B. D.

Taken with Instagram at Rock & Reilly’s Irish Pub

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:29:58 -0800

Taken with Instagram at Rock & Reilly’s Irish Pub

Why do I have to keep coming back to this?

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 12:41:37 -0800

Why do I have to keep coming back to this?

Just found my purikura photos from japan. Must. Get. Back. Soon....

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:22:48 -0800

Just found my purikura photos from japan. Must. Get. Back. Soon. (Taken with instagram)

You said, ‘My life’s like a bad movie,’I said,...

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 15:06:00 -0800

You said, ‘My life’s like a bad movie,’
I said, ‘Thats true of all us.’

Oh god. Probably means I have to tone it down a bit (Taken with...

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 12:47:18 -0800

Oh god. Probably means I have to tone it down a bit (Taken with instagram)

Party (Taken with instagram)

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:11:24 -0800

Party (Taken with instagram)

“There’s no place like home for collecting...

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:18:00 -0800

“There’s no place like home for collecting burdens and conjuring ghosts that don’t know they’re dead.”

My favorite musicians are the most miserable sons of bitches.

"You can spend minutes, hours, days, weeks, or even months over-analyzing a situation; trying to put..."

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:59:37 -0700

““You can spend minutes, hours, days, weeks, or even months over-analyzing a situation; trying to put the pieces together, justifying what could’ve, would’ve happened… or you can just leave the pieces on the floor and move the fuck on.””

- Tupac (via kylehb)

OK… the answer to “am I really that self...

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 20:31:00 -0700

OK… the answer to “am I really that self tortured” posed in my last post has to be definitively YES.

Currently: drinking Utah whiskey, reading Vonnegut, dwelling on things I shouldn’t be.

Really into the idea of a karass (a la Cat’s Cradle). I’ve started thinking about the people I think are in mine. Still trying to figure out the definitive purpose (wampeter) of my karass though. Perhaps to unite those of us living in a seemingly separate dimension from the rest of the population. I’ve always attracted the loner weirdo types…

SO IT GOES

The Darker Side

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 16:32:00 -0700

I was recently told by an ex-boyfriend that he thought that the thing that always kept us together the most was our “similar way of bottling feelings up and feeding off them. [Going through] life in some sort of self tortured way.”

It got me thinking…am I really that self tortured?? Am I living the “Bukowski life” that I always joke about? I mean, I live for a good whiskey, a good book, and a sad song…but I’m a generally happy person. I think.

I started thinking about my favorite albums by beloved bands like Radiohead, U2, Beck, etc and realized that my favorite is usually the album that happened in the bands darkest time. I LOVE these dark albums. Especially when other albums are so upbeat and positive. The band is presented in such a different light to me after I discover these “dark albums.” It’s like they’re real people. I also think it’s indicative of truly great musicians-to be able to make music conveying such polar emotions.

I recently posted “Thinking About You” by Radiohead. Pablo Honey is hands down my favorite Radiohead album. You have no idea how often I am forced to argue my opinion. Diehard Radiohead fans simply won’t hear it. Others just won’t let go of Kid A. Whatever it is, by stating that Pablo Honey is my favorite of all Radiohead albums, I am in the minority. But let’s think about where the band was when they released Pablo Honey… it was their FIRST full-length album as a band. Their first release, The Drill EP, didn’t do so well…so clearly, they were bummed, broke musicians when they wrote this album. OBVIOUSLY all their other music got more complex, uplifting, and pretentious when their egos and budgets were inflated… In my opinion, one cannot even compare Pablo Honey to subsequent Radiohead albums…it is Radiohead before they WERE Radiohead.

Sidenote Cool Fact: Creep was supposedly known by the band as their “Scott Walker Song.” Check out this REAL Scott Walker song and tell me it doesn’t sound like Creep…

Perhaps I’m simply subjecting myself to scorn, but I’ve made a list of my favorite “dark” albums. Since nobody can stand to read more than 140 characters anymore consider this simply for posterity’s sake. My own personal memo…

Note: These are in no particular order.

1. Beck - Sea Change

Beck’s “break-up album.” Surprisingly this seems to be most people I talk to’s favorite Beck album, and it received a large amount of critical acclaim. It’s a really interesting album to me since his others all seem so tongue-in-cheek and upbeat.

“Lost Cause” is one of my favorite songs of all time.

