The world is a scary, screwed-up place, and generally, we are fed a distorted version of events through the media. If you think things are bad here in the UK, then go to the States, turn on the TV and check out the propaganda and level of information control over there. Or go to China, log onto Google, type in “Tiananmen Square” and see what happens.
This might not be so relevant to the current music scene, and many bands don’t tend to address political issues through their music, unless they’re pratting about on a Live 8 stage (which, incidently, did nothing to “raise awareness”, or [more importantly] money, but was sponsored by Nokia, and boosted the careers of a few pop stars). Not that we would expect every band in the universe to take on an air of social responsibility, but when a band
such as the LIVING THINGS, get angry and start voicing their opinions, then it’s certainly a refreshing take on things.
Looking at their history it is no small wonder that the Living Things have arrived where they are. The three brothers, Lillian, Eve (both of whom were named after their grandmothers) and Bosh Berlin were brought up in conservative St Louis, by their radical mother – a political activist who at one point tried to join the Black Panthers – who instilled in them a sense of moral outrage. The brothers were often in bother, in and out of school, and were frequently locked in their parent’s basement to keep them out of trouble – this is where they would frequently bang out tunes on their instruments because, frankly, there can’t have been much else to do.
Fast forward a few years and Lillian was busking his way around the States with his girlfriend of the time, trying to support a filthy heroin addiction. He wasn’t very well by all accounts, and it wasn’t until his mother finally dragged him back home and weaned him off the drugs that the Living Things formed proper, but this is still not the end of the story.
Their debut album, Ahead Of The Lions, was recorded in 2003, and was produced by Steve Albini (The Pixies, Nirvana, amongst others): but due to various record label wrangles (they were asked to tone down their political messages), the release was delayed, the label taken over, tours were cancelled, the band was dropped, and it wasn’t until 2005 that their album was finally released on Red Ink records.
So, now that things seem to be on an even keel, three years after the recording of their debut album, W&H caught up with Bosh, the youngest brother and drummer, on their current UK tour to promote their new single "Bom Bom Bom”.
To begin with, Bosh explained, “Being brothers, we picked up instruments, I picked up the drums, at a very young age, and we all started playing together. We’ve always been writing songs, but even when Lillian had a lot of problems [referring to his heroin addiction], we’ve always done that together anyway.
“I mean, when you have three boys living in St Louis, in the suburbs, getting into trouble, and being locked in a basement, then what are you going to do? You’re going to pick up the guitar and start playing music.”
He went on to explain: “Lillian writes the lyrics. He was more influenced by Mom ‘cause she was such a political person, I mean, she’s from Chicago, she joined the groups, did a lot of political work, and really spoke her mind, which in St Louis, you have to do really!”
It’s worth noting at this point, that the outspoken nature of this band - which includes performances where the burning of, and pissing on pictures of George Bush, and passionate on-stage political rants - have resulted in numerous attacks on band members, and at one point Lillian was actually shot at twice after a gig. Scary stuff.
So their anti-Bush stance, in a predominantly Republican area has, in the past, landed them in trouble. “It’s not so much anti-Bush” Bosh told us, “It’s more anti-system. The way the whole system works is wrong and corrupt. It’s easy to blame George Bush, but it’s everything, it’s so wrong.”
They are inspired to write about anything they come across which appeals to them. Naturally, given their history, these tend to be quite political. “What it is,” he paused to think, “is that we see something on the TV and we want to talk or sing about it. As entertainers, we want to give something back, you know, intelligent lyrics that talk about stuff we care about.”
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He continued: “I wouldn’t say that we are a ‘Political band’ though, we just see things that are fucked up, then we’re going to talk about it. It’s better than sitting here talking about how I’m drinking a glass of water and my girlfriend broke up with me, or something.” Our sentiments exactly.
Their music is a homogeny of glam rock and punk with strong military undertones, it literally thunders along, and their sound matches their attitude perfectly. It is easy to discern their influences, T-Rex, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, the Ramones and the Rolling Stones, especially in terms of image – Lillian has an on-stage presence highly reminiscent of a young Mick Jagger or Mark Bolan.
Commenting on how their style evolved, Bosh gave a refreshingly honest analysis: “I dunno? I guess our sound is from the way we play our instruments to our ability, whatever that is! I mean, this is how I hit the drums, I’m not a brilliant drummer, so if it comes out loud, then it’s loud! It is what it is.”
Modesty aside, there is definitely something about this band. Why else would Steve Albini have sat up and paid attention to what these guys were doing? “Ah, yeah I could sit with him [Albini] for hours!” said Bosh, who obviously has a lot of affection for the producer, “He’s great, he’s just a regular fun guy like you and me, he’s great to work with, but he does mad things, like one time, he just set his pants on fire and we didn’t know why! But he’s great.”
“He’s a very easy guy to work with. I don’t like recording, I enjoy doing the live shows, but I loved working with him, I could sit with him for hours and record stuff.” Mr Albini if you’re reading, I think that’s a bit of a request for you there!
So after what was obviously an experience that the band must treasure, it must have been massively frustrating for the band to have to waited so long before their album was released.
“Well you know what?” He said indignantly, “I’m happy that they didn’t believe in what we did. I don’t want to be with someone who’s not with us 100%, no way. Right now, I’m happy that we’re with people who want to give us a shot and believe in what we do. We’re soldiers, and we’ll keep on fighting, whatever.” Right on brother.
The emergence of the Living Things has had it’s ups and downs, and this is on top of recording and touring, which can become gruelling for some. Especially as the band comprises three brothers and a long-standing family friend. One could imagine it becoming all a bit ‘Gallagher Brothers’ on occasion.
At this point, Bosh burst out laughing, “You know, people always get off on brotherly fights, but it’s easier fighting with your brothers cause you forget about it about an hour later. Anyway, as long as we’re making good music, that’s what matters.”
And they really do make very good music. Watch this space for 2006. I’m convinced that Living Things will prove to be a thorn in the side for some, and hopefully a source of inspiration for others. Either way, I’m sure that great things lie ahead for them.
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