Few
bands have had quite same impact as Pallbearer over the last 6 years. New
LP “Heartless” saw
the Arkansas quartet complete their journey from underground doom
heroes to all-conquering titans of the genre. Nearly 18 months after the release of “Heartlesss”, Pallbearer have toured
relentlessly and perhaps when it was thought there was nowhere else to roam,
the band are set to hit the UK this coming Monday 16th July 2018,
with five dates including a spot at Bloodstock. Recently I
caught with Joe Rowland (bass) from the band, to discuss music, (what else) but
more importantly albums from his birth to the present day. Check it below.
SL: Favourite album from the year you were born?
Joe
Rowland: I had never really kept mental tabs on this so I had to a quick
internet search, and much to my delight I discovered a few that certainly
rank very highly (Jesus and Mary Chain’s
‘Psychocandy’, Sisters of Mercy’s
‘First and Last and Always’ and ‘Hounds of Love’ by Kate Bush)
but there is a clear winner here for me: ‘No
Jacket Required’ — I am and always will be an unabashed Phil Collins fan. Starting
with my dad showing me a live Genesis tape when I was
a very young child, I immediately developed an affinity for his music, and I
can’t even count how many times I’ve listened to this album. I don’t care if
it’s not cool, as seems to be the pervading opinion nowadays. Phil Collins forever!
SL: First album you bought with your own money?
JR:
The first album I bought was a CD of some classical music. I don’t even
remember what it was! At that point in my childhood it had been determined by
the powers that be that it was against the rules in my household to listen to
anything other than classical music. Once I had my driver’s license all bets
were off though, and I committed the ultimate act of rebellion by going out and
buying ‘My Own Prison’ by Creed on CD. Bonus answer, my first vinyl album that I
purchased not too terribly long after that was ‘The Argument’ by Fugazi, which I’m
pleased to say is significantly less questionable (although Creed is still good
for a laugh from time to time, I’m not going to lie!)
SL: Favourite non metal / rock album?
JR:
This is a tough question… and my answer will possibly also be my answer to the
following question as well. I’d have to go with ‘Hosianna Mantra’ by Popol Vuh. Popol Vuh is my personal favourite and overall most
influential artist I would have to say. This album, despite not having my #1 Popol Vuh song on it, is utterly transcendent and I strive
to inch closer and closer to making music that is as emotive and affective as
this album makes me feel.
Runners
up (at the moment)
Popol Vuh, ‘Heart of Glass’
Brian Eno, ‘Ambient 4: On Land’
Klaus Schulze, ‘Moondawn’
SL: Favourite album of all time:
JR:
I’ll mention my favourite METAL and Rock albums of all time here:
For
metal, it’s ‘Mob Rules’ by Black Sabbath. It’s perfect, I love everything about the
riffs, Dio’s performance, Geezer’s bass playing and tone are 10/10. It’s just a
great record that has a lot of “fuck yeah” gratifying moments on it. It’s also
one of the greatest records to have drunk singalongs to! It’s an emotional
rollercoaster, especially ending on the massively sorrowful ‘Over and Over’.
For
rock, it’s ‘Red’ by King Crimson. This almost defies explanation; it’s such an
interesting record, I remember first listening to it and kind of marvelling at
how raw it is. Three of the greatest players in relatively recent history,
playing what to me is truly emotionally primal music. It’s not polished, but it
is very real. It sounds to me to be quite different from the opulent and
grandiose sound achieved by many of the other figureheads of prog rock of that
time perhaps even rock and roll in general in 1974. There is just something
much more mean at work here. And it’s also got that same sort of tragic ending
that I enjoyed in equal measure on ‘Mob
Rules’.
SL:Favourite album of 2018?
JR:
It hasn’t been released yet, but I’ve heard the new Deadbird
album coming out on 20 Buck Spin, and it is
easily my favourite thing I’ve heard this year.
SL:...And finally The last album you bought?
JR:
I recently picked up vinyl copies of Craig Leon ‘Nommos’ as well as Steve Roach ‘Empetus’
(two great 80’s synth records if anyone is curious.) Sadly I have not had the
chance to spin them on my home hi-fi system yet, but I’m looking forward to
some time off the road to immerse myself!
Pallbearer will be touring the UK from July
16th - 19th – tickets are available HERE.
July
16th – London, The Underworld
July
17th – Glasgow, Stereo
July
18th – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
July
19th – Bristol, Fleece
Aug
12th - Bloodstock
