Liars (band)
Encyclopedia
Liars is a three-piece band formed in 2000 consisting of Angus Andrew (vocals/guitar), Aaron Hemphill (percussion, guitar, synth), and Julian Gross (drums). Although initially lumped into the New York dance-punk
scene of the early 21st century, they have come to be categorized by their dramatic stylistic shifts between albums, while retaining a consistent interest in rhythm and sound texture.
, where Andrew and Gross were enrolled at Cal Arts
, studying photography and graphic design, respectively. Hemphill had studied microbiology
in Junior College in San Diego, but was then employed in LA at a record store. Upon meeting, Andrew and Hemphill began their collaboration on four-track recordings. Once Andrew had completed art school, they relocated to New York
together. Although Gross was not a member of Liars' NYC-period roster, he was often taken along on tour for hawking the merchandise and providing comedic banter. For the time being, two musicians from Nebraska
, Pat Noecker (bass, formerly of Neuromancer, Urethra Franklin, and Opium Taylor) and Ron Albertson (drums, formerly of Mercy Rule), filled out the band's rhythm section after responding to a well-placed want ad.
was released on the 30th October, 2001. Recorded in a mere two days, the album bore resemblance to the work of Delta 5
and Gang of Four
, accenting their angular, acerbic punk with modern synths and drum machines. The album generated interest in the band and gained them a following amongst the post-punk revival scene of New York. Liars were not averse to this attention, but the problem of being pigeon-holed, expressed in the albums title, became a pressing challenge for the band to overcome.
As a four-piece, Liars were only to release two more short EPs. The first was entitled We No Longer Knew Who We Were; it was an official release of the bands' early demos recorded in 2000. The second, however, showcased new material. Fins to Make Us More Fish-Like (November 2002) showed progression from their signature sound, but without any material that would seem significantly out of place on their debut. Most noteworthy, perhaps, is "Every Day Is a Child with Teeth", which concentrates more on sound texture and tense, stuttering percussion than the more danceable rhythms for which they had come to be known.
, called Atheists, Reconsider
(released December 2002 by the Arena Rock Recording Co.
). Liars contributed a cover of Oneida's "Rose and Licorice," as well as two originals. "Dorothy Taps the Foot of the Tinman" is a 7+ minute sound collage of kitchen-sink percussion, ambient drones and static, and copy/paste spoken words.
(recorded in March and May 2003, released February 2004). The band relocated to a cabin in the woods of New Jersey
for the recording sessions, and along with producer David Andrew Sitek
of TV on the Radio
immersed themselves in both non-fiction accounts of witch trials and traditional witch folklore. From these sources, Andrew created a generic fairy tale which is told through contrasting viewpoints in the lyrics. This commitment to the material at the heart of the album—a "story album" (as opposed to "concept album"), according to Andrew—resulted in a thematically rich piece of work that can often feel more atmospheric than musical. The non-traditional instrumentation and song structuring furthers its feel of concept over musicality, along with Sitek's signature harmonies and sound looping. Many critics responded negatively to this aspect of the album, and though it had its fervent supporters, it infamously garnered the lowest possible scores from both Spin and Rolling Stone
magazines.
where they would eventually record their third full-length, Drum's Not Dead
(recorded in 2004, released February 2006). During the interim between the recording and release of their previous album,
Liars had already begun the work on what would eventually become Drum's Not Dead. Liars began experimenting with modified drum sounds. After much experimentation (and reportedly an entire album's worth of material cast aside), the group completed the album in an East German broadcast center that allowed them a multitude of different acoustic environments for recording. As the title suggests, the album is heavy on drums (often run through various effects pedals), backed mostly by atmospheric guitar work. Andrew also relies more heavily
on falsetto than in past work, which gives the album a more ethereal, less gritty sound than is often associated with Liars. Along with the music, Drum's Not Dead
was released with a DVD that contains three full-length video companions to the album: Drum's Not Bread by Julian Gross, The Helix Aspersa by Angus Andrew, and By Your Side by filmmaker Markus Wambsganss.