2. The Good Life - Black Out

OK…maybe no one cares to debate this, but if you know me, you know that I am quite the Tim Kasher fan…so I do. Up until my second year of college (2005), I didn’t even know that there WERE other Good Life albums. I had no idea that the majority of the indie world was commiserating with Album of the Year. This album is SO dark and SO amazing. I have considered it the soundtrack to my emotional downfall for the last 9 years.

”Beaten Path” and “I Am an Island” are the most perfect self-loathing songs I have ever heard.

But alas…most Good Life fans will cite Album of the Year as the best. Blasphemous, I say.

3. U2 - Zooropa

One thing that can help explain this decision is: I don’t like U2. If it weren’t for my aunt, I would have never given U2 a chance…but they are here favorite band, and I love her quite a bit. This is by far U2’s weirdest album. (If October weren’t so damn religious, I’d probably pick that album as my favorite due to its moodiness)

Originally intended to be an EP, this album was the source of quite a bit of band conflict. It kind of shows… It seems unfinished. Really…the only word I can use to describe this album is “weird.” Johnny Cash sings lead vocals on the last track… What?? Hello? Bono? Did you take a little life snooze? This album is such a sidetrack in this bands career that I can’t help but love it. Numb continues to be one of my favorite U2 songs (even though it kind of reminds me of George Michael…) Only second to Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own. If I had it my way, Numb, Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own, and Running to Stand Still would all be on the same album.

I hate Bono.

4. Modest Mouse - This Is A Long Drive For Someone With Nothing To Think About

This album feels empty. Coincidentally, most songs on this album are about isolation. This was the band’s debut album…which, similarly to Radiohead probably has something to do with the mood. Sad Sappy Sucker is probably the weirdest Modest Mouse album, but it seems more concerned with sound than feeling. This Is A Long Drive… feels like the most emotional of all their albums. If anything, I’m simply biased because this is the Modest Mouse album I have listened to the most…

It feels like Isaac Brock is yelling this entire album. ”Ionizes & Atomizes” and “Talking Shit About a Pretty Sunset” will always resonate heavily with me.

5. No Doubt - Return of Saturn

This is a girl’s album. Every song is about Gwen Stefani’s struggle with being an independent woman vs. a domestic one. The older and more unmarried I get, the more I can identify with this album. It is a dark one…broaching subjects that no one really wants to hear about (jealousy of other women, wanting a baby, wanting a husband…) Of course Tragic Kingdom is great, but this album is the ugly duckling…and I love it. Perhaps it’s the single 25 year old girl thing…

I personally love the song “New,” despite the dumb music video.

6. The Pixies - Surfer Rosa

Where is My Mind is enough, right?

This is one of Kurt Cobain’s favorite albums.

I’m pretty sure it put Steve Albini on the map…Surfer Rosa is the reason Albini produced In Utero.

I love everything about this album…it is one of my favorites ever. At this point I am gushing.

It’s been described as “unusual” and “offbeat,” and that it is. I love Doolittle as much as the next person, but this is raw and emotional and amazing.

7. At The Drive In - In/Casino/Out

Relationship of Command is amazing. Arcarsenel is one of the best post-hardcore songs I’ve heard. Fucking great. But In/Casino/Out is better. It’s a live studio album, which is cool in itself, but it also seems to be a lost album…one that no one mentions when discussing this band.

“Chanbara” and”Hourglass” are key for me on this album.

8. Bjork - Homegenic

This actually may be everyone’s favorite… but I still think it’s pretty dark.

Michel Gondry directed a video off of this album (Bachelorette). Chris Cunningham directed another (All Is Full Of Love).

During the recording of this album, Bjork’s stalker killed himself after trying to kill her (warning: this is a completely disturbing video…). According to Wikipedia, Wu Tang Clan were supposed to help produce the album, but couldn’t (???). Everything about this album is totally weird and amazing. Just like Bjork.

9. The Cure - Disintegration

This was not only considered the Cure’s commercial peak, but also its return to gloomy, introspective goth rock. I love this album…as I’m sure most Cure fans do. Before its release, this album was deemed “commercial suicide.” Little did anyone know that everyone everywhere is miserable!

I love the song (and video for) “Lullaby.”

10. Cursive - Such Blinding Stars For Starving Eyes

While other Cursive albums are much more cohesive (The Ugly Organ) or tighter (Domestica), I love this album because it seems completely raw. The vocals in The Farewell Party get me every time…

“These people aren’t your friends, they’re...

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 22:45:00 -0700

“These people aren’t your friends, they’re paid to kiss your feet”

This is still my favorite album and song by Radiohead. I prefer the darker side of Thom Yorke.

