"The Asteroid has Landed": INTERVIEW with Robin and Johannes of Asteroid & SONG PREMIERE of "Wolf & Snake"

The Asteroid has landed with new album “III”, it has been almost 7 years since their well-renowned second album ‘II’ was released and the band are back with their most polished, solid record to date. For well over a decade, Asteroid, one of the scenes leading lights in the heavy psych community and with a sound firmly rooted in the hard-hitting field of stoner rock the third instalment in Asteroid’s spectacular ascendancy is a hugely diverse record and shows the advanced musicianship between the band, blending all kinds of stoner rock and fuzz.

This is a band who are firmly on the rise to the top and know exactly how to get there. Armed with one of the best releases of 2016, Jake Wallace caught up with band for a quick interview and if that wasn’t enough we have an exclusive stream of “Wolf & Snake”, which you can stream and share at the end of this article. 

SL: Hi guys, thanks for taking the time to do this interview. How are you guys doing today?

Robin & Johannes: Hey! Well actually I'm a little bit sick at the moment, got a bad cough after the last tour. But it's getting better so next week it's buissiness as usual.

SL: Your new record 'III' is a phenomenal album as I highlighted in my review for The Sludgelord. The first thing I’d like to ask is how the idea for the artwork came about?

R & J: Thank you very much, we are very proud of how it turned out. The art work for the album was put together by the amazing Mr Jerker Josefsson, who also worked with us on our new merchandise. We were throwing around ideas for the cover and came up with a couple of different concepts. This being one of them and actually the first one we tried. The photo turned out so good we didn't even try the other ideas...

SL: Can you give an overview on the main thought process for the album and which direction you wanted to take the music in comparison to your second album?

R & J: There has never been a main thought behind any of the albums. As soon as two or three songs come together, the rest of them sort of come natural and fill in the gaps of what we think is needed to make an album feel complete. It's very important that an album has a flow to it, ups and downs, ins and outs.

SL: Who were your main musical influences for the style of the songs on 'III'?

R & J: Hehe, I think we have the same influences as we've always had, we've just gotten better at making the songs sound the way we want them to.

SL: How do the songs usually come about? Does it begin with a guitar riff or do the lyrics set the theme for the music?

R &J: It can be any number of things. A guitar riff, a drum beat or a lyric. My phone is full of 10 second riffs or just me humming something. It can come from anywhere. I've used lines my friends and family say for lyrics and some have started from a beat I got from a machine. Most of “II” was written when I worked with Elvis at a printers standing across from an old cast-iron machine doing different rhythmic patterns. The mind starts to make up fun stuff when you do something monotonous.

SL: Was it a difficult process to write and record this album or did you find it to be manageable?

R & J: A bit, yes. We didn't have as much time to write and rehearse the songs as we did with “II”. So we had to do things a little different this time. The last song was actually written and recorded when everything else was already done. We have our good friend Mr Philip Saxin, who mixed and mastered the album, to thank for making it sound as good as it does! But it was hard work getting it done in time for sure.

SL: Asteroid is now a very well-known name in the world of stoner/fuzz rock, did you ever think you would achieve such recognition?

R & J: When me and Johannes started the band back in 2004 we didn't think much more of it than any other time you've started a band when drunk. So now, almost 12 year later, it feels very cool to still be able to make music that people find enjoyable. We never thought we would end up where we are today.

SL: What is the music scene like in Sweden? Were there many other bands playing similar music when you were first starting out?

R & J: When we started we were kind of the "odd man out"... Only a hand full of bands in Sweden were doing similar stuff and it was tough getting people to understand what the hell we were doing. When people don't understand something, they tend to get a bit uncomfortable, so it took some time o find our audience.

SL: What has been your most memorable gig/festival to date and where would be the ultimate venue to play?

R & J: Well that's a hard one... I remember one gig when we first started out, playing at a high school senior dance. Talk about being out of place! The weird ones always stand out. Utimate venue... Hm, hard to say. I like it when people dance and sing along to the songs, so I guess anywhere where people are happy and enjoying themselves.

SL: What bands are you guys listening to at the minute? Who is the hottest talent in the genre today?

R & J: Well our friends in Blues Pills are great, Dorian was kind enough to lay down a solo for the album. Uncle Acid & The Dead Beats are good to, as well as Kadavar. Not to mention the darling lads in Limestone Whale, whom we spent the last couple of weeks on tour with.

SL: What is the future for the band? Where do you see yourselves in 5 years time?

