Yeah Yeah Yeahs, It's Blitz

Much of the hype surrounding It’s Blitz focused on Yeah Yeah Yeahs triumphantly announcing that it wont be like anything they have ever done before. To add to the speculation in an e-newsletter Modular proclaimed “It’s Blitz! was inspired by the ’70s disco collaborations between Italian producer Giorgio Moroder and R&B songstress Donna Summer, Joy Division, and, well, Karen O’s love of dancing.” As the first single from the album, Zero, hit the airwaves all was confirmed. The track set a precedent for a highly produced album edging from grungey - indie over intro something more electronic.

Zero is perfectly placed as the opening track of It’s Blitz, it’s flickering guitar riff stirring every ounce of excitement you might have had for this release right up as you follow it to the ecstatic crescendo at the end of the song. And then, before you know it, Yeah Yeah Yeahs lead us into self proclaimed unchartered territory. To confirm that Zero wasn’t just a dabble in a new sound Heads Will Roll hammers the genre home, synthesizers and samplers hard at work.

Karen O’s spunky, chanting vocals still grace the album (just in case you were worried everything had changed) but they are accompanied by far more polished tracks, at the expense of that raw sound many fans know and love. But there is no need to mourn the passing of Yeah Yeah Yeahs their sound of old still very much remains in this new form, only their guitar and drums have been passed through the filter of electro and some experience.

For most fans It’s Blitz will feel like having your cake and eating it to. The band has taken a new and exciting direction without forgetting where they came from. This is very much confirmed by Dull Life and Shame and Fortune, two tracks capturing the fast and heavy sound that had you bouncing off your bedroom walls when listening to Show Your Bones. The only time I stopped smiling while listening to It’s Blitz for the first time was when Dragon Queen jumped out of left field. Its The Ting Tings - like dancey, playfulness is a real surprise.

It’s Blitz really proves Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ desire to evolve and grow as musicians. They have really nailed the genre shift, however small it may be, demonstrating a maturity and skill that should allow them to be one of Indie’s all time greats.

4/5

Interview with Satyricon

When reading Satyricon’s bio one can’t help notice the inherent lack of biographical detail. What remains instead is a dedicated and convincing argument defending the band’s choice to remain unique and challenging within the metal genre. So often this musical purist line forces the reader to judge a band as a one with tortured genius syndrome defending their very lack of success by criticising the taste of others. In Satyricon’s case this judgment could not be farther from the truth. Instead those that listen and appreciate the unforgiving riffs and brutal drumming are celebrated in their achievement.

You may, if you like, compare listening to Satyricon’s latest album, The Age of Nero, to reading a classic novel. It is densely layered but ultimately rewarding. So it is no surprise drummer, Frost, has no objections to his music being labeled ‘thinking man’s metal’. “I can see the point in calling it that, there is a certain depth to our music. It is much more about an artful approach to an extreme kind of music. We make music we want to hear, music with substance. It takes the mind and heart of the listener to understand. We feel too many metal bands are sticking to a simple formula. We don’t want to do that.”

There is no weakness in their resolve for individual and artful metal. Frost answers each question with a practiced grace that is nothing short of infallible. Satyricon’s very purpose is to make music one has to listen to many times before they truly appreciate its carefully constructed layers. Considering singer and lead guitarist, Satyr, wrote the album isolated in an forrest cabin in Norway, Frost’s drums are worked in seamlessly. More proof of the bands painstaking and timely pursuit of their musical beliefs. “We spent quite a lot of time just playing around and rehearsing. You have to work very closely with a composer to complete his visions. He will always have a better idea of the complete vision while I can only see one small part. In the end it has to be functional. I have to bring the track up and take it down where the composer wants.”



The Age of Nero is Satyricon’s seventh album and after working together for some 17 years, Satyr and Frost have continued to redefine their form to satisfy their ideals. “It is progressive no doubt about it, we are progressive and unpredictable. You always have to try and focus on what makes the music as good as possible. There is a wildness and rawness there that we didn’t have on previous albums. Along with grand and epic elements. This combination is unique to this album.”

The Age of Nero is musically stripped down to metal’s most simple but calculated form. This minimal and brooding mood influenced, in Satyr’s view, entirely by the deteriorating state of the planet and human culture. “The album is a reflection of an entire mind. Obviously Satyr as been very influenced by experiences that have had a strong impact on him. At the moment we can see the end of an empire, things happening around us. Take global warming, a very new issue a very destructive phenomenon. There is nothing we can do about it except the best we can. We are doomed in a sense. That whole feeling is reflected in the apocalyptic title that sums up the essence of the album.”

