Photo by Greet Druyts
Dutch veteran punk rockers Antillectual are back with a new release entiled “Covers EP”. The band’s first new material in 4 years consist of 4 re-recorded classic punk songs: Truth Hits Everybody (The Police), Hanging on the Telephone (The Nerves, Blondie), I Believe in Miracles (Ramones) and Search and Destroy (The Stooges).
Singer/guitarist Willem explains:
“When the cover idea surfaced we didn’t feel like covering the bands we grew up on. Most of them are still around or reunited. It seemed much more interesting to go back some more generations and find early punk songs with a melodic vibe to them.”
The cover artwork consists of adaptations of the four original layouts, re-designed by Andy Dahlström (Satanic Surfers). The rhythm section was recorded live by the band’s sound engineer Emiel Thoonen. Vocals, guitars and hammond are recorded by legendary Dutch producer Menno Bakker (NRA, Seein Red, Undeclinable Ambuscade) at Amsterdam Recording Company. Dubs and edits are kept to a minimum, this is as raw/unpolished as Antillectual gets in the studio.
The self-released album is available via the most popular digital platforms and on classic black 7-inch via the band’s website, with a distribution partnership here in North America with Thousand Islands Records. Additional international distributors include Mud Cake Records (Germany), Lockjaw Records (UK), White Russian Records and Fond Of Life.
Because of the current corona crisis Antillectual can’t promote the release with live concerts, instead they will throw a live online release party via Facebook and Instagram on Friday May 15 with acoustic renditions and a Q&A, more details HERE.
Tracklist:
Truth Hits Everybody (The Police)
I Believe In Miracles (Ramones)
Hanging On The Telephone (The Nerves, Blondie)
Search And Destroy (The Stooges)
About Antillectual:
Music
Unlike some bands, who feel they can’t be described or labeled, there are several ways to describe Antillectual. Their music can be identified as melodic, philosophical and urgent. Influenced by ‘90’s skate punk, ‘00’s emo and ‘10’s orgcore. And a mix of the DIY politics of Crass, the authenticity of Hüsker Dü and the guitar acrobatics of Van Halen.
Past
In 2005 Antillectual started releasing albums and touring. Ever since, the band has perfected the romantic idea of being a dedicated touring band. They’ve played their energetic live shows all over the world, probably over a thousand times. Their albums have been released from North to South America, from Europe via Russia to Asia.
Present
Antillectual has stopped making albums and started releasing songs one by one. The first single of the series of new music is Heads You Win, Tails We Lose. The song is a response to the current populist wave. Trump’s election and catastrophic policies are part of a worldwide epidemic of right wing politics disguised as anti-establishment movements. The energetic, fast-paced single is a sharp critique of current events, and the impact on this planet and all creatures on it. Living in a world that is coping with conflicts and crises it is time to engage! Critical times call for critical music.
Antillectual: Website
Thousand Islands Records: Website
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