Introduction: Due to time constraints as regular individuals running Witching Buzz and focusing primarily on writing reviews, we are limited to publishing only one (occasionally two) review(s) per day. However, we strongly believe in providing greater exposure to deserving bands and musicians who have put in immense effort. As a result, we have launched a new section called “Witching Riffs: Behind the Sound.” In this section, we have crafted a series of intriguing questions that we pose to every band or musician who wishes to share more about their unique projects. While the questions remain the same for each participant, the diversity among bands ensures that the answers will be fascinating and diverse. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this captivating journey as we delve into the minds and stories of these talented artists.
FRANK NEVER DIES / Italy
What drew you to the immersive and hypnotic sounds? How do you aim to captivate your listeners with this genre?
While playing we just go with the flow, the more we feel the music the more it comes spontaneously. So we must say we don’t follow a specific purpose, our target isn’t fascination. But we are quite sure listeners can take part to the same atmosphere we are driven by.
Can you share the story behind your band name? How does it reflect the essence of your music?
(Mirko) when I was sixteen I have noticed that in a lots of movies (especially American movies), if there’s a character named Frank and if he’s not the protagonist, there are many chances he will die during the plot. It was funny for me and it let me think that it was a kind of cliché. So, calling a music project Frank Never Dies is a sort of rebellion against this kind of predictable issues we are generally surrounded by in mainstream communication. In fact I totally reject the idea of making music following a specific pattern to identify with a pre-established category.
What are some unconventional or unexpected influences that have shaped your unique blend?
I think the eclecticism is the main feature of the band: I played grunge, post grunge, rock 70’, Simona comes from post punk, krautrock, Luca from funk and afro, and Francesco from stoner, grunge.
How do you approach creating expansive and atmospheric soundscapes? What techniques or methods do you employ to achieve that signature vibe?
Honestly we just play. No specific techniques or methods, we care a lot about spontaneity.
Are there specific themes or emotions you seek to convey through your music? How do alternative music help you express those concepts effectively?
I would like all our listeners to create their own images through the music, as it was a sort of soundtrack of their own visions. We are more inspired by movies than by other bands, I studied art and Simona too, so maybe our visual culture is so deeply developed to influence also our musical inspiration.
Share a remarkable moment or incident from your journey as a band that exemplifies the spirit of your music.
I’d like to remember our first live outside our country, we were in Bruxelles, in an amazing venue, sharing the stage with Acid Mothers Temple, I think it was the best start of Red Moon Rising’s tour. From the very beginning of our tour we shared a lot of funny moments and our four different personalities perfectly blended.
In what ways do you envision your music progressing or evolving in the future? Are there any new elements or experimental approaches you’d like to incorporate?
Right in this period we’re thinking about the next LP and we are sure that it will be different than the other two, the experimentation is important for our music. But, as I already told, we don’t like to make too much projects before playing. So strategies will be minimal.
Is there a particular song in your discography that perfectly encapsulates the essence of your music? Please elaborate on its creation and significance.
Our first LP has a different mood if we compare it to Red Moon Rising, so it’s hard to reply. It could be The Compleat Traveller in Black from Behind the Paradox, its sounds very dark, closer to Red Moon Rising’s atmospheres. The title of the track comes from a novel of John Brunner.
Are there any emerging or lesser-known artists within your music genre realm that you find inspiring or deserving of more recognition? Feel free to share their names and what you appreciate about their work.
If we’re talking about the first LP maybe we can mention Yawning man. Too hard to reply about Red Moon Rising. As I previously told, we have very different influences and our inspiration doesn’t come merely from music.
What do you hope listeners experience or feel when they immerse themselves in your compositions? Is there a specific mood or sensation you aim to evoke?
We try to create a cinematic landscape, in which people can image their own world.
Turbo Regime:
– Fuzz or distortion?
Distortion
– Analog or digital effects?
Both
– Sabbath or Zeppelin?
Both, of course
– Heavy riff or mind-bending solo?
It depends from the moment
– Vintage gear or modern equipment?
Vintage sound with modern equipment
https://www.facebook.com/FrankNeverDies/
Label: Argonauta Records
PR: Grand Sounds Promotion
