Quando se coloca o primeiro EP do Leaf, quarteto de Los Angeles, a impressão direta que se tem é que o "A Stormy in Heaven" do Verve e o "Raise" do Swervedriver se fundiram e o nascimento dessa cria é justamente "Nothing Seems Real".
Guitarradas, viagens, noise, fuzz, sonhos, distorções tudo em doses cavalares, pra todo e qualquer fã de shoegaze e barulho abrir um sorriso de ponta a ponta.
Faça um favor a você mesmo, dê play imediatamente e escute no volume máximo, Leaf é foda.
***** Interview with Leaf *****
Q. When did LEAF start? Tell us about the history...
Well LEAF started a few years back. I worked on a job with Phil (bass) and we started talking about music. We realized how many bands we dug. I really wanted to start a new band at the time. I also wanted to do a band that brought back a more 90's shoegaze/psych sound. Phil of course was into the same thing. Phil knew of a drummer, his name is Chris. After sitting in a bar with Chris LEAF was formed. For a few rehearsals we were a 4 piece with me just singing. That didn't pan out and I moved to playing guitar and singing. We were a 3 piece with Chris on drums for quite awhile. Played quite a few shows and recorded our first demo with Steve Kille (Dead Meadow). Shortly after we recorded we then decided to add a 2nd guitarist. JK (James Killington) from The Killingtons and Silent Generation stepped in on 2nd guitar. Due to Chris's schedule Chris left LEAF. Fortunately JK said he would be down to play drums. So we were back to being a 3 piece. So after realizing what we were writing was beginning to need a 2nd guitarist. This is where Andrew (Crystal Antlers) started. Well due to JK schedule with his other band, JK decided to focus on them. Well as quick as we lost JK we found Brandon (The Orphans). Andrew and Brandon have been friends and have also played in other bands together. Well after our first rehearsal I felt this was it. The line up I hoped for since Phil and I started LEAF. So LEAF is now Phil Shelly-Bass, Andrew King-Guitar, Brandon Werts-Drums, Mark Starr-Guitar/Vocals
Q: Who are your influences?
Swervedriver, My Bloody Valentine, Dinosaur Jr, The Verve, Spiritualized, Bailter Space, Sonic Youth, The Stooges
Q. Make a list of 5 albuns of all time…
Haha I always love this question because it's a very difficult one to answer. I mean I have way more then 5 albums of all time. I'm sure that's why people have 25, 50 or 100 on there list. Anyway I've been playing music a long time so my list is my list of all time in relation to LEAF. Though they are and always be my faves.
Swervedriver - Raise This album changed me completely. I was already diving into the whole Shoegaze music by the time this album came out. My hardcore band (Insight) had just broken up so having this album helped me know what I wanted to do next.
Dinosaur Jr - You're Living All Over Me Wow to have this record come out during the punk/hardcore days of my youth!! J's fuzzed out leads, lazy vocals and Lou's driving bass just blew my mind. It was so different to me and I just loved it and still love Dinosaur!!!
My Bloody Valentine - Loveless Again another perfect album to have come out and give me endless inspiration of pure genius sounds!! Still to this day amazed at the sounds Kevin Shields gets.
The Stooges - Funhouse I love the meatiness to this whole record. The groove of this record keeps you wanting more with every song!! The guitar riffs are so brilliant and sexy!
The Verve- A Storm In Heaven I never get sick of this record and the singles that came out with this album. The groove of Simon's bass and the delay of Nick's Space Echo is so inspirational for LEAF. The simplicity to the dreamy groove that they have is just amazing. Seeing them the first time they came to America just blew me away. Still a favorite
Q. How do you feel playing live?
Honestly I always feel nervous when playing live. I have the worst anxiety. I like to be by myself before I play. Which I feel bad about but I have to get into a zone. I'm a freak
Q. How do you describe LEAF sounds?
Fuzz, Dreamy, Swirling, Loud driving music. I don't know how would you describe it? Haha
Q: Tell us about the process of recording the songs ?
We were lucky enough to record with Micah Panzich (Paperplanes). He has a great studio and we're very pleased with the results. Though I can always add more or change this or that. I enjoy recording. I just always want to add more but sometimes budget doesn't allow it.
Q. Which new bands do you recommend?
Haha I'm the worst at who's new. There's so many bands that I get lost on who's who but here's some that may not be that new but I dig them La Hell Gang, Highlands, The Cosmic Dead, With The Dead, Whirr, Nothing, Sink Tapes, A Place To Bury Strangers I'm sure there's more and I'll think of bands as I send this off
Q: Which band would you love to made a cover version of?
That's tough for me because there's so much but I want it to sound like LEAF. I've thought of a few but just haven't figured out to make it us yet. Plus I honestly just have too many I want to do.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
We hope to get some vinyl issued. Anyone interested please contact us. I want us to get over to europe. Play festivals wherever they may be going on. Get to Brazil. Of course go in and record some more.
Q: Any parting words?
Thanks for asking us to do this interview!!! Keep in contact!
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Thanks
https://leaflosangeles.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/leafheavynoisela
