The (International) Noise Conspiracy

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The (International) Noise Conspiracy

Background information
Origin Flag of Sweden Sweden
Genre(s) Punk rock
Rock'n'roll
Garage rock
Years active 1998–present
Label(s) G7 Welcoming Committee Records
Burning Heart Records
American Recordings
Associated acts Refused
Website Official website
Members
Dennis Lyxzén
Inge Johansson
Lars Strömberg
Ludwig Dahlberg
Former members
Sara Almgren

The (International) Noise Conspiracy is a rock'n'roll band with punk rock influences. Forming in Sweden in the late months of 1998, the line-up consists of Dennis Lyxzén (vocals), Inge Johansson (bass), Lars Strömberg (guitar), and Ludwig Dahlberg (drums). Up until 2004-05 guitarist/organist/keyboardist Sara Almgren was also a member of the band. Dennis formed The (I)nc almost immediately after the breakup of his former band, Refused. The (I)nc takes pride in blending the roots of at least four other bands, including Totalt Jävla Mörker (Johansson), Separation (Strömberg), Saidiwas (Dahlberg and Almgren), and Doughnuts (Almgren).

Influenced by a quote from 1960's folk singer Phil Ochs, the lead singer Lyxzén, the band wanted to achieve an ideal blend of music and politics that was, "a cross between Elvis Presley and Che Guevara." Furthermore, according to the liner notes of their debut album, The First Conspiracy, the band wanted to combat music's function as spectacle. This is a concept taken from Guy Debord's work The Society of the Spectacle.

There is much fanfare about the band's Marxist ideology and position as communists, a label they in fact give themselves. However, they don't belong to Stalinist positions and are politically opposed to hierarchy and the state. Much of their images and writings reflect Situationist and left communist political positions and influences.

Contents

[edit] First recordings

In 1999 the band recorded their debut The First Conspiracy with G7 Welcoming Committee Records. Although hardly a commercial success, the album led to the band's recognition by the punk label Burning Heart Records (though the same label already had released records of some of the band members' older bands), and in 2000 they released the album Survival Sickness. Considered one of the finest examples of situationist-influenced punk rock, Survival Sickness saw the band pushing their revolutionary ideology with scathing lyrics and an infectious rhythm. Many of the lyrics are taken directly from the writings of members of the Situationist International especially Raoul Vaneigem's The Revolution of Everyday Life.

By 2001, the band had re-entered the Burning Heart studio to record their next album, A New Morning, Changing Weather. Taking advantage of Almgren’s organ playing, The (International) Noise Conspiracy produced a record far beyond the realm of most punk groups. Using organs, horns, keys, etc, the band began to establish a reputation for eclectic instrumentation, which they would continue to cultivate.

[edit] Touring

The band's first tour outside Sweden, their homeland, went to China. They played their songs in illegal and hidden rock clubs while the Chinese police waited outside with guns and nightsticks. They also toured with My Chemical Romance in the United States. The band's lead singer describes their music as like The Hives with added politics, as The (International) Noise Conspiracy have a strong Situationist agenda in some of their work, such as 'Capitalism Stole My Virginity'.

[edit] Later recordings

Between 2002 and 2003, the Up For Sale EP (Sympathy for the Record Industry) and Bigger Cages, Longer Chains EP (2003, Burning Heart/Epitaph Records) were recorded. In 2004 The (International) Noise Conspiracy teamed up with famed producer Rick Rubin on what would become their next album. Organists Billy Preston and Benmont Tench also temporarily joined the lineup, as Sara Almgren left the band in order to play for the Swedish punk band, The Vicious). Rick Rubin signed the band on to his label American Recordings. In the end, the band released Armed Love in 2004. The inlay of the album pays tribute to the slogan: "¡O Bailan todos, o no baila nadie!" as written by Tupamaros. The saying translates to: "Either Everyone Dances, or No One Dances!" According to The (International) Noise Conspiracy, they try to define their idea and music with this phrase.

The (International) Noise Conspiracy continues to play and tour to this day, constantly pushing a far-left wing stance towards autonomous Marxism.

In 2006 the (International) Noise Conspiracy contributed a cover of "Shut Up" to The Monks tribute album Silver Monk Time: A Tribute to The Monks, which was released in October.

In 2007 the band completed recording of their new album and are currently mixing and mastering, the album should be released by years end. The band has been fairly quiet during the process of making the album so it is unsure when the exact release date will be.

In an interview for Rockstar.tv on August 28th, The band said they were planning on naming their new album "The Cross Of My Calling" and it would contain "mystical" lyrics with a more soulful sound.

[edit] Discography

[edit] Studio albums

[edit] Live albums

[edit] EPs and Singles

[edit] Compilations/Other

[edit] Videography

  • "Smash It Up"
  • "The Reproduction of Death"
  • "Capitalism Stole My Virginity"
  • "Up For Sale"
  • "Black Mask"
  • "A Small Demand"

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/38717/The_Fall_Raincoats_Faust_Pay_Tribute_to_the_Monk

[edit] External links