R & J: I guess we'll keep making music and exploring what we can do, keep moving forward. We'd love to be able to do this for a living, but as you know that's not easy these days. We've started booking for next year and we're gonna try to visit a lot more places we've never been. And new music is on the horizon as well. But first we 're gonna spread the gospel of Asteroid “III”.

SL: Cheers for taking the time to chat, I wish you guys all the best in the future!

R & J: Thanks, it's been a pleasure. All the best to you all.

The End

Band info: facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Asteroid - "III"

By: Jake Wallace

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 11/11/2016
Label: Fuzzorama Records

It is a hugely diverse record and shows the advanced musicianship between the band, blending all kinds of stoner rock and fuzz. This is a band who are firmly on the rise to the top and know exactly how to get there. One of the best releases of 2016 without a doubt.

“III” CD//DD//LP Track listing

1). Pale Moon
2). Last Days
3). Til' Dawn
4). Wolf & Snake
5). Silver & Gold
6). Them Calling
7). Mr. Strange

The Review:

The Asteroid has landed. Swedish heavy psych giants Asteroid have set the release date for their highly-anticipated third album for 11th November through Fuzzorama Records. It has been almost 7 years since their well-renowned second album ‘II’ was released and the band are back with their most polished, solid record to date. A 7-track album following the naming trend of its predecessors, this is Asteroid - ‘III’.

Firstly, the album artwork is strikingly brilliant. Whoever is in charge of the design and creative direction of Asteroid deserves credit for an unbelievably eye-catching and vintage styled arrangement of their instruments taking pride of place as the album cover.

The album kicks off with ‘Pale Moon’ delivering a thick, rumbling bass line which gives way to some eerie psychedelic slide-guitar work. It has a triumphant sounding vibe with lots of dark nuances that give it a truly evil sound. It also has a somewhat spacey feel, with effects playing their part in the backdrop towards the end as the song comes to a close.

‘Last Days’ is the second track from the album and was the first track that was publicly released on Bandcamp by the band after announcing the news of the record coming out this fall. The intro has some nice big chords and paves the way for what’s to come as the vibe changes abruptly. Robin Hirse’s vocals begin as the song slows down and takes on a very similar vocal feel to Alice in Chain’s late great vocalist Layne Staley in ‘Love/Hate/Love’. Memories of the opening track, ‘The Great Unknown’, from their first release are also re-kindled in this track. The guitar effects bring some very unique sounds to the table and the drum breakdowns are instrumental in making those parts as hard-hitting as they are around the 3:40 mark. The chord section comes back round again at 4:06 and reminds me of a Dead Meadow or Screaming Trees kind of feel. Two tracks in and we already have a diverse selection of music and it’s evident that Asteroid haven’t rushed into their song writing, it was most certainly worth the wait.

The third track ’Til Dawn’ rips back into the classic stoner rock style that we know and love Asteroid for. Their dynamic skill of switching from fuzzed riffs to beautiful, clean sounds is remarkable and they flit effortlessly between the two styles. The middle-end section slows down and each chord is powerfully punched out with some impeccable harmonised vocal parts between Hirse and Johannes Nilsson on bass. Drummer Jimmi Kohlscheen stands out on this final section as the drums are building in power and ferocity as the track climaxes before winding down with ease and ending on another sweet, clean chord.

‘Wolf & Snake’ has a very mellow vibe and reminds me of something that should be played as the sun sets on the beach at the infamous Dunajam Festival. This specific style of stoner rock is extremely pure and incorporates both the calm, mellow vibes and the earth-shaking fuzz. The intro section reminds me a lot of bands like Colour Haze and Sungrazer although Asteroid have their own brand of heavy psych and it’s still incredibly unique. At the 2:00 mark, the song takes off with a blasting rhythm section and some lead parts from Hirse, showcasing his searing guitar abilities. The drums and bass are extremely tight and give Hirse a blank canvas to let rip. Near the 3:50 mark, the tempo drops and the fuzz doubles and we’re witnesses to a crushing, sludgy section. The final outro section is another sharp contrast with clean guitar playing some beautiful sounds.

‘Silver & Gold’ begins with a slow, angelic sounding guitar section before the vocals come in and bring so much to the sound. This track stands out on its own and its superb blend of layered vocals and guitar, gives it that kind of Tarantino movie soundtrack feel, definitely one of my favourite songs on the album.