Satyricon have currently been promoting The Age of Nero by touring the Americas and come late March they will begin a tour of Australia. One that Frost predicts may be Satyrcon’s best to date. “First of all they [Australian fans] will see Satyricon touring their the best album ever. If I may say so. That’s how we feel about it. It brings an enthusiasm and energy that will take us to the next level. Plus the songs from the album work really well live.”

To match their well honed philosophies fans are bound to see a band completely and utterly devoted to their performance and their crowd. Frost describes his favourite performances with a pseudo-religious fervor seeking an energy and ‘fire inside’ that help to make a gig great. “It has a lot to do with energy. Before each gig I bring up a lot of raw energy. Energy that drives you almost to the brink of madness. When I feel this it creates a connection with the audience. We get a strong feeling that we are sharing something.”

In a perfect world we would see many more musicians like Satyr and Frost. But until that time, even if extreme metal isn’t your thing, one can’t help but respect Satyricon’s views and conviction.

Published @ www.fasterlouder.com.au
Link: http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/features/17579/Satyricon.htm

Interview with Stuck Mojo

When Stuck Mojo started to lay down demos for their next album, lead vocalist Rich Ward had one goal in mind ‘keep it different’. A prerogative that may seem a bit difficult as Rich confidently announces “I think we are one of the most unique bands in the world.” Whether you’ve heard it all before or not, in Stuck Mojo’s case it’s a very accurate statement. Their brand of Rap Rock fusion is a path few have ventured down. Despite their niche genre holding them back from excessive fame and fortune Stuck Mojo are having a Renaissance both in inspiration and band cohesion. So it’s no surprise Rich decided to call their latest release The Great Revival.

For a band with such a turbulent history the production of The Great Revival was a true breath of fresh air. “The album was really different. Everyone in the band was really excited as an organism. It was a revival of the spirit of when we first formed when it was just young musicians enjoying playing with each other.” One has to admire this dynamic in the band considering the conflict of interest experienced when heavy metal and rap are combined. As Rich gets on a roll his bursts of inspiration have to be curtailed to fit in the desires of other members.


The ‘keep it different’ mantra also influenced the content of The Great Revival’s lyrics. Stuck Mojo have left behind their political activism and explored more personal themes. “We were a band who loved to write about politics. We are passionate about it. I’m a news junkie so I love to do songs about it. But we live in a day in age when people are so sensitive you can’t talk about those issues anymore. I’ve had death threats. Its a freakin’ song! If you disagree is it worth killing me? I don’t want confrontation. This new record gave we an opportunity to talk about things that people can connect to. Things we all experience.”

Unfortunately the recording was not entirely positive. Rich had some seventy five minutes of music he wished to record for a double album but record company Napalm imposed a strict time limit for The Great Revival so that Stuck Mojo could meet newly establish tour dates. As a result Rich has his reservations about the album and the music industry. “I really like the songs on The Great Revival but it’s not a complete album. I will never let anyone force me to finish an album early again.”

Published @ www.onthebarrier.com
Link: http://www.onthebarrier.com/feature-interviews/stuck-mojo-release-the-great-revival.html

Interview with Death Angel

From their first gig at a sandwich stand to a sold tour of Japan, Rob from Death Angel tells of a life where there was no option other than the heaviest metal around. At the age of twelve and eight, Rob and his cousin Andy decided a career as Thrash Metal musicians might be ‘a cool thing to do’. “It was the place and the time we were at, we just somehow gravitated to that music. We were influenced by our parents, they listened to a lot of music like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. We kept digging further and further into music. It kept getting heavier and heavier. We were drawn to the heaviness.” This dream, fueled by a disarming confidence led to the band’s regular gigs around California while most of it’s members where in their early teens. “It was very strange to everyone else around us. To us it seemed like the thing to do. We were just stubborn kids looking for a life of rock and roll. We just wanted to rock and play and rock out... do our thing.” Each performance was typically preceded by skeptical bouncers and nervous bar managers hiding the band backstage. “We had a hard time getting into clubs to. It was really really fun.”

In time the thriving Californian Metal scene realised confidence wasn’t the only thing Death Angel had in abundance. Their talent was intoxicating. From what seemed like innocent beginnings the band (comprising of Rob’s close family) was a regular fixture on the Metal circuit. Kirk Hammett and Cliff Burton, from Metallica, being two of their bands biggest fans. “Kirk produced our demo that got us signed. They were in the scene so we knew each other. Especially Cliff. He was the one that was closest with us.”



Unlike some bickering siblings the close familial ties of the band only gave them a tighter dynamic on and off stage. “ It was the coolest thing. That’s how we lived it form day one. I’m very used to the comfort zone. We know we each like brothers and we fight like brothers at the same time. There is so much mutual respect between us.”

