New Zealand's aggressive, noise-punk band Hollywoodfun Downstairs will to tear you a new one with their newest album, 'Reactions'.
Not set for digital release until 7 August, you can stream the entire album right here, right now.
So, put the kettle on, select your favourite, flavoured herbal tea before bleeding your ears with a little noise punk.
Hollywoodfun Downstairs Q&A
Have you always played your aggressive, noise-punk style or have you ventured into other genres?Hollywoodfun Downstairs has only played the noise punk sort of music, but has changed [style within punk] due to different drummers. We used to play ska punk in late '90s while at high school.
What makes the new 'Reactions' album stand out from previous releases?
'Reactions' stands out due to its big sound; having spent more time in the studio has meant when its time to mix and master we can bring more vibrancy out. The last album was recorded, live but this time 'round we have a better all-round sound – this band seems to be gelling like glue.
How has the band's music evolved since you started in 2009?
Wow... since then we have played a lot of gigs – to nobody and to lots of people. In 2009 we came back to Hamilton, NZ and jammed in a garage you could only access from my bedroom wardrobe. We spent two years in there trying to figure out what we wanted to achieve. Basically we like to take risks instead of being straight laced.
Being from different parts of the world, how is the support from the industry in New Zealand?
The support in New Zealand here lately is great; obviously, no commercial radio will play us – they say it's to edgy - but bands like Die!Die!Die! have helped us out. They invited us to play on their Harmony tour, which then exposed us to the right people. Playing Going Global music summit a few years back was great; we met a great guy Dylan Pellet. Press Gang Records are currently selling our cassette tapes, so check 'em out.
What is your most memorable gig to date and why?
There are a few but we would have to say playing San Fran the other week in Wellington, as people are now starting to pick up on what we are doing. But to be honest, all gigs are great no matter what's going on; sometimes playing to a handful of people are the best gigs like turning your amp on at a party in Tokoroa to the remaining people at 3am. They are calling it 'the encore of death'.
What are your plans for 2016?
Next year, with fingers crossed, we plan to tour loads in Asia plus Canada and back to Europe. We are off to Europe this November in support of this album. Hopefully somebody wants to help us release this on vinyl and plans to record. 2016 is not that far away.