The rhythmic electroacoustic experimentalism
was not only used in the studio set up, but continued in their live performances during the Drum's Not Dead tour. Microphones taped on Gross drum kit and the percussion set of Hemphill picked up the live played rhythms and were modulated heavily
by digital real-time processing spring reverbs and pitch shifters forming multi layered drones
. The creation of this set-up is outlined in the CD booklet for Drum's Not Dead.
on May 24, 2007. It was released August 28, 2007 on Mute Records
. In support of the album, Liars toured the UK over August 2007, North America over September/October 2007 supporting Interpol
, Europe over November/December 2007, North America over January/February 2008 with No Age
and May 2008 with Radiohead
. The band also participated on Vincent Moon
's The Take-Away Shows.
On November 4 the band confirmed that Sisterworld
would be the new album, and would be released in early 2010 on Mute Records
. According to the Pitchfork article, It was written and recorded in Los Angeles with Jon Brion
collaborator Tom Biller and very much inspired by the city. The band had this to say of the record:
In addition to this, the press release states: The album was released on CD and Vinyl on Tuesday, March 9, 2010.
During this time, San Francisco-based artist, musician, and Red Bull enthusiast Jesse Jackson (of Flaspar and Sissy Spacek) joined the band on tour to play auxiliary guitar.
Liars are featured on the latest Beck 'Record Club' in which they covered the INXS
album Kick. Angus from the band suggested that they cover this LP.
The band have been chosen by Portishead to perform at the ATP I'll Be Your Mirror
festival that they will curate in July 2011 at London's Alexandra Palace.
Dance-punk
Dance-punk is a music genre that emerged in the late 1970s, and is closely associated with the post-punk and No Wave movements.-Predecessors:...
scene of the early 21st century, they have come to be categorized by their dramatic stylistic shifts between albums, while retaining a consistent interest in rhythm and sound texture.
Formative years
The genesis of the band can be traced to Los AngelesLos Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, where Andrew and Gross were enrolled at Cal Arts
California Institute of the Arts
The California Institute of the Arts, commonly referred to as CalArts, is located in Valencia, in Los Angeles County, California. It was incorporated in 1961 as the first degree-granting institution of higher learning in the United States created specifically for students of both the visual and the...
, studying photography and graphic design, respectively. Hemphill had studied microbiology
Microbiology
Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, which are defined as any microscopic organism that comprises either a single cell , cell clusters or no cell at all . This includes eukaryotes, such as fungi and protists, and prokaryotes...
in Junior College in San Diego, but was then employed in LA at a record store. Upon meeting, Andrew and Hemphill began their collaboration on four-track recordings. Once Andrew had completed art school, they relocated to New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
together. Although Gross was not a member of Liars' NYC-period roster, he was often taken along on tour for hawking the merchandise and providing comedic banter. For the time being, two musicians from Nebraska
Nebraska
Nebraska is a state on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States. The state's capital is Lincoln and its largest city is Omaha, on the Missouri River....
, Pat Noecker (bass, formerly of Neuromancer, Urethra Franklin, and Opium Taylor) and Ron Albertson (drums, formerly of Mercy Rule), filled out the band's rhythm section after responding to a well-placed want ad.
They Threw Us All In A Trench And Stuck A Monument On Top (2001–2002)
Liars' debut album They Threw Us All in a Trench and Stuck a Monument on TopThey Threw Us All in a Trench and Stuck a Monument on Top
They Threw Us All in a Trench and Stuck a Monument on Top is the first album released by dance-punk band Liars. It was then released in 2002 by English label Blast First Records...
was released on the 30th October, 2001. Recorded in a mere two days, the album bore resemblance to the work of Delta 5
Delta 5
-Career:The original members of Delta 5, Julz Sale , Ros Allen and Bethan Peters , formed the band "on a lark", but soon became a part of the thriving Leeds post-punk scene, and later added Kelvin Knight on drums and Alan Riggs on guitar...
and Gang of Four
Gang of Four
The Gang of Four was the name given to a political faction composed of four Chinese Communist Party officials. They came to prominence during the Cultural Revolution and were subsequently charged with a series of treasonous crimes...
