Argonaut – Uber Rock Interview Exclusive
Written by Jason Palmer
Saturday, 28 November 2015 03:40
Back in August of this year when Jason Palmer reviewed ‘Try’, the second album from London post grunge beat combo Argonaut, he simply labelled it “top music”. Fast forward three short months though and the band behind that “top music” has apparently already had a bit of a makeover. Here Jason catches up with Nathan, Lorna, Abby, along with new boy Joules, to find out what lies ahead, and why suddenly things are a little less Pixies and a hell of a lot more Sterolab.
Hi guys thanks for taking the time to chat with me today. I really liked your recent album, ‘Try’, I hear there are some changes to your line up though, so tell us what’s new in the world Argonaut.
Nathan: 2015 has been a year of trials and tribulations. Our rhythm section has changed as our drummer and our bass player of five years standing needed to leave due to unrelated but equally important life changes. Our bass player left to focus all his energy on his own mail order record business (www.keymailorder.com). Luckily our producer and former number one fan Joules was willing to step into his shoes. We handed over the role in a symbolic knighthood by bass guitar at Paul’s last gig. All Joules had to do was buy a bass guitar and learn to play five years’ worth of bass lines in five weeks! Joules’ first gig with us was at the Half Moon, Putney and in a review by the Morning Star he was described as ‘musically solid’ – they also said he looked like a frightened rabbit which was hilarious and probably pretty accurate! Our drummer Rob played his farewell gig with us in September and we put out a “drummer wanted” SOS over the summer. Which is easier said than done – finding a drummer in London who isn’t already snapped up is near impossible – fortunately we were put in touch with Omz, a drum teacher form Aldershot who has a vast rock history including touring with a band supporting Deep Purple. He was a blast from Nathan’s Woking Soundscene past, a very active Facebook group celebrating the heady days of 80s/90s Woking bands. Luckily it clicked and he’s just played our two biggest shows with us.
Joules: I’ve basically learned to play bass. Nathan helped at the beginning by drawing some diagrams so I knew where to put my fingers. (Laughing) I don’t need to look at those any more, but I have stuck a little sticker of a flower just by the 7th fret because a lot of songs seem to start there and it helps me remember. I’ve also screwed all my effects pedals to a plank of wood, and put some reflective tape on my bass case so I can find it in the dark. That’s really useful at gigs. (Laughing)
Lorna: We have been playing some fantastic Loud Women gigs too though with some great ‘girls at the front’ bands. We’ve also started recording our next album in a church – we’ve got lots of great stuff happening!
There have been many comparisons to the band’s sound and early 80s grunge/indie etc. What would you say were your main influences?
Nathan: Lorna and I started Argonaut with the Pixies and Nirvana in mind. Minimal chords and maximum melody and dynamics. ‘Where Is My Mind’ and ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ were obvious early blueprints. I always see The Velvet Underground as ground zero though – especially in terms of song writing and guitar playing. The Psychedelic Furs are a shared love too but we always seem to forget to mention just how big an influence they are. We have taken a lot more influences into the mix as the band has evolved. Our sentiments are much more indie and punk, and we have always strived for that energy and enthusiasm over accuracy and virtuosity.
Lorna: Yeah as Nathan said, when we started the band we loved listening to Sonic Youth, Psychedelic Furs, Placebo, Nirvana, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, plus Riot grrrl stuff like Bikini Kill and Hole. The Cure and Depeche Mode are massive personal influences too.
Joules: The best thing about being Argonaut is that you get to hang-out with four other music geeks. Between us, our influences are just about everything apart from country and jazz. The next album should show a bit more of our heritage, but the ‘90s grunge/indie will always be there, because we all grew up with that. We’re also going through a bit of a Brotherhood Of Man period at the moment. Well, some of us are. (Laughing)
Abby: Brotherhood Of Man, who else? (Even more laughter)
So what’s been the highlight/s thus far for you on your Argonaut journey to fame?
