The Untitled Interview #91 – SXSW Edition: Starring Violens

The days are getting longer, the nights are getting shorter and sweeter, and that, my little vixens, can only mean one thing: it's getting close to being almost time for the one and only SXSW. And of course, that means I had to ask some questions of the bands I'd sure want to see if I was heading down to Austin for the 25th annual SXSW-stravaganza.

I have something of a crush on Violens, as I'm sure y'all have noticed. This week I've also been listening to just about nothing but their amazing record Amoral, so it's only fitting to get the guys involved in my SXSW inquiries. If you can get yourself in the path of their super sexy smoky snarling sonic sensations, by all means, do so. Below, the band lets us in on the hot new tour drug, as well as what certain necessity they might just forget to pack.

Les Enfants Terribles: How are you getting to SXSW: plane, train, or automobile?
Violens: Likely all of the above, but mostly aeroplane and foot.

LET: Inevitably, you will forget to pack:
V: Condoms.

LET: How many showcases/parties will you be playing?
V: We will hold the SXSW record: 32 shows!

LET: Band you're most looking forward to seeing at the festival?
V: Nite Jewel.

LET: What's the first thing you plan on doing upon arrival in Austin?
V: We'll probably snort tequila (the new thing to do on tour).

LET: What was the first festival you ever attended, either as a musician or member of the general public?
V: Key Biscayne arts & crafts festival, 1985. Won award for an underwater thresher shark drawing.

LET: Favorite thing about festivals?
V: Everybody knows the best thing about SXSW is hearing all the bands playing together simultaneously by walking down the middle of 6th or 7th Street. Never a boring moment, bad drummer or long pause between songs.

mp3: Acid Reign (Violens from Amoral)

[photo by Tom Hines]

Megan's Top 70 of 2010: #14 - Violens

Why I Decree it to Be So:

A couple years back, I saw MGMT play down at The National in Richmond. They brought with them another New York band, a band that totally blew my mind more than did the headliner. That band, o lovelies, was Violens. Happily, in the many months that have elapsed since that show, they've been busy little bees. This here record of theirs, Amoral, is positively dynamic. The band produces a well-groomed, glossy yet gritty 80s synth pop incarnate sound that is immaculate and insanely awesome. On Amoral you'll hear big beats bouncing alongside heavenly smooth vocals and lascivious basslines on songs like "Acid Reign" and "Full Collision," whereas "Violent Sensation Descends" pairs a jarring intro with some early 60s-esque harmonizing and an overwhelming air of uncompromising infectiousness. You really might want to add Amoral to your record collection, and sharpish.

mp3: Violent Sensation Descends (Violens from Amoral)

Mixtape Love: Violens Summer Mixtape

Ok, so technically it's not summer (unless of course you're in the Southern Hemisphere in which case it is almost summer) here in DC, but seeing as it's getting a whole lot on the brrr chilly side, I thought today was the perfect day to get all loved up on warmer climes.

Happily, I stumbled across this mixtape so thoughtfully and lovingly put together by LET faves Violens. Simply enter in your email address in the appropriate blanks and get not one but two mixtape links in return, full of goodies to help you retain some summer warmth featuring Dead Can Dance, Nite Jewel, and others. Oh, and Violens, of course.

mp3: Violent Sensation Descends (Violens from Amoral)

Video Vixens: Violent Sensation Descends by Violens

Hey, kids, all ready for Halloween? Have you burned and memorized The Greatest Zombie Mixtape You Ever Will Hear yet? Ready for some more scary stuff?

The guys in Violens just sent us the video for their song "Violent Sensation Descend." Directed by Alejandro Cardenas, it is the first video from Violens' debut full-length Amoral, out November 9 on Friendly Fire Recordings.

Violent Sensation Descends from Violens on Vimeo.

As if the dead chick weren't enough, this one has the boys dressed as PRIESTS, too, obviously the scariest of all monsters. Spooky, eh, kids?

mp3: Violent Sensation Descend (Violens from Amoral)