, accenting their angular, acerbic punk with modern synths and drum machines. The album generated interest in the band and gained them a following amongst the post-punk revival scene of New York. Liars were not averse to this attention, but the problem of being pigeon-holed, expressed in the albums title, became a pressing challenge for the band to overcome.
As a four-piece, Liars were only to release two more short EPs. The first was entitled We No Longer Knew Who We Were; it was an official release of the bands' early demos recorded in 2000. The second, however, showcased new material. Fins to Make Us More Fish-Like (November 2002) showed progression from their signature sound, but without any material that would seem significantly out of place on their debut. Most noteworthy, perhaps, is "Every Day Is a Child with Teeth", which concentrates more on sound texture and tense, stuttering percussion than the more danceable rhythms for which they had come to be known.
Line-up changes
Due to differences of creative methods, it was agreed that Noecker and Albertson would leave the band to pursue other work. Both joined the short-lived band No Things. Meanwhile, Andrew and Hemphill reunited with Gross to form the next (and current) incarnation of Liars. The first release from Liars as a three-piece was a split EP with the band OneidaOneida (band)
Oneida is a rock band from Brooklyn, New York. Their influences include psychedelic rock, krautrock, electronic, noise rock, and minimalism, but the overall structure and intent of their music cannot be easily traced to any of these styles...
, called Atheists, Reconsider
Atheists, Reconsider
Atheists, Reconsider is a split EP between two Brooklyn groups: Oneida and Liars. Each band contributes two original songs, plus one cover of a composition by the other band.-Track listing:# "Rose and Licorice" - Liars# "Privilege" - Oneida...
(released December 2002 by the Arena Rock Recording Co.
Arena Rock Recording Co.
The Arena Rock Recording Company is an independent record label based in Portland, Oregon, United States. Albums are distributed by Redeye in the United States and Koch in Canada.-History:...
). Liars contributed a cover of Oneida's "Rose and Licorice," as well as two originals. "Dorothy Taps the Foot of the Tinman" is a 7+ minute sound collage of kitchen-sink percussion, ambient drones and static, and copy/paste spoken words.
Witch hunting
This newfound experimentation paved the way for Liars' next full-length album, They Were Wrong, So We DrownedThey Were Wrong, So We Drowned
They Were Wrong, So We Drowned is the second album released by noise rock band Liars, released in 2004.The album takes the form of a very loose concept album concerning witchcraft upon The Brocken during Walpurgis Night, and tales of witch trials in the area around the Harz Mountains in Germany...
(recorded in March and May 2003, released February 2004). The band relocated to a cabin in the woods of New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
for the recording sessions, and along with producer David Andrew Sitek
David Andrew Sitek
David Andrew Sitek is a guitarist and record producer based in New York City, best known as a member of the band TV on the Radio. He has also worked with bands such as Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Liars, Foals, Celebration, and most recently Jane's Addiction, and produced free jazz-influenced remixes of songs...
of TV on the Radio
TV on the Radio
TV on the Radio is an American art rock band formed in 2001 in Brooklyn, New York, whose music spans numerous diverse genres, from post-punk to electro and free jazz to soul music....
immersed themselves in both non-fiction accounts of witch trials and traditional witch folklore. From these sources, Andrew created a generic fairy tale which is told through contrasting viewpoints in the lyrics. This commitment to the material at the heart of the album—a "story album" (as opposed to "concept album"), according to Andrew—resulted in a thematically rich piece of work that can often feel more atmospheric than musical. The non-traditional instrumentation and song structuring furthers its feel of concept over musicality, along with Sitek's signature harmonies and sound looping. Many critics responded negatively to this aspect of the album, and though it had its fervent supporters, it infamously garnered the lowest possible scores from both Spin and Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone is a US-based magazine devoted to music, liberal politics, and popular culture that is published every two weeks. Rolling Stone was founded in San Francisco in 1967 by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J...
magazines.
