UNKIND – READY TO STORM THE UK

This weekend, the Finnish hardcore outfit Unkind will devastate eardrums in the UK with an appearance at the inaugural Temples Festival in Bristol, with two extra London shows added for those not attending the festival.  In the event that you notice the band in an upbeat and jovial mood, drummer Saku states that this is more of a working holiday for Unkind.  “The pub gigs should be especially steamy as they’re always loads more intense and intimate; as was the last time we rocked the Grosvenor years back,” states the sticksman.

 

Arriving in London this Friday 2nd May, Unkind will perform a set at The Unicorn in Camden alongside Baltzac and Bottlejob.  The following day, the band will set off to Bristol for the Saturday showcase of the Temples Festival, which they are clearly looking forward to.  “Naturally all of the headliners are some long time favourites of ours,” says Saku.  “Neurosis is one of the most respected bands of our time for a reason, but we’re also looking forward to seeing Amenra, Conan and Wolfbrigade, who are originators in our own genre and still pack tons of punch.”  If there would be a downside to their upcoming jaunt, it would have to be that Unkind will be unable to enjoy the entire Temples lineup, due to their London show commitments.  “It’s a shame we’ll miss the ones on Friday and Sunday but Saturday will offer plenty of good stuff.  I’d also like to recommend our countrymen Beastmilk for those staying for Sunday. They’re currently on tour with Doomriders and they’ve gotten a lot of well deserved attention as of late. A real treat to anyone who’s into early goth/post punk bands.”

 

Unkind’s recent release, “Pelon Juuret,” was released last year via Relapse Records and showcased a good jump forward in the group’s sound and approach.  “It’s been received well and most of the thanks, as opposed to the previous one, has come from the balance within the material which we were pretty happy to have achieved ourselves,” comments Saku.  This balance he speaks of is the somewhat hypnotic and adrenaline inducing mix of the band’s hardcore, D-beat foundation, mixed with a haunting and hellish soundscape that is sure to induce goosebumps and spinal shivers to the listener.  Despite releasing one of the strongest albums of last year, work and family commitments have Unkind touring only sporadically.  While discussing tour plans, Saku stated “We’re getting pretty old for long van tours which take a toll on the body and mind. We’d love to do a US tour in the near future but haven’t yet found a optimal solution for it. For now we’re concentrating on doing short sets of shows at home and abroad when we have the time and opportunity.”

 

Upcoming Unkind shows:

Friday, May 2 – The Unicorn Camden, London
Saturday, May 3 – Temples Festival, Bristol
Sunday, May 4 – The Grosvenor, London

Thanks for dropping in!

If you’re here maybe you should think of adding Zero Tolerance Magazine to your arsenal of regular reading? We offer a 3-issue trial subscription to whet your appetite. http://store.ztmag.com