The penultimate song ‘Them Calling’ takes things back up a few fuzz gears and we’re dropped into an Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats style riff which just rumbles on ferociously throughout the song. It also has elements of the late Graveyard from Sweden. Around 3:35 they flick on the ‘evil’ switch and the riff gets steeped in gloom.

The final track ‘Mr Strange’ makes use of some awesome guitar harmonies to begin with before progressing into a lighter sounding, almost Zeppelin-esque section. Around 3:20 the vibe changes again and we have another killer, thumping riff with some spaced out lead guitar dodging and diving through the mix. The end section has some chanting vocals which go extremely well with the harmonies and it all blends into a perfect stoner rock package.

‘III’ is a masterpiece of an album from a band who need no introduction or a manual on how to create masterpieces. It is a hugely diverse record and shows the advanced musicianship between the band, blending all kinds of stoner rock and fuzz. This is a band who are firmly on the rise to the top and know exactly how to get there. One of the best releases of 2016 without a doubt.

“III” is available here

Band info: facebook

FFO: Colour Haze, Graveyard, Sungrazer, Dead Meadow

ALBUM REVIEW: Truckfighters - "V"

By: Kat Hilton

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 30/09/2016
Label: Fuzzorama Records |
Century Media Records

All in all, a solid offering; a sound that is current; one that rocks effortlessly and one that proves regardless of line-up changes Truckfighters continue to be strong.

“V” CD//DD//LP Track listing

01. Calm Before The Storm

02. Hawkshaw

03. The 1

04. Gehenna

05. The Contract

06. Fiend

07. Storyline

The Review:

With just 7 tracks lasting a smudge over 47 minutes and fresh drummer blood; Truckfighters offer their fifth studio album, “V” (I see what you did there you sneaky sods), a journey on their evolutionary path towards maturity that requires one to switch off pre conceptions, ideas and judgement and requires the plugging in of headphones and a nice chilled beverage of choice.

Having said that in all honesty “Calm Before the Storm” left me underwhelmed, I still cannot pinpoint why, it shouldn’t have done. With its Tool-esque intro, swarthy attitude and an ending which is fuzzier than a tumble dryer’s lint trap I should have loved it but it wobbled me a little. Fear ye not! “Hawkshaw” is the second little ditty and quite frankly knocks the spots of the previous number. A powerful bass and drum intro eases the lugholes to an immense fuzz injection that hits the spot superbly. With ever flowing peaks and troughs of 0-100 mph in seconds it is Truckfighers mastery.    

As track 3, “The 1”, makes its way through there is another line-up change with Peter Damin taking the drums; although subtle, there is a difference- believe it or not more cymbals…who knew that was possible! “The 1” is a classic Truckfigthers number; slightly distorted vocals, smooth riffs and an ear blowing assault of a chorus make it so. For the energy alone it is a clear contender for stand out song of the album. “Gehenna” the fuzz gives way to possibly the most satisfying drum roll in existence making this a veritable time warp of a tune; turning back time it is akin to listening to “Gravity X” all over again. Ok so not as prog like, but the mesmerising vocals and pacey guitar stand it proud.

As “The Contract” makes its debut with its thundering bass/drum play off building the track to the properly heavy levels needed; the thick and fuzzy strings crawl over the senses entwining with the chaotic drums, it kinda shouldn’t work but it does. It be prog/sludge/fudge/aceballness.

“Fiend” is the penultimate track; cheeky, pacey and even more drum rolling perfection make this a fantastic number. Off all the superbly vocalised songs Ozo has done, this is the one that demonstrates the incredible range and versatility he has. The ending can only be described as a co-ordinated pissing contest as the sound increases, the drums hammer more, the vocals step up, the guitars get beefier. Everything makes this a superb ending.

Last but no means least “Storyline” has an instant shift in style and sound; the vocals are the dominant force here. Melodious, gravelly and solid. On one hand an easy, relaxed and somewhat calm offering, on the other a hard core Truckfighters number that shakes the listener to the core. What a delicious juxtaposition.  All in all, a solid offering; a sound that is current; one that rocks effortlessly and one that proves regardless of line-up changes Truckfighters continue to be strong.

“V” is available here

Band info: official || facebook

Valley of the Sun - "Volume Rock" (Album Review) & Exclusive Stream of "Speaketh The Shaman"

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 29/04/2016

Label: Fuzzorama Records

Now left to their own devices, Ryan and Aaron have managed to sail their ship to areas previously unexplored, refining their sound in the process. They are no longer a band that just plugs in and blasts; there’s a sense consciousness here like they took their time. And though they still blast speakers open, they do so not only with purpose but also tact.