Berlin days
Creatively unfazed by the critical response to their unexpected experimental leap, the band relocated once again to BerlinBerlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and is one of the 16 states of Germany. With a population of 3.45 million people, Berlin is Germany's largest city. It is the second most populous city proper and the seventh most populous urban area in the European Union...
where they would eventually record their third full-length, Drum's Not Dead
Drum's Not Dead
Drum's Not Dead is the third album by experimental rock band Liars, released in 2006 through Mute Records. It was recorded in at Planet Roc studios in Berlin and produced by Angus Andrew. The sound is characterized by pounding drums, highly distorted guitar drones, and falsetto vocals...
(recorded in 2004, released February 2006). During the interim between the recording and release of their previous album,
Liars had already begun the work on what would eventually become Drum's Not Dead. Liars began experimenting with modified drum sounds. After much experimentation (and reportedly an entire album's worth of material cast aside), the group completed the album in an East German broadcast center that allowed them a multitude of different acoustic environments for recording. As the title suggests, the album is heavy on drums (often run through various effects pedals), backed mostly by atmospheric guitar work. Andrew also relies more heavily
on falsetto than in past work, which gives the album a more ethereal, less gritty sound than is often associated with Liars. Along with the music, Drum's Not Dead
Drum's Not Dead
Drum's Not Dead is the third album by experimental rock band Liars, released in 2006 through Mute Records. It was recorded in at Planet Roc studios in Berlin and produced by Angus Andrew. The sound is characterized by pounding drums, highly distorted guitar drones, and falsetto vocals...
was released with a DVD that contains three full-length video companions to the album: Drum's Not Bread by Julian Gross, The Helix Aspersa by Angus Andrew, and By Your Side by filmmaker Markus Wambsganss.
The rhythmic electroacoustic experimentalism
Electroacoustic improvisation
Electroacoustic improvisation is a style of music that incorporates aspects of both electroacoustic music and free improvisation.-Origins:Live electronics has been part of the sound art world since the 1930s with the early works of John Cage...
was not only used in the studio set up, but continued in their live performances during the Drum's Not Dead tour. Microphones taped on Gross drum kit and the percussion set of Hemphill picked up the live played rhythms and were modulated heavily
by digital real-time processing spring reverbs and pitch shifters forming multi layered drones
Drone (music)
In music, a drone is a harmonic or monophonic effect or accompaniment where a note or chord is continuously sounded throughout most or all of a piece. The word drone is also used to refer to any part of a musical instrument that is just used to produce such an effect.-A musical effect:A drone...
. The creation of this set-up is outlined in the CD booklet for Drum's Not Dead.
Liars
The band officially announced their album LiarsLiars (Liars album)
Liars is the fourth studio album by the band Liars, released on August 28, 2007. The album was recorded at Planet Roc, Los Angeles and was produced by the band and Jeremy Glover....
on May 24, 2007. It was released August 28, 2007 on Mute Records
Mute Records
Mute is an independent record label based in the UK. It was founded in 1978 by Daniel Miller and featured several prominent musical acts on its roster such as Goldfrapp, Depeche Mode, Yazoo, Erasure and Fad Gadget.-Beginnings:...
. In support of the album, Liars toured the UK over August 2007, North America over September/October 2007 supporting Interpol
Interpol (band)
Interpol is an American indie rock and post-punk revival band from New York City. Formed in 1997, the band's original line-up consisted of Paul Banks , Daniel Kessler , Carlos Dengler and Greg Drudy . Drudy left the band in 2000 and was replaced by Sam Fogarino...
, Europe over November/December 2007, North America over January/February 2008 with No Age
No Age
No Age is a two-person American indie rock group consisting of guitarist Randy Randall and drummer/vocalist Dean Allen Spunt. The band is based in Los Angeles and is currently signed to Sub Pop records...
and May 2008 with Radiohead
Radiohead
Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke , Jonny Greenwood , Ed O'Brien , Colin Greenwood and Phil Selway .Radiohead released their debut single "Creep" in 1992...
