Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Arabrot Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
Just released a new self-titled record produced by Emil Nikolaisen of Serena Maneesh (4AD) to great reviews (NME 8/10, Metal Hammer UK 8/10, Ox 8/10 etc). A new European tour is coming up in October. We're doing film music to Die Nibelungen by Fritz Lang in Tromsø in September. Also new EP to be released this fall. Lots of stuff coming up!

2.How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

Sound wise it's maybe closer to The Brother Seed or even Mæsscr than Solar Anus. Due to the nature of the songs we decided to change back to a more conventional set-up compared to the heavy synth-drones of Solar Anus. Though, we did arrange the songs using unusual instrumentation - harmoniums, trumpets, piano, pump organs. Also, we invited quite a few guests - Lasse Marhaug, Erland Dahlen, Laura Pleasants. Fantastic musicians who contributed so much to the overall sound.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new release?

The dark and dirty side of surrealism. Bible and porn. Also taking a lot of inspiration from filmmakers such as Arrabal, Cocteau, Tarkovsky and Fassbinder.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

Årabrot is a place outside native town Haugesund on the southern west coast of Norway. By chance also the town's local garbage dump.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

Oooh, too many to name here. The one that didn't happen that comes to mind was when David Yow asked us to warm up for Jesus Lizard but fucking local booking agent overruled the proposal. An Arabrot stage performance is loud and sweaty.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

Release tour in September in Scandinavia with Americans Jucifer, then Europe in October with Kvelertak.

7.A few months back you put out a split with Rabbits, what are your thoughts on the other band that participated?

Rabbits is one of the greatest noise rock acts on the planet!

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer music by fans of noise rock?

You might refer to the Mæsscr EP? Usually noise rock fans are open to a wide and eclectic range of music so feedback is generally very good.

9.What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

It's as always a continuous sonic exploration, currently using the Mæsscr and self-titled album as a platform or catalyst.

10.What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

To put it this way - When me and Kristian Kallevik started the band back in 2001 we where about the only ones our age in Haugesund listening to Captain Beefheart. And a brief look to the record player here I see my girlfriend just put on Lick My Decals Off, Baby. When in Stockholm a couple of weeks ago I found a great vinyl basement store and invested in Butthole Surfers, Der Blutharsch and Residents' Elvis record. A decent overview on my musical palette I guess.

11.Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Food and wine. Eating, drinking and cooking with my girlfriend. I am also devoted fan of Liverpool FC and Vard Haugesund.

12.Any final word sor thoughts before we wrap up this interview?


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