Demob Happy - The new era of the Newcastle trio

Propelled by the single "Voodoo Science", in rotation on Bbc Radio 1, Demob Happy's third album came out under the title "Divine Machines" at the end of last year. The band, originally from Newcastle before quickly relocating to Brighton, has progressively enriched its stoner framework with catchier, more Beatles-esque tones. Together with frontman Matthew Marcantonio, who recently collaborated with our own Caparezza, we retrace the story of the English band, who also recently performed in Italy (in Milan and Bologna, September 26 and 27).

Your sonic adventure started in Newcastle, before moving on to Brighton. Why the decision to head south?

At that time there wasn't much going on in the Newcastle music scene, and we were young men who wanted to leave our hometown and see the world.

Among the comments on the official video for the single "Succubus" (2014), some people picked up on vibes reminiscent of bands like Rated R, Kyuss and Queens Of The Stone Age. Would you say those were among your early musical influences?

Yes, absolutely. Queens Of The Stone Age were a huge part of my musical awakening to the dark side of rock'n'roll. They're still definitely one of my favourite bands.

In October 2015 you released your debut album, "Dream Soda". It opens with a sound reminiscent of the '90s, almost Nirvana-like. "Underneath Your Tree" really seems to take the listener back three decades. How did the album come together?

They were simply the songs we had at that moment, nothing more really. We never thought of ourselves as a grunge band, and none of us are big Nirvana fans, especially not me. I liked some of their songs, but I think the reason people hear it as grunge is that we wanted to write songs like the Beatles, just with heavier guitars. It was our first album, the first time we'd recorded anything, and it was really just an experiment.

May 2017. Your single "Dead Dreamers" blows up on PES 19, revealing a catchier side. What was it like working with producer Tom Dalgety?

It's a really cool song! It was great working with Tom, and since then we've had several collaborations with him.

Second album, "Holy Doom" (2018). In songs like "Be Your Man", stoner textures blend with more Beatles-esque melodies. But the energy that defines you remains intact in songs like "Loosen It". How has the band grown in these three years?

We're constantly trying to move forward and evolve - I'd never want to keep doing the same thing or become predictable. That probably works against us as much as it helps us, but I'd rather keep moving than stand still.

How did the tour with Jack White go? Can you tell us any anecdotes?

It was amazing. He asked us to join him on stage on the last night in Edinburgh, and it was an honor for us. He's a kind person, it was a pleasure.

How did the collaboration with Caparezza come about? Many Italian listeners actually discovered you this way.

Caparezza reached out to me at some point during lockdown and asked if I could do it. I said yes, because he's fantastic, that's all. He's a really nice guy and I loved performing with him. I'm happy that more and more Italians are discovering our music. My father was Italian, so I've spent a lot of time in your country, and I want to spend more time there.

The single released last September, "Sweet & Sour America", is about the States. "Belle persone piene di spazzatura aspettano lentamente dietro la curva". What's your take on the land of the stars and stripes?

I love America, the people are wonderful, but they're constantly under attack from the most toxic and corrupt food and healthcare industries in the world, which makes it hard to live a healthy life, and there are a lot of victims. But it's a country I love, and I'll always go back.

The third album, "Divine Machines", got great reviews. Especially the single "Voodoo Science", played on BBC Radio 1. "Hades, Baby" has a rhythm I'd dare call apocalyptic. Before hitting the Italian stages, where had you gotten to on your musical journey?

Thanks! We'd reached the point where we weren't afraid to say or make any kind of music at all. We're simply adding more and more colors to our palette, so the live show can be even more eclectic, and I think our fans are backing us on this journey.

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