In 1990 tragedy struck as the band’s tour bus crashed, critically injuring drummer Andy Galeon and prompting lead singer Mark Osegueda to pursue a life outside of music. “There was a moment of devastation. Death’s Angel’s not Death Angel without Marc.” In the subsequent down time the rest of the band continued to produce music under various side projects. Eleven years later the band reformed for a one-off performance in 2001. “It was very very interesting. It was also totally amazing. We just didn’t know what to expect. What we had before was so intense. It is like being married to 5 people at the same time. It was strange and we didn’t know what to think. When we hit the stage the crowd just lit up. It was one of the most memorable moments of all time.” Since that gig Death Angel has been performing and producing music without a break.

Now coming to Australia (with Armored Saint in March) Rob finds it hard to contain his excitement at exploring a new frontier. “Going to Australia for the first time ever in our whole lives. This is very very big for us. It’s definitely one of our dreams.” And that extremely confident aura will certainly be part of the show. “Expect a full on Death Angel experience, which means we are coming to delivery the goods. We are very energetic and very into it. You will get no less than you have ever hear of. They will be super charged shows.”

Interview with Forever the Sickest Kids

As their name might suggest Forever the Sickest Kids are no conventional powerpop band. Although guitarist Marc Stuart insists “we do our own art and write all our own songs, we have the final say in everything we do,” the band did not start its meteoric rise with such calculated precision. After forming in 2006 from two separate groups losing their creative steam, Forever the sickest kids can thank their discovery and subsequent popularity to a sloppy mistake. Some five days after officially forming lead singer Jonathan Cook accidentally placed an add for a front page song placement. Rather than ruing the investment of $350 they didn’t have the band went into action writing and recording their first major hit ‘Hey Brittany.’

The playfulness and spontaneity of this amazing rise to fame is certainly carried on by the band, in it’s image and philosophy. Marc makes no hesitation in describing the band’s motivation to produce and perform music. “ We are doing this because its really fun. we’re just here to have fun. We are a happy go lucky band.” It only took one look and the band’s photo shoots to see they enjoy poking fun at convention. Despite this trend Marc is adamant Forever the Sickest Kids aren’t planning to supplant popular culture, they are just letting their personalities through. The band’s myspace proudly announces “Voted “1 Worst Band Name of 2008" by AP Magazine,” but the endless criticism and flaming has no effect on morale. “ It’s our attitude to announce things like that, it’s funny that they make awards for those things.”

With this comic exterior one would be forgiven for assuming the band is in it just for fun. This assumption, however, couldn’t be farther from the truth. When commenting on the band’s endless touring schedule Marc comments, “we make the best of it all, the touring, the interviews. We like to do as many interview as possible. This is our work and we might as well be working.” When playing live Forever the Sickest Kids feel truly at home. “It gives me such a rush to perform. Expect really high energy stuff.” Australian fans will have their first chance to see Forever the Sickest Kids at Soundwave Festival, which will be touring the country in February and March with one of the most carefully constructed line ups in years.

Published @ www.onthebarrier.com
Link: http://www.onthebarrier.com/feature-interviews/forever-the-sickest-kids.html

Interview with Armoured Saint

If your reading this from behind long greasy hair and a worn out Motor Head T-shirt, rest assured Metal is coming back from the underground, loud, fast and in your face.

1980s Metal pioneers Armored Saint along with Thrash Metal legends Death Angel will be coming to our humble shores in March to play gigs at all capital cities across the country. I spoke with Gonzo Sandoval, drummer for Armored Saint, about the upcoming tour, music, life and everything in between.

From a blisteringly hot Sydney to a breezy Los Angeles Gonzo Sandoval’s introspective voice beamed over the phone line. No words were minced no answers were uncertain Armored Saint is a live band that is ready to “rock out” come March. Despite having released their first E.P in 1983 I certainly wasn’t dealing with a group of aging rockers reliving the old days. Gonzo stressed the high energy and intensity they bring to their live performances. In fact his thirst for music and live shows is as strong now as when he first stole his mum’s car and drove to a gig in Hollywood. “I want to use my time to play music, do what I do and do it now!” With all this enthusiasm comes one of the most prolific periods in Gonzo’s long career, working on side projects: Son’s of Sandoval with his brother Phil as well as MX Machine who recently released their new single “Dog Town.”


Not bad for an older guy huh? This burst of inspiration comes from nothing short of an intoxicating aura of positivity and love of music. When asked how this optimism translates to the Metal genre, Gonzo conceded it hasn’t always been his perspective on life. “I understand the angst and anger of youth in rock ‘n’ roll.” After all Armored Saint has been through its fair share of hardships losing guitarist Dave Prichard as their careers really started to soar. Despite having a short hiatus afterwards, it is these untimely reminders of their own mortality from which the band drew a lot of inspiration. “In youth I drank a lot, I rocked hard. I have been allowed to have a second chance... I feel I have been reintroduced to music for the first time. Finally I am allowing music her self to play me.”

