Rockezine.com interview with Los on Mar 25, 2006

with Martin, Fredrik, Johan and Andreas on Mar 25, 2006

Recently I received the debut album of the Swedish band Los. The was completely new to me, so I figured it was time to get to know these guys and see how they`re doing.
		First of all, congratulations with your album. Could you describe the band to our readers? The band consists of four Swedish guys between 26-28 years of age and originates from Helsingborg in the south of Sweden. Our debut album has recently been released which we are very glad to announce. Along with different vocals the setup is standard; two guitars, bass and drums. The music we present should please the intricate oriented musician as well as the punk rock fan. There are lots of little things which are created in order to captivate the listener. In short we are an experimental yet straightforward hardcore/punk-band that delivers pieces of music intended to be listened to more than once.
		Does the band name have a special meaning? It would have been fun to say that the name have a special meaning. It is actually the outcome of a short discussion in the band’s infancy. An old band that Andreas and Fredrik was a part of was called los Comadrejos, which is ‘the weasels’ in Spanish. When they got together again in new ensemble they could not resist bringing that up. The other members agreed to hold on to it under the condition that Comadrejos disappeared.
		And what about the album title? It’s one of the longer titles I ever came across. The title can be ascribed to Martin. He came up with it when the musical process was still ongoing. Yes, it is a long one, but it kind of makes up for the short band name. Martin made some scribbles on a cover idea and along with that came up with the title. The cover did not make it, but the title did.
		How did the recordings with Klas Ideberg go? Apart from our first demo we have used Klas on all of our recording sessions. That we keep coming back is a clear sign that the earlier collaborations have worked. Klas is aware of our pros and cons and can consequently bring out the best from the four of us.
		How is the cooperation with Sweet Remedy Records? The Sweet Remedy label is Martin’s, so the band is immediately updated when changes occur. For the band the label is just a means to put out a record where Martin agreed to take all responsibility for the bureaucracy bit. To him it is also an investment since he put up some of his own finances to support the printing of the album. He has some loose plans on releasing yet another album with some other band. Time will tell plain and simply. Keep yourself updated on www.sweetremedyrecords.com.
		How are the reactions on `Bad Intentions...` so far? Of course the album has met with both a positive and a negative reception. Still, we have not succeeded in bringing the entire Journalistic union down on their knees pleading for more. The overall impression, however, is that every new reviewer has a different approach towards the album than the former. Every time a new positive feature is out for discussion; which we are truly thankful for. Since our music is quite versatile it is impossible to please everyone. Yet, it is a debut album and most reviewers see the potential in our music.
		What are you’re favorite bands? What about musical influences? Martin: I am still taking the beginners’ course when it comes to musical discovery. However, my drum technique is loosely based on the drummers of Guns N’ Roses, Green Day, Foo Fighters and Rage against the Machine. Latecomers attending this list are Incubus Strung Out and Rise Against. Fredrik: In my youth when I was upset about just everything, Swedish vegan hardcore attracted my attention. Bands from the north of Sweden e.g. Refused, Abhinanda and Raised Fist still are like balm for my soul. Inspiring musicians are participants of ensembles like TOOL and Helmet. Andreas: Being an old skate punker my influences on the fret board are practically all skate punk bands emerged during the 80’s and 90’s. Some bands which never bore me nowadays are TOOL, Bad Religion and Helmet. I believe ISIS is about to join that fellowship any time now. Johan: My influences that affect my way of handling the guitar are bands such as Carcass and Death. That is something which soap cannot wash away. As for daily consumption of music my ears want among others Tori Amos, Sophie Zelmani and Beth Orton.
		What album are you currently listening to? Martin: Boysetsfire – The Misery Index Fredrik: Dark Funeral – Attera totus Sanctus Andreas: Roger Waters - In the flesh (live DVD) Johan: Aimee Mann – Bachelor No. 2
		What’s the first album you ever bought? Martin: Sha-Boom – R.O.C.K Fredrik: Just D – Svenska ord Andreas: Sha-Boom – R.O.C.K Johan: Public Enemy – Apocalypse 91: The enemy strikes black
		What was the first concert you ever visited? Martin: Backyard babies Fredrik: Just D Andreas: Status Quo Johan: Kid Creole and the Coconuts
		You’re from Sweden. How’s life there? Does it have any kind of influence on writing music or lyrics? Although we are living in the south of Sweden this year’s winter has not left us just yet. It is not that snowy outside, but it is still freezing. If you live further up north in Sweden the winter can last almost the entire year. That is probably why many bands from Sweden are more than capable to express a melancholy mood in their music.
		Some last words to our readers? If something seems interesting, our record can be bought at www.cdon.com. Information and updates on what is going on in our world can be found at our website www.los-band.com. If anyone reading this puts up shows, please do not hesitate to establish contact. We are currently planning on going for drive in Europe during the forthcoming summer. In order to make it financially plausible devoted and caring people along the route are more than welcome, and totally necessary. Cheers!
(Lars van Bergen)