“Volume Rock” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Eternal Forever

2). Wants and Needs

3). The Hunt

4). Land of Fools

5). I Breathe the Earth

6). Speaketh the Shaman

7). Beneath the Veil

8). Solstice

9). Empty Vision

The Review:

The power, riffs, and melodies that came flying at us on 2014’s “Electric Talons of the Thunderhawk” were insatiable. Valley of the Sun has supported the hell out of this album, touring The United States and Europe, both with and without Truckfighters. Every time the band took to the stage and played songs like “Centaur Rodeo” or “Maya,” they left crowds sweaty, exhausted, and exhilarated. This spring we get to do it all over again because Valley of the Sun will do more tours in celebration of the release of their newest ass-kicker “Volume Rock.”

With the bass drum right out in front of the crunchy, shiny guitars and an elaborate vocal show running on their heels, the album’s name does nothing more than state the obvious. In all honesty, Valley of the Sun’s dusty debut EP or kick-in-the-teeth follow up could have gone by the same name, so the title doesn’t really let us in on anything we didn’t already know. If we let the songs speak for themselves, however, then it’s clear that Valley of the Sun continue to keep up their loud reputation while they develop into a full-fledged rock band with depth; both in song and soul.

The two opening cuts couple hard verses and even harder choruses together. It’s a tip of the hat to “Electric Talons…” making it clear that Valley of the Sun still spit blood and leave marks everywhere they go. A simple formula at face value, but with the right guys laying down the tracks, the results can be massive. Luckily Aaron and Ryan – on drums and guitar/bass/vocals respectively – are the right guys.

The next few tracks take the speed down a touch which makes room for the riffs to breathe and the songs have more of shape because of it. “Speaketh the Shaman” marches on steadily with a stop and go riff while the lyrics tell a story of shamans, which may have some sort of connection with the teachings of Don Juan. Then comes the chorus, a firm knock to the jaw filled with “woo-ooo!” greatness. “Land of Fools” and “Breathe the Earth” kind of follow suit, filling out Valley of the Sun’s sound with a bluesy aesthetic – there’s sadness in these songs – before returning to something more in line with the band’s previous work.

The ferociousness of the band comes back in “The Hunt,” a high speed chase with plenty of layers of vocals and more “oo-ooo”’s that race against the beat of the song. In “Wants and Needs” Ryan sings “you’re all that I know, all I want to be, all I need” to Aaron’s raucous drum beat, and even though the lyrics are probably referring to some lady somewhere in the world, I can’t help but feel that Ryan is also singing about his ambitions to be in a band that tumbles down a path of aggressive, upbeat rock n’ roll. And if there’s any doubt in my mind about this double meaning was an accident, it’s debunked immediately by the classic guitar solo that bridges the two halves of the song.

It’s not only the difference between fast and slow that gets explored during the ten tracks on “Volume Rock.” The vocal performance includes a few more layers, a role that Aaron might have to fill in during the live setting. The band lost their bassist, too, who not only was a founding member but also an integral part of the songwriting process. Now left to their own devices, Ryan and Aaron have managed to sail their ship to areas previously unexplored, refining their sound in the process. They are no longer a band that just plugs in and blasts; there’s a sense consciousness here like they took their time. And though they still blast speakers open, they do so not only with purpose but also tact. Whether this is to be chocked up to a new band chemistry is unclear, but the fact remains that Valley of the Sun have done some self-reflection; they’ve learned how to work and read a crowd and have put this to use by making an album that not only satisfies them but also all those folks who are going to head out and work up neck injuries during the band’s next European tour. 

“Volume Rock” is available here

Band info: facebook || bandcamp 

Deville - "Make it Belong to Us" (Album Review)

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 13/11/2015

Label: Fuzzorama Records

These tracks may not blow minds but when a good riff is a good riff, there shouldn’t be anyone complaining. And yes, these are good riffs. This streamlined approach may hold Deville back from making year-end lists but that doesn’t take away from how confident Deville is on this album.