My Top 10 Cover Songs (That No One Ever Talks About)

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 23:49:00 -0700

I’ve thought about doing a post about my favorite cover songs before, but I was inspired by LA Weekly’s latest blog to finally create my own. We all know the many covers of Lovesong that end up overplayed on the radio. And I hate those “Punk Goes Pop” albums. So I tried to pick some covers commonly overlooked. Or maybe people talk about them all the time…who knows!

I think it’s a pretty good list, but I’m curious to hear what other covers everyone likes!!

Side Note: I don’t know how Ben Gibbard managed to sneak into 3 of these. This was not planned.

10. Against All Odds - The Postal Service (Phil Collins Cover)

This is probably one of the more well known covers I’ve included on my list (since it was used in the movie Wicker Park). I was tempted to leave it off, but really…it’s so good. Phil Collins is the man (don’t get me started on the greatness of Sussudio- or the Tarzan soundtrack). Ben Gibbard made this song perfectly indie sweet- which rules, despite the fact that he had the audacity to replace Phil’s epic drums with cutesy electronic beats.

PS How weird is this Phil Collins video??

9. ”Such Great Heights” - Iron and Wine (The Postal Service Cover)

Everyone knows this one due to the movie Garden State. Again- tempted to leave it off, but its greatness trumped my opinion. It kind of sounds like one of those infant toys that plays lullabies. I think it definitely sets a different tone than the original does. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking all at once.

8. ”All is Full of Love” - Death Cab For Cutie (Bjork Cover)

Death Cab For Cutie - All Is Full of Love

I think I like this cover because you can actually hear the lyrics clearly. And I love the song. That’s it. (Insightful, I know…)

7. ”Under Pressure” - The Blood Brothers (Queen ft. David Bowie Cover)

True story: I one time freak-stalked Johnny Whitney after a Blood Brothers show in San Diego to ask them why they never play their Queen cover. The next night at their LA show, they played it. I believe it to be 100% my doing. Any time I hear this cover I think of my overexcited teenage self. Listening to it now, it’s not that great actually. But I couldn’t NOT include it.

6. ”I Hope I Don’t Fall In Love With You” - Darius Rucker (Tom Waits Cover)

Closing Time/Hope That I Don’t Fall In Love With You (Tom Waits Cover)

Wait—before you dismiss this cover because “Hootie” sings it, listen to it. This is my favorite Tom Waits song. And really…who knew that Mr Blowfish was a Tom Waits fan? I couldn’t find this online anywhere other than an embarrassing live video with Hootie in a cowboy hat that I refused to post, but I think he sings it well…

5. ”Wonderwall” - Ryan Adams (Oasis Cover)

~~As if Ryan Adams wasn’t dreamy enough~~…EDIT just looked up pics to prove dreaminess and he is deceivingly unattractive. Anyway. The first time I heard this was when an ex-boyfriend put this song on a mix for me (totally cheesy). I was won over then and would be won over again. Really…what girl DOESNT like this? (answer: one with no soul)

4. ”Sea of Love” - Cat Power (Phil Philips Cover)

While Tom Waits’ cover is sufficiently haunting and desperate, I prefer Chan Marshall’s lonely girl take on this Phil Philips song. There are just the right amount of uncomfortable silences to get me feeling some emotion every time I hear it.

3. ”Femme Fatale” - Owen (The Velvet Underground & Nico Cover)

Overall this is a pretty literal interpretation of the song. But the simple addition of the word cock to the Velvet Underground lyric in the last chorus (“She’s just a little [cock] tease”) sealed the deal for me with this one. If you know me at all, this shouldn’t be a surprise since I am always a sucker for anything Owen.

2. ”When Doves Cry” - The Be Good Tanyas (Prince Cover)

I feel like everyone has covered this song—Patti Smith, Damien Rice, Ani Difranco, Incubus (who hilariously claimed they were covering a Patti Smith song), and now dance pop queen Robyn. This is my favorite version though.

1. ”Wild Heart” - Abe Vigoda (Stevie Nicks Cover)

I don’t know what it is about this song, but I absolutely love it. I don’t even particularly like Abe Vigoda—or Stevie Nicks—but this song….oh, this song. I feel like Abe Vigoda completely transformed this song from wistful and coy to dark and slightly scandalous.

Original:

I’ve listened to this song over and over for 8 years...

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 22:11:00 -0700

I’ve listened to this song over and over for 8 years now. It makes me feel the same now as it did the first time I heard it.

