Having developed and honed their sound over the last decade, interweaving elements of Americana, rock ‘n’ roll and psychedelia, long-time faves L.A. Witch have now announced the release of their upcoming new album, which will be out this Friday via Suicide Squeeze. Recorded in Paris, and combining an eclectic array of influences and covering a range of themes – with a focus on reflecting on a cosmic sense of foreboding -, the album showcases the band’s ability to captivate and entice our ears with their dark, psych-infused soundscapes. It’s impossible not to be completely drawn in by its enticing shimmering allure.
We think one of the best ways to get to know a band is by asking what music inspires them. So, ahead of the release of new album DOGGOD, we caught up with bassist Irita Pai to find out about the five songs that inspired the writing of the new album the most. Read about their five favourites, pre-order DOGGOD, and watch the new video for majestic new single ‘Icicle‘ below:
Rowland S. Howard – ‘Dead Radio’
I actually got into Rowland S. Howard way before I got into Nick Cave. Compared to Cave, Howard’s music is just as twangy, but more edgy and raw – almost more punk – with his vocal delivery which can growl sometimes. The simplicity of this song is what’s so beautiful about it – everything is intentionally placed, the space perfectly filled with dynamics and interchanging instruments highlighted at different points. The focus here is on Howard’s vulnerable vocals and lyrics. The instrumental with the strings, before it reverts back to the chorus, is so perfect it gives me shivers. Brian Hooper’s bass acts solely as an accent piece, his subtlety and restraint is so refreshing – it inspires me to play only what is needed, nothing more.
The Jesus & Mary Chain – ‘Cracking Up’
Like countless others, I discovered JAMC through ‘Just Like Honey’. As a teenager I was obsessed with that song – I downloaded it on Limewire and would listen to it on my Winamp player. I wanted to see them live so badly, but I hardly had enough money to pay rent, let alone money for big concert tickets. When our band first started, one of our dreams was to go to Austin Psych Fest – and that dream eventually came true when we were invited to play in 2015. JAMC was headlining that year, and my teenage dreams were finally fulfilled when I got to watch them from the front of the pit. The guitar riff in this song is one of the catchiest I’ve ever heard – it pops back into my head at the most random of times. I particularly love the dead tambourine/shaker sound mixed with the staccato hits of the drumbeat.
Wipers – ‘When It’s Over’
The best thing my ex ever gave me? Not my Hofner Violin Bass, my ‘94 Camaro, nor the black diamond engagement ring I eventually ended up pawning – but the Wipers. He had been listening to them since he was thirteen, and after introducing me to them I was forever hooked. They might be one of my favourite bands of all time, Gregg Sage is an amazing songwriter and performer (my dream would be to have him produce an album of ours!). The bass riff from ‘The Lines’ off our new record is definitely a nod to the Wipers. ‘Youth of America’ felt like a transitory period from their earlier upbeat punky stuff, to the darker, post-punk vibes of their later catalogue. Similar to our upcoming album, which bridges the gap between our California garage-psych roots, and the darker cold wave energy on DOGGOD.
She Past Away – ‘Rituël’
If someone had told me that the highlight of my trip to Paris would involve being surrounded by hundreds of sweaty, screaming French goths on the hottest day of summer, I would have thought you a bit mad. When I saw that Turkish band She Past Away just happened to be playing at the Trabendo (where our album release show in Paris will be!), I wrote to our French booking agent Xavier from Persona Grata who also books them, to see if tickets were sold out. I said a Hail Mary, pressed send and prayed for the best. As fate would have it, and a proof that miracles do come true, I got into the show and to this day it stands out as one my favourites. Though they are only a two piece, their sound is so gigantic. I love the guitar tone on this song so much, it inspired me to mess around with Chorus (Boss CEB-3), mixed with a light distortion while cranking the treble tone on my bass for this record.
Black Pyramid – ‘…And the Gods Made War’
As is the tried and true formula, every metal album always has a great instrumental intro song to kick off the album. I love the sinister vibe this one has, in addition to the Eastern scale and sitar-like elements in the guitar. The perfect punctuation with the crashes and the light hits of tambourine work so well to pace the song. For me, this one really inspired the rhythm elements of ‘I Hunt You Prey’ on DOGGOD. I love the droning on this song, it really creates a very atmospheric noise that comes out a little in ‘I Hunt You Prey’. Menacing, sonic, evil.
Huge thanks to Irita for sharing L.A. Witch’s Five Favourites with us! Watch the video for beautifully dark new single ‘Icicle’ below:
DOGGOD, the new album from L.A. Witch, is out Friday 4th April via Suicide Squeeze. Pre-order here.
Photo Credit: Marco Hernandez
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