Nathan: Releasing the second album ‘Try’. The recording and production really captured the feel and sound of the band that we felt was somewhat missing in the debut album. Making the videos – especially the one for ‘TV’. We wanted to show how much fun it was being in a band. The brief was to get together in my front room, lock off the camera and muck around. And it shows! There is also a half hour of all the different takes which fully captures the fun for anyone who wants to watch! I love the video for ‘The Detail’ too – backstage footage beautifully put together in super 8 style. Playing the festivals were big highlights obviously – The Mighty Dub fest near Newcastle and Undercover festival in Surrey. Undercover was the first gig for our new drummer – on the same bill as The Damned and Penetration. We had a great time and played a storming set – there is a documentary in the making which we’re hotly tipped to be making an appearance in.
Joules: It’s easily the We Shall Overcome gig at the Silver Bullet in Finsbury Park a few weeks ago for me. We were on the same bill as some of my old heroes, and by the end of the night I had a few new heroes too. Problem is, I get drunk and go round telling them how wonderful they are. They don’t really need that, I know, but it does come from the heart. Sorry.
Lorna: I loved playing the Hope and Anchor – and making lots of fantastic videos.
Abby: For me it’s the Loud Women gig we just did. Although we were lucky not to get electrocuted by the dodgy equipment.
With a new line up confirmed can we expect from the band in the next 12 months? Lorna’s already dropped in a teasing comment about a new album… (Laughing)
Nathan: Well before that we are rounding up 2015 with a headlining show on our home turf at Highbury in November (28th at Gunners). But, as Lorna mentioned what we really want to concentrate on is developing and recording the songs for album number three. We want to do this differently, to capture a time and a place and much more of a feel. We have invested in our own mobile recording studio and have started recording in a local church. Two songs are already in the can and both the songs and recording process feel really exciting. Hopefully it will have its own unique and interesting vibe – trying to capture some of that early Sebadoh and Stereolab playfulness and laid back feel.
Joules: We’ve already started work on the new album. Two tracks almost complete, recorded in N&L’s church. I am mixing them now. I haven’t played the latest one to the others yet, but it sounds ace. It’s everything I’d hoped for. We’ve also been raiding eBay for some vintage gear, and our new drummer is building a new kit for the album too. I don’t want to spoil the surprise by going into detail, but this next album is going to have a very special, distinctive sound.
Lorna: 2016 means loads more gigs, a new album, hanging out and loving being in Argonaut! (Laughing)
If you’re going out on the road what’s your plans? Will you be playing live in Wales, I’d love to be able to get to see you guys?
Nathan: I would love to – Lorna’s mum is form Wales so we have family connections too.
Joules: Yeah I’d love to play in Wales. The first band I produced were from Tenby and it became my second home for a while. But if we played in Wales we probably wouldn’t get back in time for the babysitter, so it could be a bit tricky. (Laughing)
Lorna: we would love to spread the Argonaut love and play around the country. I’m from Birmingham so would love to play at a few rock venues or pubs that I used to go to. Brighton and reading would also be great places to play. We’d love to do a show in Wales!
Abby: I love Wales me. The Welsh music scene is probably the most creative scene in the UK. I love Gruff and Euros Childs. Particularly Euros. A Welsh gig would be brilliant. It could happen.
A hypothetical question next – you are in the van on the way to your next gig what are you listening to?
Joules: I’m probably driving so I’m trying to pay attention to the Sat Nav. The others can fight over the stereo. It’ll be good stuff whatever they pick.
Abby: We live in London though. We get public transport. (Laughing) On the orad though I’d probably listen to something rowdy like The Slits.
Lorna: Yeah, we love to play music to get the band ready to rock! A bit of Pixies or NIN would get me ready for an awesome gig.
Nathan: Last time we hit the road we had a mixed bag – My Bloody Valentine, The National, punk and dub compilations and some David Crosby for the homeward stretch. Now we’re more inclined towards some Stereolab, Dinosaur Jr, the Velvets, some Nerf Herder for Nathan and some Elliot Smith for the journey home.