Death Angel, a band Gonzo met when it’s members were just 14 years old, now has a close connection with Armored Saint. Together their live performances should leave your ears ringing and tongue wagging. Gonzo tells me confidently “the Aussie audience is in for a surprise.” Playing at some intimate venues around the country Gonzo admits Armored Saint is best suited to large stadium rock but the close quarter gig will be better experience for the fans. “Our sound is nice and tight. You are gonna really feel Armored Saint.” As always our reputation as an awesome crowd proceeds us. “I hear you guys love to rock ‘n’ roll, we are all in the same boat.” So brush off those leather jackets and start growing that hair because Metal is coming back and it’s on for young and old. “Metal has always been the black sheep. It seemed to have gone away for a while. I think a new generation is coming out. It time for a merging of generations.”

But after all what would my interview be without a leak, get excited because we will be hearing some new material from the band during their tour and a full length studio album is in the making.

Published @ www.ontherbarrier.com
Link: http://www.onthebarrier.com/international-music-news/armored-saint-merges-generations.html

MGMT, Tame Impala & Luke Steele @ The Horden Pavilion

My arms pressed firmly against my torso, I gazed from side to side at the mass of sweaty fans rumbling with excitement. My back damp from hundreds pushing, jumping and looking about. Heads bobbed back and forth trying to find the best view of an empty stage. Some squeezed in where there was no space, others politely moved backwards despite themselves. Swaying back and forth at random we all tried our best to remain in the one space we had worked for hours to hold. Waves of screams, jeers and cheers crashed against the stage. The roadie checking the mic was a star for 5 minutes. The stage empty again was about to hold one of the most hotly anticipated and highly criticized bands of the year. In a crowd of teenage girls and girly looking teenage boys I started to question my musical taste. But every other over 18 venue sold out just like this one. Who, after all, can question the force of this crowd.


But before the storm, amidst the drizzle of a small collection of excited punters I stood with great interest awaiting Tame Impala’s opening set. As the four of them awkwardly walked on stage, worn denim hanging about their spindly legs I couldn’t believe how young they were. As a band they are well rehearsed and tight. Their command of each instrument more than commendable. Their age, unbelievable. I wont go as far as to say they are band of prodigies but they are pretty damn good. If you haven’t invested in them yet maybe wait a couple of years. These boys should grow into something special. I admit all five of the songs contained a drawn out and slightly dull jam session that boarded on the passe. But as the song was in full flight the sea of heads around me packed itself closer to the stage and started to bob. As we stood the Horden slowly filled behind us, the once empty hall was now peppered by drinking and dancing revelers. Those packed in front of the stage started to feel the pressure building up behind them.


By the time an oddly oriental but ultimately farcical Luke Steele lumbered onstage there was no escape. I watched with reservation and only applauded because I thought I had to. I’ve never like Luke Steele’s work and I appreciated this performance even less. His music is written for one man, the very same standing on stage blowing his harmonica out of time with the drum machine. The very same beating the strings of his guitar over and over again with discord. Every time I looked behind me I was surprised at how little attention the crowd was paying to the stage. Groups conversed facing each other. It was just self indulgent noise, nothing more.


As soon as as his set was over things changed. Rows and rows of fans suddenly appeared. It was hard not get caught up in the throngs of anticipation. People ready to jump out of their skin and I can understand why. After listening to Oracular Spectacular many times I am well and truly in love with its originality and diversity. If this was the band that brought me all the emotions in that album then hell I’m going to push right to the front myself.

On their entrance the crowd erupted. My ear drums assaulted by screaming fans rather than loud music. MGMT began to play and I was lost in the thick of it. As a completely biased fan the band played to a level that surpassed my expectations. My expectations, however, weren’t very high. I had read on multiple accounts that their live performances were lack luster. The vocals weak the band out of sync. Now they weren’t amazing but something has to be said for their presence. With only a few words spoken throughout the whole concert MGMT had it’s crowd's undivided attention. As we were introduced to a few new tracks things did calm down. But unlike some reviews I have read none of the vibe was lost.


I’m still undecided about MGMT, are they truly the musicians that can produce this kind of intoxicating energy and hype for an extended period? Only a second album will tell and from what I heard it wont be fair to ride them off yet.

When they walked off stage for the first time the crowd was abuzz. Each song had had a choir of thousands singing along with such enthusiasm it was hard not to smile. But something was missing... Kids. Enter the band and the song, an undeniable to hit. The crowd went berserk. A fitting end to a band that performed to the best of its ability but really just needed stand still onstage.