Interview Angerland

Angerland's new single 'Neon Dead' is making waves with its slappy bass stabs and thought-provoking lyrics. We explore the band's influences and creative process.

1. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your new single 'Neon Dead’?

I think the whole thing may have started as a jam. The slappy, big dirty bass stabs were a result of just marking the space for later, but sounded ace as a prelude to E’s guitar. The whole build up just made better by the Rexomatic….

Originally it had a slightly more gothy-vibe but once we got Cris and Rex involved it took a slightly different turn! The title idea came from a line in The Necromancer by William Gibson but I wasn’t sure what to do with it lyrically until I found myself down an internet rabbit hole and stumbled on a website called the Arithmetic of Compassion

2. How did the concept of psychic numbing influence the lyrics of 'Neon Dead’?

I could visualise the concept of the neon dead flashing as a counter on a digital screen but once I started reading Paul Slovic’s piece how people are able to react to stories of individual tragedy but have great difficulty empathising with horrors on a large scale it all came together. 

3. What was it like working with Mike Coles on the music video for 'Neon Dead’?

Apart from absolutely brilliant, it was very easy.  

We’ve been wanting Colesy to do his amazing work for us for what seems forever, but that’s probably because we’ve all been big fans of Killing Joke and Malicious Damage art since as far back as I can remember.

Okay, so I can’t remember very far back… but basically Mister Coles is an ace human being. He read thru the lyrics and we sorta mentioned a few of our themes and he produced a very cool and captivating piece of film for us.

4. You’ve been described as drawing on the soundscapes of bands like Killing Joke and Ruts DC. How have these influences shaped your sound?

We just know when we’re hitting the kind of noise we all like. I guess it ends up the way it is because of those influences, among others.

5. How has the band's dynamic changed since expanding to a five-piece?

For me, Rexomatic has added the missing sonic layer.  
I think the electronica and soundscapes are all that was needed to take us from a typical rock sound to somewhere closer to what we were always aiming for. Now we can hone it as new songs are written.

There’s also an unseen but very important 6^th member: Mr Paul Graham is now in charge of our visuals - and thus the Rage and Roll circus is complete.

6. Can you share some insights into the recording process of your debut album at Viva Recorders with Tim Hamper?

We all showed up for the first session and Tim just “got it” immediately.  Same sick sense of humour and a great pair of ears – thankfully equidistant on both sides of his head.

We played “Live”, all in the same room and he captured the energy completely.

7. What can fans expect from your upcoming debut album in terms of themes and sound?

I think Tim has got a firm grasp of the kind of mix of rock guitars, hard hitting drums, electronic atmospheres and keyboards we were after – so that’s what the citizens will be getting.  Let’s hope they like it as much as we do!

8. Kermit, how does it feel to be returning to your home turf in Stockton for the gig with Evil Blizzard?

Weird and wonderful in equal measure.  Haven’t played my hometown since I ran away to London and E.Blizzard are one of those bands we love to go and experience live whenever possible.  Supporting them is just awesome!

(Post gig: An amazing night! The Blizzard were superb, as usual, and we had an awesome time welcoming new Citizens of Angerland as well as seeing some old faces).

9. You've had some memorable experiences with Mopman at Evil Blizzard gigs. Can you share a particularly memorable moment?

First ever time I saw Evil Blizzard, I was lost in the great soundscape of it all and took my eyes off him for no more than 10 seconds. 

Next thing I knew that terrible mop was on my forehead and I was handed the calling card (now framed!).

10. You have European dates booked for November. How are you preparing for these shows, and what can fans look forward to?

Think we’re going to resurrect some old choons as well as new. I have been upping my beer intake….

11. The phrase 'Ira industria noster' seems to capture the spirit of Angerland. Can you elaborate on what this means to you as a band?

It’s a derivation of a PIL lyric and  tribute to John Lydon.  Anger is our industry!  We know when something doesn’t sound like us… like it’s driven by that ethos.

12. With the release of 'Neon Dead' and the anticipation for your debut album, what are your hopes and goals for Angerland in the next year?

Many more gigs, new music and visuals in a veritable sick pantomime.  Good times with those that “get it” and welcoming new citizens into the Angerland realm.

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