(((O))) Interview: Microwaves

Pittsburgh-based math-rock/experimental rock band Microwaves have just returned with their new album Temporal Shifter and it is a brilliantly hypnotic record that takes the listener on a captivating sonic journey. Gavin Brown had the pleasure of discussing Temporal Shifter with the three members of Microwaves (David Kuzy (guitar/vocals), Zach Moore (bass/vocals) and John Roman (drums) and getting an insight into Microwaves as a band.

E&D: Your new album Temporal Shifter is out very soon. Was the creation of the album a smooth process?     

John: I don’t know if it was smooth, but it was fun. We recorded all over the place and mailed files back and forth. Luckily, it turned out fantastic.

Dave: Yes and no, the process wasn’t much different than previous records. Songs generally start with a demo from me, with final arrangement worked out in rehearsal and lyrics usually added last, but we had started this material when Adam MacGregor was in the band but finished it with Zach.

Zach: I recorded my bass and vocal tracks in my attic and the only thing that could have made it smoother was silk pajamas.

E&D: You worked with Mario Quintero from Spotlights, and James Plotkin (Khanate, OLD, Flux), on the album. How was it wowing with them and what did they bring to the sound of the album?

Dave: They are 100% professional and get the work done with no problems. They get what we do and make it sound as good as they can without turning it into something else.

Zach: Working with Mario was very cool. I do sound for a living. Dave also has a background in sound and we’ve all been playing music for a long time so we have a lot of opinions and ideas. For Mario to be so flexible with our requests and always improve on them was great.

John: These guys are longtime pros and the combination gave us that big money sound. Sadly, we ended up frying Mario’s Neve console, but I think he’ll get over it.

E&D: What are the biggest influences on the sound of the album and what subjects do the songs deal with?

John: Everything from old westerns to horror and late 60s graphic design were all influential. It’s difficult to pinpoint what each song is about. Maybe aging? Some of them might include multiple topics, but we’ll leave that for the listener to decide.

Dave: At this point, we’ve been at it so long, it’s hard to point to any specific influence on the music. We just write what we write. ‘Let Them Eat Space’ is about a certain megalomaniacal wealthy asshole. ‘Decalcomania’ is about Max Ernst and also the part of any Dracula movie where Harker travels to the castle.

E&D: You also had Neil Burke creating the cover art. How was that experience?

 John: It was incredible. I didn’t really have to do anything.

E&D: Are you looking forward to your upcoming live shows?

John: Yes. I love setting up drums.

Dave: Of course. Many are with old friends and bands we very much like.

E&D: That run includes a show with Spotlights, is that like playing with family?

Dave: Yeah, we’ve played together a bunch of times. Mario worked on two of our records and they live around here.

John: In all honesty I would say it’s better than playing with family.

E&D: Will you be playing much new material from Temporal Shifter at these dates?

Dave: Yes, at least half of it.

E&D: Will you be playing live and touring throughout the year once Temporal Shifter is released?

John: It’ll be sporadic, but we’ll be out there getting our hands dirty.

E&D: Do you feel that your music takes on a different aspect in a live environment?

Dave: Sure, no matter how much you practice, there is always the potential for chaos so it’s all in how one reacts to it.

Zach: I think most bands would say yes. Everything is a little more elevated in a live setting

E&D: How did your live shows go at the end of last year?

Dave: We played a packed show at Brillobox on December 26. It was a Christmas miracle.

John: Top of the line.

E&D: You also toured with Titan To Tachyons. How was that experience and what were some of the highlights?

Zach: Everyone was great. At every show we met people that traveled from hours away to see Titans. As different as our bands are, we complimented each other well and made for a good matchup.

Dave: As fans of that band and other projects involving those folks, it was great to hear that music every night.

John: Everyone in that band is on another level. It was interesting to see them do their whole occult thing before each show, but I guess it helps them form a psychic link with each other.

E&D: What have been some of your favourite shows and tours that the band has done?

Dave: It’s nice to play shows with bands you’ve been influenced by. We’ve played with Voivod, The Crosses (ex-Die Kreuzen) and others.

John: We still reminisce about College City Weekend. It was a much more lawless era.

E&D: Who are your all time favourite bands from Pittsburgh?

Dave: Pay Toilets, Tehran Iran, Conelrad, The Pittsburgh Sound.

John: SWOB AKA SWAB AKA SWUB and Conelrad.

Zach: Creta Bourzia, Jumbo, Don Caballero.

E&D: What is the heavier music scene like in the city at the moment?

John: It’s wild. You better watch your back. Town is weird.

E&D: Have the band got any other plans for the rest of the year that you can tell us about?

John: We’re planning, but I don’t want to spoil anything.

Photo by Russ Johnson