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| photo by Alicia J. Rose |
Following an amicable split from Sub Pop Records back in 2008, The Thermals signed to Kill Rock Stars and released their last album, Now We Can See, in 2009. The album, written from the viewpoint of the dead, examines a life in retrospect through cerebral songwriting and catchy pop melodies delivered over dirty and gritty guitar hooks. Having toured the globe on the release of this masterpiece of modern pop-punk rock, The Thermals are set to release their follow up album, Personal Life, on September 7th. The sophomore effort under the Kill Rock Stars label finds The Thermals working once again with musician/producer Chris Walla, whose production credits include work with Nada Surf, The Decemberists, Death Cab For Cutie, and Hot Hot Heat, as well as previous Thermals albums More Parts per Million and Fuckin A.
Embarking on a fall tour of the United States beginning in September, The Thermals come to the neighborhood to play the Logan Square Auditorium on Sunday, October 3rd, on a bill that also features the indie-rock outfit Cymbals Eat Guitars. In anticipation of the gig, we talked with The Thermals front man Hutch Harris about the forthcoming album, Lula's Cafe and the Fireside Bowl.
LSD: You've never been one to refrain from expressing your political beliefs through the music, though I think you've been very successful at calling attention to certain issues without sounding too preachy. Nobody wants to be told how to live their lives, and it seems to me you'd be more likely to kick the soapbox than use it as a platform to lecture. With regards to your songwriting, how do you balance discontent with certain issues or policies without coming across as the pulpiteer?
Hutch Harris: Basically I just sing what I feel and sometimes it ends up like a story, sometimes it sounds like the rantings of a crazy person...sometimes both! I'm trying to stir feelings in people and give them a rush rather than trying to get a point across.
LSD: I've read that you had employed a sort of 'cautious optimism' in regards to the election of President Barack Obama. We've seen some major changes in domestic policy, but a lot of our foreign exploits that began under Bush/Cheney have been continued under the new administration. Now that you've been given some time to reflect, what are your impressions of Obama's presidency thus far? Are any of those opinions reflected on the new album?
HH: I think Obama's presidency is in some ways very positive, however we are still engaged in two wars that look like they will never end. These opinions are not reflected on the new record. The new record is mainly about toxic personal relationships. There is one song, "Power Lies", which is sung from the point of view of a successful leader who constantly doubts his own abilities.
LSD: You've revisited old friend and producer Chris Walla on the new record, Personal Life, which is set for release September 7. How has bringing him back into the mix changed the direction of the sound on this album compared your previous two studio efforts?
HH: We knew before we went into the studio with Chris that we wanted to make a simple, stripped-down modern rock record. We knew Chris would be the perfect person to help us realize this.
LSD: Your earlier recordings as Hutch and Kathy are acoustic tunes with more of a stripped down folky feel. Was it a conscious decision to veer from that path in favor of a heavier, more punk influenced sound, or did things seem to naturally progress in that direction?
HH: After we worked a year or so on the Hutch and Kathy record I wanted to make something that was faster, louder and more immediate. So it was conscious, and natural.
LSD: What sort of music are you listening to these days? Any particular bands that have caught your attention lately?
HH: I like Thin Lizzy and Kraftwerk. I don't listen to a lot of music recorded after 1980. Except The Cure and Smashing Pumpkins.
LSD: Let's talk a bit about Chicago, you've played some pretty high profile gigs here recently, Pitchfork Music Festival in 2009 and a summer set at Millenium Park this past July. When did The Thermals first come to Chicago and where did you play? Any particular memories of your first time in town?
HH: Yeah we love Chicago we've played there a ton. The first Thermals show in Chicago was at the Fireside Bowl. We actually played there a few times, with older bands of ours as well. The first time Kathy and I came to Chicago was in 1997 with a band called Haelah.
LSD: Have you had a chance to check out any of the local eateries during past trips to Chicago?
HH: Dude, wherever we go we are eating all the time. In chicago we love Karyn's. We also love intelligentsia coffee.
LSD: If you have a chance before the gig at Logan Square Auditorium you'll have to check out Lula's Cafe right below the venue. They are sort of a culinary institution in the neighborhood.
HH: Of course! We ate there last time we played Logan Square. It was delicious.
LSD: Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me. I'm looking forward to checking out the new album. Best of luck on the road and we'll see you October 3rd at the Logan Square Auditorium.
HH: Thanks!
