With patronage from BLUR’S DAMON ALBARN and their country’s very own Philharmonic Orchestra under their belts, it shouldn’t surprise us that Icelandic trio SILT make such a joyous and startling noise that’s very much their own. TIM PEACOCK talks to the group’s drummer HALLI as SILT complete their UK tour with ex-AT THE DRIVE IN splinter group SPARTA.
SILT’S recent European release, the “In Line”EP took your reviewer totally by surprise. Although the band have actually made several albums back home since their inception in 1995 – and secured a considerable Icelandic following in the process – “In Line” is this writer’s first swig from a heady rock ‘n’ roll brew.
I mention to HALLI that I’m not really familiar with any of their previous work – four albums including 2001’s acclaimed “DOUGLAS DAKOTA” album – but with the band’s new material (they’re planning the next one), I wonder if it’ll be an extension of the spiky, angular guitar sounds that SILT currently excel at.
“I think the new songs will develop,” considers HALLI. “The next album is gonna be a bit more basic. It’s definitely gonna be more rock ‘n’ roll. We’re loving doing the songs live that we’re writing at the moment, so I’ve a feeling the next record will be quite rough and raw.”
The “In Line”EP’s first three tracks – the title track, “Bus Stop” and “The Walk” – are accomplished, but with plenty of serrated edges for the listener to snag on, but the final two songs, “Throat” and “Lay Your Body Down” remind this writer of several of his favourite US hardcore heroes like FUGAZI or THE MINUTEMEN. Would these be influences on SILT?
“Yeah, FUGAZI, oh we’d sure listen to them,” enthuses Halli.
What about THE MINUTEMEN?
“Who? Sorry…”
Incredible trio from SAN PEDRO, outside LOS ANGELES during the 1980s.check out their “Double Nickels On The Dime” album…
“Oh right, they sound cool. But, no, our newer songs are quite different. We’re trying to get back to basics. We like tempo changes, but also catchy stuff. With SILT, we hate preventing any of our songs from developing to their fullest, no matter what direction the music is going in.”
Of course, you’re currently supporting a new breed of US hardcore heroes in former AT THE DRIVE IN offshoot SPARTA from El Paso.Have you been enjoying the UK tour?
“Brilliant really,” confirms Halli. “SPARTA are amazing, total professionals. They’ve al been top gigs. We did London yesterday (the Mean Fiddler) and it was incredible. I guess that it’s a cliché, but if the band (also including HEIDAR– vocals/ guitar and bassist RAGGI) are having fun, then the audience seem to get into it. It was terrific fun last night.”
HALLI and I get to talking about record labels after I ask him about SILT’S own SPIKEHF label, which put out “In Line.” I imagine the independence this affords you is great?
“Well, as it is, it’s an expensive hobby,” he replies, cautiously.
“Really, we’re losing money doing it this way. I mean, if a major label offered us a deal, we’d look into it. If the terms and conditions were right for us and we were offered artistic freedom, we’d probably go for it.”
Speaking with HALLI, I get the impression that SILT are continually broad-minded in terms of pushing forward musically. Besides, during the autumn of 2001, the trio worked together with the Icelandic Philharmonic Orchestra at a one-off event…
“Yeah, they contacted us,” laughs Halli. “They wanted to broaden their minds, actually, and take their audience to a new place. It was brilliant, sold out and the songs went down a storm. They were our own songs but scored for the Orchestra.”
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They must have been note perfect then?
“Yeah, but they don’t rehearse much and we hardly rehearsed together with them before the gig. Pretty spontaneous. I was playing in a glass case on the stage. It was an unforgettable night and the show was recorded and released in Iceland.”
Of course, SILT – known as BOTNLEDJA in Iceland – also release Icelandic language records in their distant homeland. Your correspondent mentions SUPER FURRY ANIMALS’ Welsh language LP, “Mwng” – released generally in Europe – and wonders if SILT would consider such a move?
“No, I don’t think so,” scotches Halli. “It could only be a cult thing. We’d only ever release Icelandic stuff back home. Anything else would be too…quirky! Maybe SIGUR ROS can get away with it, but not us.”
We talk more specifically of Iceland for a while. Are SILT actually based in Reykjavik and what’s the music scene like these days? Do SILT feel part of any home-based scene or isolated from it?
“I actually live outside Reykjavik,” says Halli, “although Heidrun and Braggi live in the city. We’re originally from a small town 50 minutes away from Reykjavik, but the city’s scene is really good these days.”
Name some names, then…
“Well, there’s SIGUR ROS, of course…you know them, but don’t miss either MAUS or MINUS either. Oh, and then there’s KARATE – they’re like an Icelandic BEASTIE BOYS. All rap/rock crossover stuff. The city’s venues aren’t so good, but the crowds are always up for it. In that way, the city deserves its’ vibrant reputation.”
What about the mysterious folklore aspect of Iceland? I don’t hear much of that in your lyrics, more realism and everyday events. Does folklore inform SILT’S work at all?
“No, not really,” laughs Halli. “We just make fun of all that stuff…the myths and history. We have a great time taking the piss. Mystery, folklore, elves…we leave all that to SIGUR ROS! Mind you, I have to say I do love them – on record at least.”
Finally, Halli, before you go to catch your plane home…what’s this I hear about SILT’S weakness for smoked puffin? What’s wrong with our good old bacon and eggs?
“Ah well…smoked puffin, it’s a delicacy, man. You’ve got good cheap beer in England, but no…we like our food back home. You need to check out the Westmann Island south of Iceland itself…it’s a speciality there. You should try it!”
Given the chance I will, Halli. In the meantime, I want to check out SILT’S special Icelandic sonic recipe book in more detail. You should, too. Larger helpings will almost certainly lead to hopeless addiction.
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