Next, you'll have the chance to learn more about this band from Westport, WA, USA. I discovered them by chance while researching American underground bands (originally, they were called Soilent Green). For three unpretentious guys, the sound they bring is of extremely high quality... I've only published the best parts since the full interview (conducted via ICQ) became quite extensive, but there's still a lot of information here.
Note: Unfortunately, the band disbanded in 2003. I've left the interview up because they were the first band to be interviewed by the zine.
“DKANDLE weaves swirling multi-colored vibrant unearthly soundscapes, blending fuzzy and reverberating Shoegaze textures, mesmerizing Dream Pop meditations, sludgy Grungey tones and moody Post-punk strains, heightened with soul-stirring lyricism and pensive emotive vocalizations”
TRANZINE - Well, first of all, who's who in Soylint Green?
LEON - It's me, Lysol Leon Bowers on guitar and vocals, Lance Graham on bass, and Toad on drums.
TRANZINE - You're all teenagers, right? How old are you guys?
LEON - Toad and I are 16, and Lance is 17 (Note: Interview conducted in 1997).
TRANZINE - You must have noticed that the media is now focusing its attention on teenage bands like Silverchair, Radish, Symposium, Midget, etc. Do you think your chances will get better now, or will everything stay the same?
LEON - It's pretty much the same, or at least I haven't noticed any difference...
TRANZINE - How would you describe your music?
LEON - Probably just garage rock... In fact, it's hard to describe because we play a lot of different styles... For example, one song might be punk-rock while the next one might be of a heavier type...
TRANZINE - Why is your album called "Bored In The USA"?
LEON - Basically, our band was formed to escape boredom and try to get rid of the uninteresting things the rest of the people do here in Westport.
TRANZINE - How do you feel about the current 'electronica' trend in the USA?
LEON - I don't know, it seems like a lot of clubs in Seattle are turning into dance clubs... So, that's a little unconvincing, and the Seattle Music Magazine is focusing more on dance music and basically turning its back on the bands that made the magazine known in the first place.
TRANZINE - Do you know any Brazilian bands?
LEON - Isn't Sepualtura from Brazil?
TRANZINE - Do you mean Sepultura?...
LEON - Yeah, that's it. I'm not very good at spelling...
TRANZINE - It's okay... Yes, they are from Brazil. What was your best show?
LEON - Probably the one yesterday at the Capital Theater, there were about 150 people, and that's a very good number.
TRANZINE - Cool. Is your town close to Seattle?
LEON - I live about 20 miles from Aberdeen [Nirvana's hometown]. From Seattle, it's about a two-hour drive. Most of the time, we play in Olympia, where yesterday's show took place.
TRANZINE - What are your plans for the near future?
LEON - Sell as many CDs as possible, play in larger venues, maybe go on tour during spring and summer breaks.
TRANZINE - Do you think Cannabis should be legalized?
LEON - I don't see why not... It doesn't harm anyone. In Washington, there was a medical marijuana survey, and 48 percent voted in favor of it.
TRANZINE - The last question: is punk dead?
LEON - Well... the scene just needs a little more support. I'm sure now that punk isn't as big as before, the underground scene will become better.
LISTEN TO THE TRACK 'USELESS INVENTION' BELOW:
What did you think of the song? Did the kids have talent? Comment below
Edition #1
London, 1997
previous page: PLANET HEMP
next page: VIRUS ALERT! <FALSE ALARM> (EDITION #2)
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