Boris

Thu 22 Mar ,

Rock

Critics' choice

The Japanese "extreme pop" quartet returns

First published on 14 Nov 2011. Updated on 23 Mar 2012.

This event has finished

Legendary Japanese noise-rock combo Boris are making a welcome return to our shores, and drummer/vocalist Atsuo explains (via email and a translator) what’s been going on.

It was very strange seeing you at the Opera House here in Sydney: do you have any particular memories of your last visit for the Vivid Festival?

I do: totally unexpected to have a limo from hotel to Opera House, it was surprising! In general festival show is not the best circumstance to play music because of less soundcheck time etc. Especially since Boris has lots of gear and backline on stage… this is as usual, though. The show we play called ‘Noise Night’ was sort of big chaos all day long but we enjoyed it very much, as we could play with our old friend Oren Ambarchi.

What lead you to rework older material for last year’s New Album?

Originally we finished the other New Album back in 2009, which was abandoned and unreleased until now. Then that was broken up to a couple of splits, singles, “Attention Please” and “Heavy Rocks”. When Boris finished “AP” and “HR” we thought it was interesting to collect and fix songs that was scattered.

What was Shinobu Narita's role in the recording?

Shinobu Narita did re-arrangement and mixing mainly. He accepted everything what we did and showed us new possibilities in various ways. He is very unique and talented.

How did you choose the songs to re-record?

We discussed with Shinobu, then decided also to add some new songs.

Is touring inspiring, or does it interfere with the process of writing and recording? Are you able to write on the road?

Both tour/show and writing/recording are important. Both are influenced and reflected [in] each other. We don’t write any songs during tours at all, just focus on communication with our fans and enjoy shows. The feeling we have had during tours inspires us on song writing process.

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Words by Andrew P Street