L: Owen’s album “New Leaves” R: City and...

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:58:33 -0700

L: Owen’s album “New Leaves” R: City and Colour’s new album “Little Hell”

OK. I love both of these guys. But when did it become okay to get so lazy with album covers??? Not only are these both BORING, but they look the same! What the heck…did Dallas just take Mike’s cover, flip it, and change the coloring? I hate these. So much. But both continue to make great music… so I’ll suck it up I guess.

This is A Review by a Website Called 402 Productions

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:26:00 -0800

Album Reviews: Adebisi Shank – This is the Second Album of a Band Called Adebisi Shank

I remember one of the first times one of our writers, Shahin, talked about being backstage. He was at The Filmore, if I recall correctly, at a Pogues show and got to chat it up with Shane MacGowan. Of course, from his recall of the encounter, it was mostly inaudible due to the heavy accent mixed with the copious amount of alcohol he had ingested. Ever since then, I had this sort-of-idea that all Irish punkers were of the Shane MacGowan flavor. On the other hand, I also recall the first time one of our writers, Ryan Tamborski, showed me what he did to the U2 Wikipedia entry. I believe it involved something about MegaGod and Jesus4 inventing The Edge’s guitar, and then “Invertigo” was written. Either way, I’m fairly sure we are all banned from Wikipedia editing for that.

Adebisi Shank, an Irish product sort of like The Pogues (MacGowan was actually English) and U2, is an instrumental group that has been all over my Twitter feed as of late. Doing a quick search for “Adebisi Shank” on Twitter right now pulls up the following tweets:

editaurus: Irish group Adebisi Shank decided to combine some of the best qualities of Battles & Holy Fuck. About time SOMEBODY did.

rshorts: This album is awesome http://t.co/X8qs1d3

xyxcx: ADEBISI SHANK … It’s so COOOOOOOOL x) <3

On top of the very positive tweets from these select people, another handful of people running last.fm Twitter updates for “music Monday” had Adebisi Shank in their top three artists of the week. Their fan base is only growing at the moment. One would contest it’s only a matter of time before they take over the world.

Listen to the entire album below!

The Pros

Adebisi Shank shares a heavy electronic component on their album, but make no mistake — these sounds are all produced live by these three gentlemen. At times, funky. At other times, pure rage. If Odysseus was Irish and was up against Nordic gods instead of Greek gods, this would most likely be the soundtrack to his odyssey. The tech aspect brought on to the album definitely makes up for the intangibly great live show all these people have been talking about. Below is a good example of what they sound like live. The second video is what to expect at every Adebisi Shank show (hopefully).

The creativity gods have blessed these men. Probably one of the few albums released this year that I have had an unmistakable itch to listen to multiple times, for multiple reasons. Initially, out of sheer confusion. How is this so good? were the sort of questions crossing my mind. Then, I had to listen to it again for the sake of this review. For being only three people, controlling only a single instrument each, they are doing things I would expect to hear from larger bands. Their studio sound is just so big, it’s hard to imagine that three dudes from Ireland are producing so many noises at once (for awhile I was picturing MacGowan, Bono, and Sean Connery… but rather, it’s Lanky Red Mask [aka Vin the bassist], Lanky Guitarist Sans Mask [aka Lar the guitarist] and Redheaded Seth Rogan [aka Mick the drummer]). Think ninjas… if they played instruments. You get Adebisi Shank.

The Cons

Some of the album components, like some of the more effected-out guitar loops on “Genki Shank” and the like, are slightly lost in the translation from the studio to the stage. I think I would rather see two finger-smashing guitarists recreating the same sounds off the album rather than Sans Mask Lar looping things through his loop station.

Also, a personal con for me, is the lack of a live video for the song “Century City”. It’s always a feat to see slap bass being executed so nicely live. I’m hoping when I go to one of their upcoming shows I can bear witness to this slap attack. However… not saying that Red Mask Vin can’t (he obviously can, right?), but I would be disappointed to see the lack of slappage on a song that starts off so furiously with slapping. It’s sort of like when you see more recent performances of Bon Jovi doing “Livin’ on a Prayer” and they don’t do the key change for the last chorus. Or maybe more like when you go to a show where the guitarist has some amazing solo and when they play it live… it’s completely different. Well, that’s not necessarily a good example because it could be different and completely awesome. Maybe more like when some asshole covers a song with a really good solo and doesn’t include the solo in the cover. Well… that doesn’t work well as an analogy either.

