A band that sounds like the child of Interpol and Queens of The Stoneage. It’s a little industrial, but doesn’t go as far as metal. It’s angular without being 80s, upbeat without being a dance track and yet it’s heavy without being AC/DC. They’ve just released their new EP recorded by Lindsay Gavina, who recently has worked with Violent Soho and The Living End.
Called An EP Called Night the lead single, An Angel Called Night is being launched in Bendigo at Musicman on the 19th. We caught up with the band to find out more about what influences their dark dance style.
You say you would have been influenced by Nick Cave and Howard S Roland and Berlin. What is it about these artists that make your music reflect them?
I think it's the connection to a darker side of music and art, by creating a sort of atmosphere around a band and the show itself. The Bad Seeds were kind of outsiders in a time where their music wasn't necessarily accepted by what was considered popular at that time. Plus, you know, they had cool hair.
How was it working with Lindsay Gavina? Have you worked with producers before? How has that experience benefited your EP?
Working with Lindsay was like being in a fantastic sensory deprivation tank, only with less water and more sweat. He worked us hard, but we committed to him and in turn he gave us everything; ideas, composing and always his full undivided attention to the music. Plus, we never saw him drink water, or go out in sunlight. That's dedication. Or Vampirism.
Tell us about the song An Angel Called Night. Is this about a personal experience?
The song itself is about that kind of rush you get when you go out into the night-time. That kind of weird 'anything can happen' feeling you get in your stomach. The song itself sounds like The Buzzcocks being fronted by Frank Sinatra whilst gargling gravel, and I mean that in the nicest possible way (as the singer is my brother and will kick my ass...in NBA2K17.)
How have you enjoyed your tour now that we’re at the tail end of it? What was some highlights? Anything you would do differently next time?
The tour has been fantastic, what surprised me the most was how appreciative and open minded people were everywhere we went. Canberra in particular was a big surprise. When we got there we kind of didn't know what to think to be honest. But when we rocked up to the venue, from there everything just kind of clicked and we had one of the best shows we've ever had. I think the the crowd still goes out to experience live music for the sake of seeing live music, not based on tastemakers or hype or anything like that. It felt like they appreciated a band that worked hard, no matter what kind of genre of music.
The one thing I would do differently is realise the Maccas/KFC monopoly of evil on small towns and roadhouses, does not mean you need to eat 4 sausage and egg mcmuffins and a big mac in one weekend.
What are some of your favourite local bands playing now?
Neon Queen (who will be coming to Adelaide with us on the 26th Nov to play the Crown and Sceptre) are a cool r'n'b/rock band. Vulgar Born & Winnick are both great two pieces.