Crobot | website | facebook | twitter |
By: Andy Little
They kick and punch like Rage Against the Machine, swagger like a funky Aerosmith on George Clinton vibes, while taking us out into the cosmos with diverse sci-fi inspired storytelling. We are talking about Pennsylvania groove thumpers Crobot who are slamming it over to Europe for a mixture of headline and support shows plus summer festival appearances in June. Further into the future they shall be unleashing their second album pencilled in for an Autumn release on Nuclear Blast Records. So we caught up with vocalist Brandon Yeagley who kindly reveals what to expect at the live shows, the bespoke new album, and a whole lot more.
(((o))): You have just announced a mini European tour this summer, including a couple of festival dates, and four dates in the UK. Are you planning on teasing us by showcasing a few songs from your new forthcoming album?
Brandon: Always! Don’t you know we love to tease? We are extremely excited to finally unveil these new sonic beasts in their native environment, the live show. We’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves that no one has heard. But, yes. Definitely expect some new tunes.
(((o))): Can you reveal further details about the forthcoming album? Where it was recorded? Who produced it? What is the title? When will it be released?
Brandon: Well, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That’s what we say. So, we went back and worked with The Machine. He relocated to Austin, which wasn’t an issue for us. We certainly enjoyed trading the winter weather of the northeast U.S. for the Texas heat from February to March. We were incredibly excited to hear that Alan Moulder, who has worked on some of our favourite albums of all time, would be mixing the record. It’s The Machine/Moulder connection! Double-schwing! The new album is due out in the fall and I gotta keep tight-lipped about the title, but I think you may be able to guess it.
(((o))): What can we expect from the new album? Does it sound different to the punchy, full frontal rock out attack of debut album Something Supernatural?
Brandon: We took everything about Something Supernatural and let it ferment until it was rancid with the funk. Then, we hung it to dry in the confinements of the darkest, deepest depths of a dingy cellar. Hold yer nose when listening to this one!
It broadens the ends of our sonic spectrums. Instead of diluting it though, it’s more of an evolution. We’ve refined ourselves. There are a lot more dynamic “moments” on this album, too.
I can’t wait to spin the vinyl because it’s definitely an album to listen to front to back. The first few songs whiz by and before you know it, you’re at the last track. It’s Groovy, Dirty, & Funky. Same ol’ swing, with a little more swang.
(((o))): Can you tell us anything album the new album’s artwork?
Brandon: Bishop is a mastermind when it comes to art and he absolutely nailed the new album art! I will say it is entirely different from the art direction of the first album. He put a lot of hours into developing the concept for the artwork and making sure it was something completely different. When I first heard his idea, it immediately made me think of a Frank Zappa cover, but that doesn’t even come close to putting the thumb down on exactly what he has created. It’s like a psychedelic trip through a propaganda-infested planet with Bishop’s twist at every rabbit hole. There are even some hidden messages in the art. So, stay tuned!
(((o))): When you played the Underworld, London, last year you played a couple of new songs, ‘Welcome to Fat City’ and ‘Edge of the Sun’. Will they be on the new record? Which ‘fat city’ are you referring to?
Brandon: Hmmmmm… you fox, you! Well, I will say that one of those two songs will be on the album. Oh, there’s that teasing again!
‘Welcome to Fat City’ is inspired by Hunter S. Thompson’s proposal to change the name of Aspen to Fat City when he ran for sheriff. He thought that by changing the name to Fat City, he would keep all of the bigwigs and fat cats out of the city. I kind of took that philosophy and spun it on its head. Our Fat City is a verminous planet of galactic greed, the mecca of monopoly, the centre of celestial corruption.
(((o))): Your bespoke debut is lyrically inspired by your love of sci-fi. Does this continue lyric wise on the new album?
Brandon: Most definitely! It’s only natural for the nerd in me to seep through my lyrics. I’ve also been scripting for a sci-fi graphic novel that involves the stories that mused the lyrics for Something Supernatural. I hope to continue to do so for the next record and records to come.
The first issue of the Legend of the Spaceborne Killer comic series should be in our hands shortly, so keep an eye out, aye?
(((o))): Are you all big fans of sci-fi? Which authors, T.V. series, films/movies are your main sources of inspiration?
Brandon: The van can certainly be seen littered with sci-fi novels most often than not and we’re always down for an in-depth Game of Thrones discussion. Paul is usually breezing through a different sci-fi book every month and it’s always cool to pick his brain about what he is digging into at the moment. Jake was reading Orson Scott Card’s Red Prophet series not too long ago. And, they’re both hardcore Tolkien and Star Wars fans. Bishop is more into movies. I’m a huge Douglas Adams fan and draw tons of inspiration from him in regards to writing lyrics and scripting for the comic. I’d have to say he’s the biggest influence on what I do, in regards to sci-fi authors. I aspire to obtain such a tongue leeched firmly to cheek.
(((o))): Would you be tempted in the future to do a sci-fi inspired concept album?
Brandon: Absolutely! I think that every album will have some sort of buried sci-fi basis. The last two have and moving forward, I think this process works the best for me when it comes to lyric writing. I like to tell a story, rather than wine about my heartaches. So, most of my first person writing actually comes from within the mind of another character. Certainly I do tap into my own sub-consciousness, that’s what writing is all about. I’m not saying I would totally rule out a love song about two droids, too. But, it has to have a concept.
(((o))): You toured comprehensively to promote the first album supporting the likes of Clutch, The Sword, Black Label Society and Anthrax. I assume the aim will be to follow a similar work rate ethic in touring to promote the forthcoming album?
Brandon: Of course! We aren’t really good at sitting on our hands. I think you’ll find us out there hitting the road hard for the next couple of years.
(((o))): When I saw you at the Underworld gig you came on stage to what sounded like a slice of 1980’s soul. There is a soulful element to your sound underneath the hard rock exterior for example, ‘Edge of the Sun’ has a smooth soul swagger to it while ‘Welcome to Fat City’ further enhances the rock/funk crossover tradition. Who are your key soul/funk influences?
Brandon: Personally, I LOVE me some George Clinton. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got James Brown tattooed on my good foot; so, the foundation of my funkiness I sport close to my sole. But the P-funk?!?! Good god, y’all!
I gotta hand it to the late and great Prince as well for a lot of my style and confidence in ruffles and tight jeans. I grew up listening to his eclectic brand of funk and I’m not a closet Prince fan by any means. I’ve got a paisley exoskeleton.
(((o))): What are your main rock influences?
Brandon: We all bring different spices to add to our riff gumbo. A little Queens of the Stone Age, a bit of Black Sabbath, a heaping pile of Led Zeppelin, a dash of Rage Against the Machine, a touch of Soundgarden, and a whole pile of Clutch. Oh, and the special sauce of course.
Crobot play Hellfest Festival on June 18th, Graspop Festival on June 19th, then head to the UK for four headline shows at Oxford’s O2 Academy on June 20th, Milton Keynes Crauford Arms on June 21st, The Courtyard in Birmingham on June 22nd, and 02 Academy in London on June 23rd. Check out their website for full tour dates and ticket details.
