Gotta love those Liars, the most interesting band to come out of the turn-of-the-century NY rock scene that begat the Strokes and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Not only do they continue to turn out stellar LPs like 2006's Drum's Not Dead (Mute), they are freakin' amazingly powerful live. Magnetic frontman Angus Andrew fielded a few e-mailed questions earlier this week - you can peer at him yourself when the band headlines at Slim's, Friday, Jan. 25.
SFBG: So what's new with Liars?
Angus Andrew: We've just finished a brief but much-needed break from touring. Being let back in the world after so long on the road can be shocking and exhilarating. What is Zoey 101? Who is Hannah Montana? What are they eating in Boston? I guess you could say we've been immersing ourselves in culture, but more specifically, it has enveloped us.
SFBG: The last time I talked to you, Angus, you were about to move to Berlin, i believe. What's happened in the interim?
AA: Yes, I moved to Berlin, and we recorded our last two albums there. It's a great city that's energized in some ways by its dark history and the need to prove itself otherwise. In Berlin, quite apart from Germany, there is no economy, but rather an overcompensation of humanity.
SFBG: The band has put on such powerful shows of late. How do you approach live performance, each night - or overall?
AA: The stages, the spaces, the cities are all so different and influential - it's important to take them into account every night. It becomes part of the performance, I think - the atmosphere. Still, we certainly do try to create things that can work and apply to any situation. Unfortunately, these things just don't always work and/or apply.
SFBG: The last time I saw the group at the Bottom of the Hill, you were wearing a skirt and stalking the stage and stripping down. What was your live strategy at the time? How has it changed - if it has?
AA: The idea of any "live strategy" is probably overestimating Liars' strategic awareness. Our band and its performances function more from being impulsive and visceral than from being conscious or deliberate. I suppose it's possible to imagine my motivation for "wearing a skirt and stalking the stage and stripping down." It's probable I felt too masculine.
SFBG: How would you describe Liars' musical approach these days?
AA: We seem to be exploring the fundamental. Having initially begun making music utilizing sound over notes and ideas rather than songs, it's interesting for us to approach it now somewhat more conventionally. It's weird, but it feels way more challenging and experimental right now for us to examine the more traditional and popular approaches to songwriting.
SFBG: What's coming up in the future?
AA: Still a chunk of touring left to do in the US and Europe, after which I expect us to congregate in Los Angeles for the preparation of our next album. But slowly, slowly.
SFBG: What are you listening to right now?
AA: Wu-Tang's new album, Devendra's new album, Babyshambles new album, the Smiths, Nico.
SFBG: Any new year's wishes - or truths or lies?
AA: Well, here's a truth. I've just put my back out. Can't really walk. I went to a chiropractor who wears Vans. He "adjusted" my back but kept telling me to come back for more.
"But I have to play a show in San Francisco on Friday!" I said.
He looked sad. But offered, "I can come with you?"
"What good will that do? You've adjusted my spine five times now and no progress!"
He looked ashamed. "Well, I can write you a doctor's note"
Jeez. See you in SF, legs or no legs.
Liars play with No Age Fri/25, at Slim's, 333 11th St., SF. 9 p.m., $14-$16. (415) 522-0333.
digg •
del.icio.us •
sphere •
google
•
