Following the release of their debut album, Latin, Holy Fuck has taken their act on the road. Joined by Nice Nice at Le Poisson Rouge, the group took the stage this past weekend and created a cordial environment. With 35 mm film synchronizers and toy keyboards in tow, a lit floor illuminated them as they spewed skewed and manipulated vocals over drums and electric guitars. During moments and breaks of improvisation, the two electronic mixers seemed to sense one another through process before transitioning to songs like “Red Lights”, “Stilettos”, and “P.I.G.S.” These resonating songs inspired by their new album were splendid in a live environment, and were heightened by the band’s aggressive attitude on the stage. In the end, the audience begged for more, chanting in unison, “Holy Fuck!” Appropriately, the band gave them one more song to continue with their head-knocks and body rocks before gracefully bowing out.
When we last saw Holy Fuckin New York City, the band took us by surprise. Having heard them numerous times, and attracted in part by their nifty name, their music drew us in like flies on stink. If you’ve ever seen these guys live, this analogy is only fitting, because a fly does not envision this stink how we perceive it, and its attraction is only natural – the same inclination I have towards the music of Holy Fuck. Borderline, their sound is a trance of rock and electronic music. Up to date, they are one of the best live electronic and percussion groups I have ever seen. Their instruments include excursions of makeshift items that are manipulated for their sound and output. From vocodors, stripped magnetic tapes, 35 mm film synchronizers to toy keyboards, their style relies heavily on physical infusions of instruments in an era where anything can be programmed into a laptop. Within their process, considerably, Brian Borcherdt (keyboards, effects), Graham Walsh (keyboards, effects), Matt McQuaid (bass) and Matt Schulz (drums) are masters in making of a whole new genre and style of electronic music in their orchestral approach to a contemporary form of digital composition. Beyond performance, the music of Holy Fuck is an experience and a journey in sound. Their latest album Latin is a great encapsulation to their musical testament.
Latin, the band’s third album since their formation in 2004 was released yesterday. The album, in sporadic fashion, follows the format of their title-track, “Latin America”. It is a non-stop excursion of swinging drums, bass and synths pumping irregularly as the group works up a symphony of multiple instruments. When we last checked, their sets included over twenty pieces of electronic equipment between the two mixers alone. This album sounds just as accurate with a multitude of instruments that require skill and coordination, even in a studio. But amazingly, these guys know their instruments and how to blend them in unison.
The driving beats on this album make for quite the experience as one makes their way around the city. In all its infusions, the band reaches a nice plateau that accomplishes a symphony in electronic sound. After hearing the Latin of Holy Fuck non-stop, there’s only one thing left, (and I know Brian Borcherdt will appreciate this), and that is to hear what it sounds like off a vinyl.
Listen to a couple tracks below and click through for an Interview with Brian Borcherdt of Holy Fuck and the Video for their track “Latin America”.
Holy Fuck – “Latin America”
This week’s installment of Music Monday brings us artists that are providing a movement for their genre as well as experimenting with their sounds and music. This edition features flavors from We Have Band (Electro, Pop, Rock), Holy Fuck (Experimental Rock), Rusko (Dub, Electro), The New Pornographers (Indie Rock), The Joy Formidable (Indie Rock), and Uffie (Electro, Pop, Dance). Click through for reviews and samples of each album.
The HiFi Cartel’s Oliver Correa took on Austin last week to snap some photos at South by Southwest. The annual music festival played host to thousands of musicians, including The Black Keys, Dam-Funk, Street Sweeper Social Club, Eskmo, Flying Lotus, Nice Nice, Pivot, Born Ruffians, Hudson Mohawke, Local Natives, Bomba Estereo, Holy Fuck, and more.
Holy Fuck definitely wins the creativity award of the day at Street Scene on Friday afternoon. Consisting of a drummer, bassist, and two “keyboardists” (and I use that term VERY loosely), the band’s experimental sound can be best described as psychedelic electro, though they also brought in elements from other styles of music. The keyboardists each had a set-up of a variety of knobs, pedals, and gadgets, not to mention at least 15 keyboards, which they rotated between songs.
