When we last saw Holy Fuck in 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”
Holy Fuck – “Red Lights”
