Resurrecting the Stoner Rock Spirit in York, PA

What happens when two forces in York’s rock scene collide over a shared love for desert riffs and raw vocals? You get a cover that doesn’t just pay homage—it breathes new life into a classic.

The Collaboration

The Cover Up series proudly presents a powerful collaboration between MeanMan of York (MMoY) and Corey James Burnard, frontman of Burn the Martyr, as they take on “The Bottle” by Hermano—a standout track from the 2002 album Only a Suggestion.

“The Bottle” is a slow-burning, groove-heavy track that captures the essence of stoner rock—thick riffs, hypnotic rhythms, and a vocal delivery that’s both soulful and gritty. Originally performed by John Garcia’s post-Kyuss project Hermano, it’s a cult favorite among fans of the genre.

How It All Came Together

The seeds of this collaboration were planted at the Pitbull Benefit Show at The Kennel in West York Inn back in 2023. That’s where MeanMan of York and Burn the Martyr first shared a stage—and where Corey’s vocals immediately stood out.

“It was easy to hear the John Garcia influence,” you recall. “We obviously listened to the same bands.” – TomT

That mutual musical DNA led to more shared shows, including a couple of dates on the Three-Headed Monster Tour in May 2025. As the tour approached, the idea of a collaboration surfaced—and when Corey suggested “The Bottle,” the band was all in.

The Sound & The Session

Rehearsals kicked off at full throttle, and when Corey stopped by Sea of Orange Studios, the magic happened fast. The first run-through locked everything in.

“It was a pleasure to see professionals at work. Everything just clicked.”

The track was recorded on 8 tracks using a Fostex DMT-8, engineered by Kurt Golden. Here’s how it came together:

• Drums: AJ laid down a thunderous stereo sub-mix.
• Bass: Tom followed with a deep, driving groove.
• Guitars: Truk filled two tracks with rhythm and ripping leads—listen for the “slicer.”
• Vocals: Corey brought his own Shure SM58B and delivered a performance that elevated the entire track.

“All boats rise with collaboration.”

Floating in the Ocean of Cyberspace

Now, “The Bottle” is out there—streaming on all major platforms. It’s a testament to what happens when local artists come together with shared passion and purpose.

“The Bottle” – Streaming on Spotify

“The Bottle” – Streaming on YouTube Music

“The Bottle” – Streaming on Apple Music

A Call to the York Rock Scene

This collaboration isn’t just a cover—it’s a blueprint. It shows what’s possible when artists in York unite, share stages, and create together. Let this be a spark for more partnerships, more experimentation, and more music that pushes the scene forward.

“Let’s keep the spirit alive. Let’s collaborate. Let’s cover up.”

– Band of Thrones

* Content assisted by Copilot