It was only a matter of time until Indy.com's veteran bar crawler would confront some bar brawlers. Deacon Sean and the Bar Brawlers, that is. Electric guitarist Scott Burke ducked out of his day job to talk to Taffy about the band -- fronted by "Deacon" Sean Neal and backed by the rhythm section of bassist Jake Petroff and drummer Chris Duggan -- and its love of vintage imported motorcycles, whiskey, women and the band's new CD.

Question: So are the Bar Brawlers the Artist Formerly Known As Deacon Sean and the Snake Handlers?

We picked up a different drummer and bass player. The Bar Brawlers have been together about a year and a half.

Why did the Snake Handlers break up?

The bass player of the Snake Handlers wanted to pursue motorcycle racing, which he's doing now.

And the drummer? Did he blow up, 'Spinal Tap'-style?

(Laughs)

I know Sean rides a cafe racer -- are you all into motorcycles?

Sean's into the Ton Up Club, which is a cafe racer club. Chris also has a '65 Triumph. Jake and I, we drink too much to get on a motorcycle.

How would you describe what you do?

I'd say we straddle the line between punk and outlaw country. One foot is in a cowboy boot, the other's in a Doc Marten. We try to put a lot of energy into it.

Is the rockabilly and roots country scene in Indy growing or is it the same 75 people going out to bars five nights a week?

From what I've seen it's growing in popularity. Bigger Than Elvis has got their crowd down at Radio Radio, Mandy Marie (and the Cool Hand Lukes) has really blown up in the last year. Our shows bring in a really tattooed, punk crowd that enjoys songs about whiskey-drinkin' and death.

Tell me about the CD.

It was written over the last few years; it's stuff that Sean's written. Fourteen songs, I don't think any of 'em's over four minutes long. Some traditional country, some punk.

Deacon Sean and the Bar Brawlers, Atomic Bombay

When: 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29.

Where: Melody Inn, 3826 N. Illinois St.

Tickets: $5, includes CD.

Information: www.myspace.com/deaconsean