LES FLEURS DU MAL
We have got more than we expected, and to our astonishment we have got better reviews than we ever hoped for.
20/06/2011, Didier BECU
Les Fleurs Du Mal are a new gothband from Sweden that recently got signed to Echozone. In times that good gothrock seems to become a dying breed, we're more than happy at Peek-A-Boo to welcome a band who have put their trust in the power of a good old Sisters Of Mercy-track and the melancholy of a Cure-song. Something like that, but definitely Les Fleurs Du Mal!
Hello, can you tell us who Les Fleurs Du Mal are?
We are a rock band, which tend to lean on the less glamorous parts of human existance. We are interpreters of reality. We sound like twisted metal and throbbing machinery, yet also like rain on cobble stone and twinkling silver bells. Apart from that we consist of me, Axel Grim and my brother August. Live we are joined by Jörgen Oscarsson on bass and Erik Lazaroff on guitar.
Why have you named the band after a book by Baudelaire?
It is actually not named after the collection of poems directly, but after a reference to it by swedish author Klas Östergren in his books 'Gentlemen" and "Gangsters'", but it is an awfully strong and thought provoking combination of words. It can be interpreted in so many ways. Mine’s a marxist one, however I’m not going to bore you with the details.
Is it difficult to avoid the big examples, if you play gothrock?
If you mean getting too close to rip-off, looking at the genre historically there has definitely been a lot of bands that walked too near the cliff edge. Now one must realize that it is natural too be inspired and to lend ideas and elements from other artists. Anybody who doesn’t acknowledge that is either a fool or a liar. However, as with all thievery it is most successful when done sophisticatedly and with good judgement. When stolen or "borrowed" elements are put into your own artistic framework, your sound creates something new. For us I don’t consider it a problem.
You’re from Sweden, right? How is the gothrock scene in Sweden or are you loners?
I would say that the scene in Sweden is quite dormant. There are some bands though who struggle on like Dr. Arthur Krause for example. However, the scene is so dispersed we are all isolated isles, then again nowadays who isn’t.
A deal on Echozone must open quite a few doors?
We are very happy with our arrangement. They have a lot of channels to put us out there and publicity wise thus far, it’s been a success. We have got more than we expected and to our astonishment we have got better reviews than we ever hoped for. It’s actually quite shocking to read a 10 out of 10 review. I mean we know we are the best, but we never thought we would actually manage to persuade anybody else of our brilliance. We obviously fooled you as well. We are very happy with your review. We aspire to live up to your expectations.
You’re not afraid to use lyrics that are quite provocative, "My funeral’ sounds like a suicide note?
Well, I see what you mean. As a matter of fact this song is actually not so much about wanting to die, as it is about the want to find out whether your life had the slightest meaning. Did the good choices outnumber the bad ones? Did you hurt more than contribute something worth anything to anybody? It’s a song about doubting your own worth, really and no we are not afraid, if you think this one is provocative, then you just wait.
I named this song the best song that never made "Disintegration" by The Cure.
That I take as a compliment. Thank you. Obviously they made a mistake in the selection process. Oh well, no heroes are impeccable. That’s a tough lesson I have had the "pleasure" to learn. This oversight I forgive, however, Am I not merciful?
Your recent EP on Echozone is quite fantastic. Is this a taste of things to come?
Thank you and yes. We are working on an album, however it will consist of all new songs. We are also working on the sequals to this EP. It looks, at the moment, like there will be three of them. I am very productive although I have to limit my productivity, in order to not totally mess up my regular work and relations. However, making music is something I have to do in order to survive, really. It’s also very rewarding.
Didier BECU
20/06/2011
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