Anyway, I’m just trying to say that if I’m expecting something based on the album, it just seems a little far-fetched to think that three people can do all of those things I heard at the same time. But… I could very well be wrong. Below is a live video of Adebisi Shank performing “Genki Shank”. Notice what Sans Mask Lar (on the right) is doing while the crazy guitar stuff is going on. Most likely, he did it once before, recorded it into the loop box, and is now sampling himself. This might not effect the actual song sound, but it just might be something some guitar-nut in the audience could be irked by.

The Verdict

At this moment in time (which is fairly early in the year), Adebisi Shank’s This is the Second Album of a Band Called Adebisi Shank is clearly one of the best albums out there this year. I would be astonished to see another album, instrumental or not, do more with their sound than these guys have done while only being a three-piece band. Find me that album from this year and I will personally buy you tickets to see whoever you have chosen over these guys. Until you do, Ireland reigns.

Adebisi Shank makes people dance. As proven by this video from...

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:51:53 -0800

Adebisi Shank makes people dance. As proven by this video from their free gig at Button Factory this past Saturday in Ireland. I couldn’t help but compare this video to the one of Fang Island in a kindergarten classroom. I think I see some of the same dance moves…

My big debut on the Dead O’Neill blog. Still can’t...

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:03:47 -0800

My big debut on the Dead O’Neill blog. Still can’t believe Mr O’Neill placed his face on this floor.

Spotlight: Brad Delava

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:47:00 -0800

Talk about a lot to live up to…

My little brother, Brad Delava is featured in this month’s Performer Magazine with the term “prodigy” attached to his name. Not to toot my own family’s horn, but this kid is unreal at what he does. Bands who need to record on a budget (and want it to not sound like a budget recording) should definitely get to know him.

Loud Loop Press - 11 Chicago Bands to Watch in 2011

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:14:00 -0800

GYPSYBLOOD

With just a three song EP released under Sargent House, Gypsyblood has already turned Chicago on its ear. Known for lively kazoo solos, growling, lo-fi vocals, and fuzzy surf-rock guitar that can suddenly turn on you into a pounding mess of passion and feedback, Gypsyblood has staked their claim as the cutting-edge of Chicago indie rock. But they deserve more than just admiration for their music, they also play killer live shows, keeping the audience guessing what they will jump off of or flip over next. Unless Chicago’s finest gets their mits on Gypsyblood for disturbing the peace (again), the band continues to play around Chicago in preparation for their SXSW showcase in 2011. (Britni Day)
Must hear: Take Your Picture

This Town Needs Guns - Sludge Factory

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:13:00 -0800

Stu from This Town Needs Guns talks TTNG roots, Soundwave, and the ever-present “math rock” genre with Australian website Sludge Factory. See the full interview below!

This Town Needs Guns: shooting from the hip

20 January 2011

THIS TOWN NEEDS GUNS may not be the most familiar name, but these lads from Oxford in the UK make an impression on those who encounter them. Vocalist Stuart Smith explains to Robyn Morrison how the band came together, whether they really fit into the math rock genre and their upcoming visit to Australia.

Let’s just clear one point up straight away. Of all the sub genres of rock, math rock is tagged to those musical pieces which are rhythmically complex and contain atypical rhythmic structures. You could be forgiven for thinking this is some type of nerd music. In fact, math rock’s origin occurred almost three decades ago in the American Midwest and concentrated on angular melodies and time signatures that weren’t as straight forward as your usual 4/4 beat. It’s not usual to find yourself foot tapping to a 7/8, 11/8 or even 13/8 beat when listening to music which falls into the math rock category. History and music lessons aside, Smith shares his thoughts on whether THIS TOWN NEEDS GUNS fits the description and how the band came together. “I started the band way back when I was in Uni. I always wanted to play in a band and when I came to university I thought that this was a good chance to meet people who might be interested in that kind of thing and it’s gone through lots of different variations and stages.

The first few years were pretty dire and not really worth mentioning and then about five years ago, we started the line-up that has been producing the kind of music that we’re known for now. Our motivation now is to just write music that’s more challenging and more interesting for people to listen to while still maintaining some kind of pop element.” Smith’s musical background started rather late in life. “I was always more into visual arts when I was growing up,” explains Smith. “At around the age of 18 I started picking up a guitar and trying to learn how to play. I always enjoyed singing and that’s more what I am known for in the band. I’m more of a singer than a guitarist. It was all about picking things up here and there and learning NIRVANA songs,” he laughs.

