The truth is that there's a certain type of 1990s guitar rock full of distortion, riffs and catchy melodies that is making a comeback. The proof can be seen in the debuts of bands like Brother and The Vaccines that have been fully supported by the British press. And further evidence can be found in the first album (and relative SXSW Tour) of a young quartet from Brooklyn known as the Blackbells who are bringing back the outrageous, raw sounds from the years in which The Verve, Oasis and Blur topped the musical charts. Along with providing an exclusive video of one of their concerts at Arlene's Grocery in New York, the band sat down for a quick Q&A.
What bands/musicians influence Blackbells?
Band of Skulls, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Kills, Oasis, The Verve
If you could have dinner with any musician living or dead who would it be?
Paul or MJ circa '83.
How would you describe the sound of Blackbells?
We play rock and roll. It's energetic and melodic, a little bluesy, and tends to be on the darker and psychedelic side of the musical spectrum.
Any new bands have you seen during SXSW (or elsewhere) that you love right now?
We didn't get to see too many bands down at SXSW as we were running around trying to make all of our own shows, but the two we did see were stellar: The Gay Blades, who we also just got a chance to play with, and Savoir Adore. We've also been listening heavily to the new Cage The Elephant record and can't wait to see them live.
Favorite places to hang out in Brooklyn?
Union Hall, Washington Commons, Sycamore, The Lock Inn, Grand St. Grill, Absolute Power, and Brooklyn Bowl.
Style icons?
Mick and Keef. Clint Eastwood
Items of clothing you can't live without? (a favorite jacket, etc)
Leather jacket, Lucchese and Star boots.
Favorite brands of clothing
Allsaints Spitalfield, Lucchese, Stetson, and Levi's.
Interview and concept: Chelsea Gombes; filmed and edited by: Marcin Stawaz.
0 Response to "BlackBells"