And out of your musical peers who do you currently respect most?
Nathan: There are such great bands around. I can’t believe anyone pays a booking fee and spends over a tenner when so many bands are playing for free – especially in London. Lucy’s Diary, Dream Nails, The Wimmins Institute – all amazing bands and very lovely people that we really respect.
Joules: We’ve played with Dream Nails a couple of times now, including at their first ever gig. They ooze passion for what they do and what they believe.
Lorna: I watched The Punk Singer documentary about Kathleen Hanna and saw the Julie Ruin recently. I always loved Bikini Kill and grrrl bands in the ‘90s like L7 and Babes In Toyland, Veruca Salt and Hole. I really admire and respect Kathleen for all her passion for girls at the front and she is a great role model for women today. Loud women are back!
Abby: As Nathan already said we respect DIY bands like Wimmins Institute, and The Ethical Debating Society, Brown Brogues, Emily C Smith, Thee Faction, Joanna Gruesome. Oh and before I forget The Fall are the best band ever.
We all have our opinions about the horrible cutthroat industry you have chosen to work in so tell us what pisses you off the most about the music scene right now?
Nathan: What gets me most of all is that when I started playing guitar it was because there was absolutely nothing else to do. Being in a band was the only way to hang out unless you could play football/ looked good in shorts. I practised daily in my bedroom as a way of life – the fact that it really annoyed my parents made me play more. What I can’t stand now is that most young bands sound like they have been encouraged by the generation they should be upsetting. They sound like they have been schooled in their parent’s CD collections and that their parents would approve of their music. I’ve always thought that if your parents like it then you’re doing something wrong. Luckily mine can’t stand Argonaut. (Laughing) It also sounds so studied – the whole Brit school ethos spilling into so called alternative/rebellion. I know punk was a situationist/fashion statement in so many ways but so many disaffected and downtrodden bands emerged loud and proud from really oppressive times. The Jam from Thatcher’s Britain, Nirvana from Reagan’s USA. I don’t hear it anymore. Sounds like a cash till ringing and dollar signs in front of the eyes. If there is money to be made we’ll get to hear/see it in the media. Good music and good bands will always find a way though, I really believe that too.
Joules: The technology is great now because you can DIY recording, production, promotion and distribution quite cheaply and without bothering with a label. But the Internet means music is now worthless and kids just want to play computer games and watch X-Factor. And everyone is working so hard that finding the time to make and listen to music is getting tougher and tougher. So sadly, in reverse technology also takes away more than it gives.
Lorna: I hate it that people aren’t listening to a whole album anymore because of streaming and downloads. I’m glad vinyl records are back in fashion, hopefully kids of today might enjoy putting one on and getting lost in the amazing musical journey a band went through to make the music they are listening to.
Abby: I think there’s too much reverence for the past.
But let’s not finish on a downer, tell us what is the best gig you have been to and why?
Nathan: Nerf Herder at the Garage – pure power punk pop and the best in between song banter I have ever heard.
Joules: Spiritualized, Leeds Irish Centre, 1992. It was my first ever gig, and it completely blew me away. I had no idea that live music could be like that.
Lorna: Depeche Mode. Such passion and tunes even at stadium level!
Abby: Leonard Cohen a few years ago. He was on stage for about 4 hours, it should’ve dragged after a while – it really didn’t.
Finally is there any particular message you want to share with your fans right now?
Nathan: Try Argonaut – what’s the worst that could happen? Thanks for listening – it’s so encouraging to know that those who hear us really get what we’re doing. We love performing and it’s so good to see an audience enjoying the energy – the time is right for the third wave of punk rock – it’s an older thing but that seems to be where the passion is. Oh, and for all your Argonaut needs visit our shop!
Joules: We love you. Yes, both of you! (Laughing)
Lorna: If you have something to say and you may be shy write some lyrics and form a band.
Thanks again for taking the time to do this guys. All the best with 2016 and album number three.