“Make it Belong to Us” CD//DD//LP track listiting:

1). Make it belong to me

2). Chief

3). Out of the black

4). Mind on hold

5). Lever

6). Drive

7). Life in decay

8). Dying to feel

9). Reflecting surface

10). What remains

The Review:

With the hook capacity of Foo Fighters and the melancholy good times of QOTSA, Swedish four-piece Deville have laid down a rollicking new album named “Make it Belong to Us.” Having stepped up the grit in their distortion and toned down the polished sound from their previous effort, this album – out now on Fuzzorama Records – is an enjoyable slice of European stoner rock. Deville comes across here as believable, honest, and certainly likeable. Admittedly, there are few surprises on “Make it Belong to Us,” but they have the licks to boot which makes this album a good one to take along on your next Friday night on the town.

Deville’s semi-title track “Make it Belong to Me” leads off the album by putting tight riffing, huge drums, and steady vocals on display. The rest of the record follows suit. For 37 minutes, Deville delivers a set of ten tough tunes rooted firmly in the here and now, driven by strong, pro-noun happy choruses. These tracks may not blow minds but when a good riff is a good riff, there shouldn’t be anyone complaining. And yes, these are good riffs. This streamlined approach may hold Deville back from making year-end lists but that doesn’t take away from how confident Deville is on this album.

This confidence exudes itself in a variety of ways. The chorus in “Out of the Black” for example, was made for a crowd to let loose to. This penchant for melody is also found in “Lever” and “Drive,” which are prime examples of how a strong verse makes a good chorus that much better. “Dying to Feel” is rather innocuous on the surface but so deliciously infectious that in some ways makes it the highlight of the album. As a flip side to these strong choruses, Deville also delivers “Life in Decay,” whose instrumental chorus sets the stage perfectly for one of the album’s hookiest verses. With all this, it’s no surprise that Fuzzorama has added these guys to their ever growing roster of fuzzrock bands.

“Make is Belong to Us” is available here

Band info: facebook

We Hunt Buffalo - ‘Living Ghosts’ (Album Review)

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full-Length

Date Released: 25/09/2015

Label: Fuzzorama Records

What they do is fresh, a new take on heavy riffery. Whether it’s the blood curdling screams in 'Prairie Oyster' or how 'Hold On' lures in prey with a delicate falsetto grip of death, these guys know how to take control. 'Comatose'.  The result is that We Hunt Buffalo has crafted a record with equal parts Nordic heavy and Californian sun to sound unique enough to turn heads yet remain indebted enough to their predecessors to be instantly recognizable.

‘Living Ghosts’ CD//DD track listing:

1. Ragnarok
2. Back To The River
3. Prairie Oyster
4. Hold On
5. Comatose
6. Fear
7. The Barrens
8. Looking Glass
9. Walk Again

We Hunt Buffalo is:

Ryan Forsythe | Vocals/Guitar
Brendan Simpson | Bass/Vocals
Brandon Carter | Drums/Vocals

The Review:

The school of stoner rock takes about four years to graduate from. As a graduate, you will be presented with a piece of paper that confirms your willingness to party, get high, and somehow manage to scrape by. Whether my statements are based on personal experiences or not - replace 'stoner rock' with 'economics' or whatever it was that you studied - there are always those students who excelled and did what was expected of them. Such is the case with We Hunt Buffalo, a band from Canada who hit their stride somewhere in the curriculum's third year during their study abroad program in Sweden when Dozer, Truckfighters, and local history were discussed.

Their first assignment was to write a song that drew inspiration from these bands. 'Back to the River' was the result, earning We Hunt Buffalo a pretty high grade for the assignment. 'These are evil times' Forsythe proclaims in the chorus before continuing with, 'we are the ones who know much better, stop and realign.' With this, Dozer is felt down to the bone in tone, feel, and most of all, delivery, but considering Dozer already exists, it’s forgivable if the first reaction here is to move on. However, if the lines in the chorus are taken in as a testament that We Hunt Buffalo want to be associated with Nordic heavy rock while carving themselves a niche just the same, then it’s the listener who will be rewarded.

The reward is that We Hunt Buffalo make a damn good attempt at showing that they might know better - or at least differently - in doing what the Swedes are already pretty good at. What they do is fresh, a new take on heavy riffery. Whether it’s the blood curdling screams in 'Prairie Oyster' or how 'Hold On' lures in prey with a delicate falsetto grip of death, these guys know how to take control. 'Comatose' boasts a CKY kind of drama by way of an outer-space Fu Manchu guitar lick, and the theatrical vocals in 'The Barrens' is a surprising success, adding more tension to a record that is already thick to begin with. The result is that We Hunt Buffalo has crafted a record with equal parts Nordic heavy and Californian sun to sound unique enough to turn heads yet remain indebted enough to their predecessors to be instantly recognizable.

