoustic. The bass is the only thing with amplification."

Conceptually, this acoustic sound certainly fits with the whole feel of Shotgun Kitchen. The band has always leaned in a folky direction, drawing inspiration from people like John Prine, Woody Guthrie and Randy Newman.

To read Rev. Adam McKinney's full feature, including his own kitchen musical experiences, click here.

[The New Frontier Lounge, Shotgun Kitchen with Swampy Draws, Big Wheel Stunt Show, Joe Izenman, Friday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m., Cover TBA, 301 E. 25^th St., Tacoma, 253.572.4020]

[Tahoma Tea & Co. (formerly the Den), Shotgun Kitchen CD Release, Saturday, March 3, 1932 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.722.9987]