. The band also participated on Vincent Moon
Vincent Moon
Vincent Moon is an independent filmmaker from Paris mainly known for his field work music videos of indie rock related musicians as well as some notable mainstream artists like Tom Jones, R.E.M. or Arcade Fire. Besides making music videos he also makes experimental films and documentaries...
's The Take-Away Shows.
Sisterworld
On November 2, 2009, Pitchfork reported that Liars had updated their MySpace page by posting links to the website www.thesisterworld.com. Upon clicking the door displayed on the website, three short clips are shown, all three of natural landscapes with amplified ambient sounds. However, when the word "SISTERWORLD" below the door is clicked, the viewer is taken to the Liars' merchandise page.On November 4 the band confirmed that Sisterworld
Sisterworld
Sisterworld is the fifth studio album by experimental rock trio Liars, released on March 9, 2010. The album was written and recorded in Los Angeles with assistance from Tom Biller...
would be the new album, and would be released in early 2010 on Mute Records
Mute Records
Mute is an independent record label based in the UK. It was founded in 1978 by Daniel Miller and featured several prominent musical acts on its roster such as Goldfrapp, Depeche Mode, Yazoo, Erasure and Fad Gadget.-Beginnings:...
. According to the Pitchfork article, It was written and recorded in Los Angeles with Jon Brion
Jon Brion
Jon Brion is an American rock and pop multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, composer and record producer.-Early life:...
collaborator Tom Biller and very much inspired by the city. The band had this to say of the record:
In addition to this, the press release states: The album was released on CD and Vinyl on Tuesday, March 9, 2010.
During this time, San Francisco-based artist, musician, and Red Bull enthusiast Jesse Jackson (of Flaspar and Sissy Spacek) joined the band on tour to play auxiliary guitar.
Liars are featured on the latest Beck 'Record Club' in which they covered the INXS
INXS
INXS are an Australian rock band, formed as The Farriss Brothers in 1977 in Sydney, New South Wales. Mainstays are Garry Gary Beers on bass guitar, Andrew Farriss on guitar/keyboards, Jon Farriss on drums, Tim Farriss on lead guitar and Kirk Pengilly on guitar/sax...
album Kick. Angus from the band suggested that they cover this LP.
The band have been chosen by Portishead to perform at the ATP I'll Be Your Mirror
All Tomorrow's Parties (music festival)
All Tomorrow's Parties is a music festival which takes place at Camber Sands holiday camp in East Sussex and Butlin's holiday camp in Minehead, Somerset, England....
festival that they will curate in July 2011 at London's Alexandra Palace.
Albums
- They Threw Us All in a Trench and Stuck a Monument on TopThey Threw Us All in a Trench and Stuck a Monument on TopThey Threw Us All in a Trench and Stuck a Monument on Top is the first album released by dance-punk band Liars. It was then released in 2002 by English label Blast First Records...
(Gern Blandsten, October 2001) - They Were Wrong, So We DrownedThey Were Wrong, So We DrownedThey Were Wrong, So We Drowned is the second album released by noise rock band Liars, released in 2004.The album takes the form of a very loose concept album concerning witchcraft upon The Brocken during Walpurgis Night, and tales of witch trials in the area around the Harz Mountains in Germany...
(Mute Records, February 2004) - Drum's Not DeadDrum's Not DeadDrum's Not Dead is the third album by experimental rock band Liars, released in 2006 through Mute Records. It was recorded in at Planet Roc studios in Berlin and produced by Angus Andrew. The sound is characterized by pounding drums, highly distorted guitar drones, and falsetto vocals...
(Mute Records, February 2006) - LiarsLiars (Liars album)Liars is the fourth studio album by the band Liars, released on August 28, 2007. The album was recorded at Planet Roc, Los Angeles and was produced by the band and Jeremy Glover....
(Mute Records, August 2007) - SisterworldSisterworldSisterworld is the fifth studio album by experimental rock trio Liars, released on March 9, 2010. The album was written and recorded in Los Angeles with assistance from Tom Biller...
