White Rose Motor Oil releases album 'Spider' with free Halloween show

Denver-based musicians Eryn DeSomer and Keith Hoerig-DeSomer released their new album, “Spider,” on Halloween. The couple, who perform together as White Rose Motor Oil, are hosting a free concert to mark the release of the record. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Bar 404, located at 404 N. Broadway.

The album addresses difficult personal and social themes. DeSomer noted that several tracks focus on the deaths of both of her and Hoerig-DeSomer’s fathers, which occurred in April 2025. She described their relationships with their parents as complicated, containing both highs and lows. The couple stated that these events, combined with the current state of the world, influenced the writing process.

The record also examines relationships and societal behaviors. The lead single, “HIT IN THE FACE!,” features DeSomer repeating the title line in capital letters. The song critiques the frustration of watching current events deteriorate. Another track, “A Happier Man,” is based on a family incident involving an attempt at what DeSomer called an “alpine divorce.” This term refers to attempts to end a relationship in remote locations, such as during a hike.

The album concludes with “Blue Sky Somewhere,” a farewell to DeSomer’s late father. She revealed that she and her father were estranged and that she learned of his death the day before it happened. The song includes lyrics about saying what needed to be said without regret. The track is bookended by audio clips of a three-year-old DeSomer singing, recorded in the 1980s while the family lived in Washington state.

The musical style of White Rose Motor Oil has been described variously by critics and the duo themselves. They have used terms such as “Cowpunk” and “Garage Country” to describe their sound. DeSomer currently prefers “Cowpunk,” noting that the term “country” can be polarizing. The band has played at venues like Blucifer and Wax Trax in Longmont, where reviews have varied in their genre classifications.

The group’s previous bands, the Jekkyls and the Hollyfelds, are no longer active. DeSomer and Hoerig-DeSomer continued their partnership after those projects ended. They view their current work as a natural progression of their shared history. The couple lives in Denver and continues to perform locally.

The album release show will feature support from Black & White Motion Picture and Tensas and the Mourners. Admission to the event is free. The venue, Bar 404, can be reached by phone at 720-379-3141.

DeSomer and Hoerig-DeSomer expressed satisfaction with the album’s reception so far. They acknowledged some listener confusion regarding the title track but maintained that the tone is tongue-in-cheek. The duo plans to continue performing in the Denver area, citing a growing local music scene that supports artists based in the city.