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Crank

Wichita, Kansas, USA • 1971-1973

Crank was Wichita’s answer to rock fury, tearing through the Midwest from 1971 to 1973. Rising from the ashes of Marble Phrogg and the Moanin’ Glories, this heavy-hitting outfit featured Hoppy Niles on guitar and vocals, Ritchie Kunkle shredding lead, Rick Hodge on bass, and Marc Mourning (later Kenny Morrison) pounding the drums. Niles wielded his guitar with a custom hook in place of his strumming hand, turning an early-life accident into a blazing symbol of rock defiance.

Their sound was pure thunder—tight blues-rock riffs and raw, bone-rattling energy. Crank didn’t just play gigs; they detonated stages alongside icons like Frank Zappa, the James Gang, and REO Speedwagon. In 1971, they hit Cavern Studios, an underground hideout near Kansas City, to cut a handful of tracks. These songs, left to gather dust, would later resurface as cult gems on Rockadelic’s ‘90s multi artist release, A Night in the Cave.

But Crank burned too hot. A van crash, trashed gear, and mounting tensions brought their meteoric run to an end. Their music, however, refused to die. Crank was a force of nature—an unfiltered surge of amps and rebellion—leaving behind a feral howl that still echoes in the caves of underground rock.

Archive

Releases

ANCIENT GREASE RECORDS - LOGO --- SHORT SLEEVE TEE

ANCIENT GREASE RECORDS - LOGO --- SHORT SLEEVE TEE

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ANCIENT GREASE RECORDS --- ENAMEL PIN (FREE SHIPPING WITH OTHERS)

ANCIENT GREASE RECORDS --- ENAMEL PIN (FREE SHIPPING WITH OTHERS)

Regular price $7.00
Sale price $7.00 Regular price
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per