(Mute Records, March 2010)
EPs and singles
- Fins to Make Us More Fish-Like (Mute RecordsMute RecordsMute is an independent record label based in the UK. It was founded in 1978 by Daniel Miller and featured several prominent musical acts on its roster such as Goldfrapp, Depeche Mode, Yazoo, Erasure and Fad Gadget.-Beginnings:...
, November 2002) - Atheists, ReconsiderAtheists, ReconsiderAtheists, Reconsider is a split EP between two Brooklyn groups: Oneida and Liars. Each band contributes two original songs, plus one cover of a composition by the other band.-Track listing:# "Rose and Licorice" - Liars# "Privilege" - Oneida...
(Arena Rock Recording Co.Arena Rock Recording Co.The Arena Rock Recording Company is an independent record label based in Portland, Oregon, United States. Albums are distributed by Redeye in the United States and Koch in Canada.-History:...
, December 2002) - split EPSplit albumA split album is a music album which includes tracks by two or more separate artists. There have been singles and EPs released in the same nature, which can be referred to as split singles and split EPs respectively...
(with OneidaOneida (band)Oneida is a rock band from Brooklyn, New York. Their influences include psychedelic rock, krautrock, electronic, noise rock, and minimalism, but the overall structure and intent of their music cannot be easily traced to any of these styles...
) - We No Longer Knew Who We Were
- There's Always Room On the Broom/Single (UK #74)
- Split with Yeah Yeah YeahsYeah Yeah YeahsYeah Yeah Yeahs are an American indie rock band formed in New York City in 2000. The group is composed of vocalist and pianist Karen O, guitarist and keyboardist Nick Zinner, and drummer Brian Chase. They are complemented in live performances by second guitarist David Pajo, who joined as a touring...
(Japan and Australia only) - We Fenced Other Gardens With the Bones of Our Own
- It Fit When I Was a KidIt Fit When I Was a KidIt Fit When I Was a Kid is the first EP for the Drum's Not Dead LP by Liars. It was the subject of some controversy when the original cover of the single was substituted for the censored version of the original. A special edition release featuring the original artwork is planned. The official...
- The Other Side of Mt. Heart AttackThe Other Side of Mt. Heart Attack"The Other Side of Mt. Heart Attack" is the second single for the Drum's Not Dead LP by Liars. Pitchfork Media declared it the 46th best song of 2006....
(UK #213) - How Many More Times split with Gerry Mitchell & Little Sparta (Fire RecordsFire RecordsFire Records was an independent record label set up in 1959 by Bobby Robinson . Among others, it released records by Lightnin' Hopkins, Elmore James and Arthur 'Big Boy' Crudup.-Selected discography:...
Keep Mother series G–H August 2006 - "Plaster Casts of Everything"
- Liars Session (Mute RecordsMute RecordsMute is an independent record label based in the UK. It was founded in 1978 by Daniel Miller and featured several prominent musical acts on its roster such as Goldfrapp, Depeche Mode, Yazoo, Erasure and Fad Gadget.-Beginnings:...
, October 24, 2007) - "House CloudsHouse CloudsHouse Clouds is an EP released by the band Liars.-Track listing:# Houseclouds# Red Dirt# Clear Island # Dear God...
" - "Leopard on My Right"/"Dear" (2008)
- "Scissor" (2010)
- "The Overachievers" (2010)
- "Proud Evolution" (2010)
- "Live From Shepherd's Bush" (2010)
External links
- www.liarsliarsliars.com Official site
- mute.com Liars Label artist profile
Interviews
- Interview with Angus Andrew at deathrockstar, July 4, 2003
- Exclaim! Magazine September 2007 Web Exclusive Interview with Liars by Cam Lindsay
- SUPERSWEET interview - June 2007
- Angus Andrew on his favourite books, from Dummymag.com
- Interview with TMF in 2010 discussing Sisterworld
- Interview With Liars
- REDEFINE magazine Interview, March 2010 and March 2008
- Filmed interview with the whole band, January 2010