Jeff Spevak • Democrat & Chronicle

The Krypton 88 rockabilly time machine needed a tune-up. It was stuck in the 1950s and 60s. So the boys brought Jenna Weintraub into the garage, and now it can reach back another decade or two."All of a sudden we're able to do some three-part harmonies" guitarist James Via says. "We'll probably get a little honky tonk out of it. And sometimes I'll just get to stand in the back and be a part of the band and take things in." Weintraub joined the longtime Rochester rockabilly outfit around Christmas time, after lending her supple, swooning voice to the decidedly more Americana-oriented Black Alpine and The Horse Lovers. "She's having a blast with it, we've introduced her to something she liked all along, but never had a chance to get into," Via says. Indeed, on Monday at Abilene Bar & Lounge, Weintraub will help take Krypton 88, with drummer Dana Gregory and bassist Big Mike, down a few new roads. "I'm not a prolific songwriter," Via says. But he's a prolific listener. "I was listening to a Carl Perkins collection, just kind of playing along, and came across a couple of songs that nobody plays, so I thought we'd try those out." While he's working with a Wayne Hancock tune, Weintraub will jump in with some numbers by Wanda Jackson, Rosie Flores, Kim Lenz and Candye Kane. "I've always been kind of interested in singing rock and roll through the '60s and rockabilly," says Weintraub, who's expanding her sound (and then hopefully the band's) by learning the banjo. ""I feel like I'm a little mixed up in my genres, but it's the only way to get a lot of experience under my belt"

Frank DeBlase • CITY Newspaper

"It was over to Monty's Krown after that to dig Jenna Weintraub warble sweet ‘n' nasty. She's a little meaner than Marti Brom, a little sweeter than Wanda Jackson, but doesn't put on airs in either direction. She just tips her head back and lets it fly. It was red hot, Dixie fried, and blue with an electric bass-ified Krypton 88 providing the soundtrack to a whole lot of alcohol-fueled dancing, and making out in dark corners."

Ben Beavers • Ben's Barn Bash

This is the premier rockabilly band in Upstate NY. Rochester's own Krypton 88, Featuring singer guitarist Jim Via, the grittiest, greasiest, rocker that ever piled his hair up, add bassist "Big" Mike Woolaver on the upright slapping n' strumming his heart out for your pleasure and don't forget Drummer Joey Cintorino kicking and pounding his rhythms on those skins and cymbls. Between them, they create legendary stage performances. These masters of their instruments keep rockabilly full throttle and edgy. Krypton 88 has essentially been the only real rockabilly band on the local scene for years. If you have not seen them yet, be prepared to have your socks rocked off with tunes from Elvis, Johnny Cash, Stray Cats, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Blasters and some originals. They play songs about what excites them, be it cars, booze or hot chicks, all well pounding shots of Jack and shakin' it on stage. Look for them to deliver their own brand of revved-up American roots rock and rockabilly.

Frank DeBlase • CITY Newspaper

"It seems lately that most rockabilly bands can't make up their mind. They either go country, go punk, or wuss out and play pop. It's hard core nuts like Rochester's Krypton 88 who keep rockabilly greasy, alive, and kickin'. For the past two and a half years, Krypton 88 has essentially been the only real rockabilly band on the local scene. Formed out of mutual appreciation for all things hot-rod, Guinness, and female, bassist "big" Mike Woolaver and singer guitarist Jim Via formed Krypton 88 to serve as the tear-it-up soundtrack for wild nights the town."

Michelle Picardo • FREETIME MAGAZINE

Moving and shaking in the rockabilly tradition, our area's own hip cats, Krypton 88 show how it's done on their recent self-titled release. The foursome's rootsy approach to these originals and covers is full-throttle, played with energy to burn. Krypton 88's sound both appreciates the past, while embracing the modern. Check out their cool versions of "Rip It Up" and "Train Kept A Rollin"...

Ben L • Rock & Roll Purgatory

A love of traditional rockabilly can lead to many things. With this band it has led to an enthusiastic assembly of classic covers and a few originals done well. The guitars sound great, and the production has a nice vintage feel. Good for workin’ under your hot rod… or if you’re like me, drinkin’ beer and cursing your lousy beater. While I’d like to hear more of their originals like the excellent “Back Street Racin” and the wonderful instrumental opening cut, “Monty Cristo,” this disc definitely keeps the spirit alive and flowing. - BL