SOURCE – First of all, congratulations on a great album! In my review of In The Dark I attempted to describe your sound between rock, modern metal and catchy pop. I’m not sure if this sounds fitting to your ears – so how would you describe what you do, and what you sound like?
Zach Amster (Guitars, Vocals) – Thanks for the kind words! I think you nailed it. When it comes down to it, I just tell people we are a Heavy Rock band. If you’re a fan of any type of Rock, there is something for you in this record. It’s got hints of metal, post-rock, alternative, shoegaze, stoner, psychedelia, and even ambient sounds.
SOURCE – Was this approach different on In The Dark compared to Modern Ways or Morning?
Zach Amster (Guitars, Vocals) – We wrote most of this album in isolation during the pandemic so we really beefed up our home recording capabilities and demo’d constantly. Prior, we mainly wrote in the jam room together. I think this new approach greatly benefited us in the songwriting department, especially for the vocals. It’s much easier to write hooky vocal melodies when you’re not playing the guitar. This new pre-production style helped us really prepare and have a really clear idea of how the record was going to sound prior to going into the studio.
SOURCE – When creating tracks, where do you pull ideas from, sound wise and following on from that who are your musical inspirations?
Zach Amster (Guitars, Vocals) – For me, a song always starts with one riff. I’d record it, lay down a sick beat and just get inspired from what plays back through the speakers. Inspiration can also come from a piece of gear. Something as simple as a certain distortion tone could really change a riff from ok to great.
Musically, I am a fan of anything generally heavy. And heavy doesn’t have to be a band like Meshuggah (even though we are big fans). Heavy can be Mark Lanegan’s ‘Resurrection Song’ or Jeff Buckley singing Hallelujah. I was raised on Neil Young and Crazy Horse. Then got into all the cool 90’s shit from the Northwest. Fugazi was a big one for me too growing up. In High School Deloused In The Comatorium (Mars Volta) changed my life and view on music. All the shit Ty Segall puts out is pretty damn inspiring too. He’s one of the good prolific ones.
SOURCE – Did you film any videos for the album In The Dark?
Zach Amster (Guitars, Vocals) – In The Clouds. We have another one that should be coming out shortly as well!
SOURCE – Are there any new, or emerging bands who you would recommend?
Zach Amster (Guitars, Vocals) – Slift is a fantastic heavy psych band out of France who’s pretty hot right now. Real energetic live shows. The new King Buffalo record is pretty great too. Not new bands, but I love the new Cave In and Converge/Bloodmoon records as well.
SOURCE – Commercial success, or underground heroes, which is more important to Abrams?
Zach Amster (Guitars, Vocals) – Would we want to get on big tours across the globe, HELL YES! And fans…the more the merrier. But the fact I am talking to you in Brazil about our record right now is a win.
SOURCE – In Brazil there’s much fans listening your kind of music. What do you know about the Brazil?
Zach Amster (Guitars, Vocals) – I know that I really want to see Iron Maiden there! Fear of the Dark Live Rock in Rio is one of my go to’s on the jukebox. When I play that song everybody knows I’m having a little too much fun. I know Brazil is full of insanely loyal rock and metal fans. It always blew my mind knowing the Ramones were playing soccer stadiums in South America and would come back home to play small clubs. We’d love to play Brazil… one day hopefully!
SOURCE – Thanks for answering my questions, and please use this space for any final words…
Zach Amster (Guitars, Vocals) – Check out our new record In The Dark available everywhere now. Thank you for the interview!
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