INTERVIEW: Noothgrush packed for a European tour

Noothgrush

Before their Saturday appearance at the 2012 Maryland Deathfest, Oakland, California’s Noothgrush will complete a short tour of Europe. Guitarist Russ Kent and drummer Chiyo Nukaga were kind enough to take a few minutes answer some questions before they left the country.

What recording material will you be focusing on for your set list?
RK - A wide range of songs from our discography.

Any new songs?
RK - No, we haven't been writing, just preparing for upcoming shows.

What has been your most memorable show experience?
RK - There's a lot... Tours with Seized and Corrupted were loaded with riotous times.

What are your future plans, such as recording or other projects?
RK - Right now we are just getting back into playing together and doing some of the amazing things we've been offered. We have some riffs and ideas that will (I hope) lead to new songs and ultimately a new record but we're taking one step at a time here.... we're all very busy "adults" now, you know.

Are you doing any other shows either before or after MDF? And if so, where and with whom?
CN - Right before MDF X, we will be on tour with Alderbaran in Europe. (See dates for the Procession to Extinction tour here.) We're also playing on the Southern Lord's Power of the Riff fest on June 21 in San Francisco and June 22 in Santa Cruz, Ca.

RK - We hope to be back on the East Coast later in the Summer for the Southern Lord Festivals but that isn't in stone yet. We will also play the 305 Festival in Miami in July.

Will you have any special or unusual items for sale at MDF?
RK - Yes, in fact, we will! A split 5" with Suppression that was supposed to be released years ago was Finally just pressed by Fuck Yoga and it comes with an actual puzzle. It is completely fucked up! We will also have some new t-shirt designs and vinyl of all the recently released and re-issued items.

Any special greetings for your fans?
RK - Yes! It has been a long time since we played on the East Coast. The interest and support we have gotten from those who love our music after all these years is beyond belief. We are very pleased to be playing again and we are working hard to make sure that you get exactly what you want to hear from us and delivered in an appropriate manner.

What has been your most memorable show experience?
RK - There's a lot... Tours with Seized and Corrupted were loaded with riotous times.

What are your future plans, such as recording or other projects?
RK - Right now we are just getting back into playing together and doing some of the amazing things we've been offered. We have some riffs and ideas that will (I hope) lead to new songs and ultimately a new record but we're taking one step at a time here ... we're all very busy "adults" now, you know.

And anything else you want to add?
See you all at MDF!!! We can't fucking wait! 

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Read the previous Metallomusikum profile of Noothgrush here.

Countdown to MDF X: (30) Noothgrush

The best thing about a band called Noothgrush is that you are not going to get a lot of irrelevant links in your search engine results for them. Well, except for that one weird thing that sits atop a toothbrush in the Dr. Seuss book, There's a Wocket in My Pocket.

This band plays crushingly heavy, misanthropic sludge that rolls over you like a Panzer VIII tank. If they actually follow The Devil's Blood on Saturday afternoon, May 26, of the 2012 Maryland Deathfest, as the running order indicates, then I will view them as a welcomed relief.

Noothgrush's music is incredibly powerful, cathartic, melodic, trudging and emotive. And frankly sometimes that just feels really good. Why sweat to all the rush, rush of thrash metal? Why scowl and grimace to all the "serious business" and blast beats of  black metal? Take a break. Catch your breath. Clutch some "invisible oranges" and enjoy a little Noothgrush with me. They released an album, Noothgrush, in the fall of 201l, and I love the album cover (shown right), which is apparently their take on the Seussian toothbrush menace.

Formed in 1994 in Oakland, California, the group's current line-up includes Gary Niederhoff - bass/vocals, Russ Kent - guitars, and Chiyo Nukaga - drums. The group split up back in 2001 but have since reunited and are playing gigs here and there.  Right before MDF X, Noothgrush will be on tour with Alderbaran in Europe. Check out their Facebook page.

The following song includes my favorite Richard Nixon quote ever.