‘Living Ghosts’ is available here

FFO: Dozer, Truckfighters, Fu Manchu

Band info: official | facebook | twitter

Live Review: Witchrider / White Miles / Truckfighters @ Sound Control, Manchester, UK. 11th November 2014

Truckfighters Live Review
Sound Control 11^th November 2014
Support from White Miles and Witchrider

In the basement of Manchester’s Sound Control, things are eerily quiet. Outside traffic revs, people bustle, a train thunders past, rattling along the tracks. Inside however, Ozo and a smattering of other tour crew members mill about, almost in complete silence, casually arranging the merch stand and loading gear onto the make-shift stage. It’s only an hour or so before the doors are flung open and fans – and a shivering draft – flood into the basement, a room usually reserved for club nights.

Tonight a stage has been assembled in one corner of this humble room, with the Truckfighters’ drum kit perched high above the rest of the stage slotted in the only real place there’s room for it. Pillars stand throughout the room, a small sound desk positioned towards the back with a bar running adjacent to the stage.

By the time Witchrider take to stage, the room still feels very much empty. There was no real rush of people as the doors opened, but those who did arrive early are treated to a solid set from the Austrian occult-tinged rockers; a band who are showing a real, distinct promise. Embarking on their first tour outside of their homeland, they deliver their set with a confident but never cocky swagger, front man Daniel conveying that same, striking bolshiness ever-prevalent in Josh Homme.

Their songs are wrapt in an aura, as hazy as it is nightmarish, that is simply impossible to ignore. From the gorgeous and melodious peaks of ‘Far From You’ sung with real heart - to the frantic fuzziness of ‘She Devil’ and the hip-shaking strut of ‘Witch-Hunt’, you find yourself wrapped around their sound. Guitarist HP peppers leading nuances atop clever stoner rock rhythms; these are songs that are tailor made to be blared out in a whisky stained strip club. One of 2014’s finest new acts.

Fellow Austrians – although they’ll lead you to believe that they’re from Madagascar for some unknown reason – White Miles pick up where Witchrider left of, albeit to a much fuller room. A two piece consisting of guitarist/vocalist Medina Rekic and drummer Hansjörg Loferer, they come bursting from the seams with an unbridled energy surpassing that of a birthday party of sugar-addled children. Medina launches herself across the stage, wrestling with her Telecaster as if it was trying to kill her. Hansjörg meanwhile pummelled the living crap out of his kit.

Sonically they were raw and unkempt. Feedback, a dirty tone and the harshness of the vocals only added themselves admirably to the chaos of it all. It was like getting attacked by sandpaper, it was rough and it really fucking hurt, but in a sadistic way you bloody loved it.

Their energy was infectious. By the time they stumbled off stage, their limbs flopping about like strawberry laces, smiles beaming on their faces, you couldn’t have been any more pumped for the main attraction.

The Truckfighters’ Fuzzomentary that tells the story of how the band turns into fuzz monsters every time they step out on stage, as it turns out, isn’t quite the work of fictitious wonder you lead yourself to believe. Bare-chested, guitarist Dango looks like the evil twin brother of Airbourne’s Joel O’Keefe, a twin brother they locked away from civilised eyes in the attic, where he became feral, living off mice and whatever other unlucky sods crawl about up there. Drummer Enzo looks like a giant behind his kit. He is a true entertainer too, spinning his sticks, whipping out little bits of wizardry throughout the show. Ozo is a little bit more composed, more serene, delivering his vocals with a slightly more unassuming passion. Collectively, you can tell their one and a half decades together have seen them grown tighter than a duck’s arse.     

Set opener ‘Desert Cruiser’ is a huge surprise, with most expecting to hear something from ‘Universe’ first. It delighted every single fucker in the room, turning the place into a party at the flick of a switch. What unfurled for the next hour or so was fuzz rock majesty.

‘The Chairman’ and ‘Get Lifted’ were astounding, the crowd firmly behind every note. You couldn’t keep Dango still as he ran rampantly around the stage, into the crowd, pulling crazy faces and, in all, proving, for those dismissive of academia and expansive research, that we are all indeed descended from apes.

It was fun, messy, energetic and, just as it was with White Miles, completely and utterly infectious. Ebola has absolutely nothing on Truckfighters. What a night.    

Words: Phil Weller
Photos: Phil Goddard