On the topic of the math rock tag, Smith hesitates to agree with this label. “I think it’s a name that’s been branded upon us rather than something we’ve gone for ourselves. I can understand where people are coming from in that we do odd time signatures and we’re certainly big fans of math rock bands, but I don’t know that we’re rock enough to warrant the moniker.” With such complex rhythms to THIS TOWN NEEDS GUNS’ compositions, Smith explains how the song writing process unfolds. “It usually starts out with a riff or a series of guitar riffs then we sit in a sweaty or ultimately cold room depending on what time of year it is and deconstruct everything and put it back together again a couple of times and see which way we like it best, if we like it at all. In some instances, we’ll pretty much write a whole song and say, it’s not working and start all over again.”

Smith says that even though the band constructs their tunes in complicated time signatures, it doesn’t mean that they haven’t dabbled in traditional rock beats. But it’s their guitarist, Tim Collis who cannot seem to move past the math rock equation. “I don’t think our guitarist’s brain works in 4/4 anymore. I think when he does try he doesn’t seem to be able to manage it anymore. He just gets bored too quickly.”

In their early days, Smith says the band fell into the indie rock category then more of the math elements came into it. “Around the time we were doing our EP and mini album, and then with Animals, it evolved again. We stripped everything down to its bare basic elements and just had a very raw sound – guitars, bass drums and vocals and not much else. Our sound has evolved over time and hopefully with our next album it will change again and be interesting.” And speaking of their debut album, Animals, Smith says the writing process for the album took approximately four months. “A number of real life jobs and commitments; our bass player was about to be a dad in a matter of months and we thought that this could be our last chance to write something and record it together. It was all really quite quick. Instead of giving them names like ‘New Song 1’ and ‘New Song 2’…we found it easier to give them animal names. We always had the idea of giving them proper names but when it came to it we thought we were always going to call them the animal names regardless of what we decided to change the name to. It seemed strange to do it, so we just left everything as it was. I think it’s quite fun and part of being in this band is accepting that it doesn’t really matter what the songs are called, what you look like or who you are, it’s just about the music.”

THIS TOWN NEEDS GUNS will be heading to Australia for the very first time as a touring band, even though Smith has ventured to our shores previously as a tourist. When questioned on his thoughts about how the Aussie audiences will receive the band, his response was blunt. “I’ve absolutely no idea. I’m hoping they’ll be open minded and just give us chance. There are certainly a lot of bands in Australia who share similar influences; MY DISCO, TO THE NORTH and ARROWS, who all seem to be similar, but of course, none of them are playing Soundwave. Hopefully we’ll be something a bit different that people can get into.” The live set will be, by and large, a combination of their releases. “The good thing about doing Animals so stripped back is that in a live performance, we don’t have to rely on a backing track or any extra people to come on the road with us. It’s just the four of us. Personally, I think (the live set) is a bit more punchier and a bit more aggressive and as we’ve gotten better playing the songs through constant touring. It’s a lot faster and up tempo. It’s a different experience to the album which I think can be a bit more laid back.”

Smith says that the live set of THIS TOWN NEEDS GUNS is completely different at a festival than it might be in a club or pub environment. “I like indoor shows because generally I feel that the sound is more reliable. You don’t have to worry about wind affecting the sound or worry about rain. The atmosphere at a smaller show is definitely fun. Then equally, playing in front of a lot of people on a festival stage can be really fun as well.”

THIS TOWN HAS GUNS has plans for another album release in 2011 and after the Soundwave Festival, they’ll be taking a bit of time out to try and finish that album. “Hopefully we’ll finish recording in the (UK) summer and release the album in October and then back to touring again. I can’t wait for the new album. Whilst we love playing the old songs, it’s really fun to play the new songs.” Smith says they’ll treat us to maybe one or two of those new songs during the Soundwave Festival tour. “It would be a bit unfair if we didn’t try and fit in as many old, perhaps known, tracks. I know there are people in Australia who are fans and if they’re going to spend money to see us, it would be pretty harsh if we played a whole bunch of songs that they’d never heard before.”

Tour dates

SOUNDWAVE FESTIVAL 2011

February 2011

26 February 2011 RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
27 February 2011 Eastern Creek Raceway, Sydney

March 2011

4 March 2011 Melbourne Showgrounds, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
5 March 2011 Bonython Park, Adelaide
7 March 2011 Venue TBC, Perth

This Town Needs Guns

http://www.myspace.com/thistownneedsguns

Soundwave Festival

http:// www.soundwavefestival.com