Kamchatka are a Swedish power trio, highly influenced by late 1960's and
early 1970's blues rock bands. Their sound combines elements of blues, stoner and
psychedelic rock. The band took their name from the volcanically active Russian
Kamchatka peninsula.
Kamchatka - Hoodoo Lightning 2019
Hoodoo Lightning,
the 7th full length album by long running Swedish three-piece Kamchatka is due for
release Nov 29 2019. 10 brand spanking new slabs of relentless blues infused
riffage, soulful hooks and wild playing. Mixed and mastered by Black Lounge
Studios head honcho Jonas Kjellgren in Sweden.
After
an unforeseen break during 2017 due to various injuries and surgeries Kamchatka
came back last year to play live again. What was supposed to be a few low key
gigs to get back together and write some new music quickly turned into 50
shows, headline tours, support slots and festival appearances. The band also
recorded and released a well received 7-inch on the German boutique vinyl label
H42 Records with 2 new exclusive tracks.
Thomas
Juneor Andersson:
-I
think all of us were a little bit surprised about the interest from European
promotors after our break and not having any new released material under our
belts, but it also made us more confident in recording a new album. Some of the
shows we played in ’18 were the best ones we’ve ever done in the 15 year
history of the band so I was definitely looking forward to write new songs.
One step back but two steps forward might be an appropriate
way of describing Hoodoo Lightning as all the signature ingredients
we’ve come to know are there. The guitar wizardry and heartfelt vocals from
Thomas Juneor Andersson as well as the rock solid swinging rhythm section of
Tobias Strandvik & Per Wiberg are present as always and guides the listener
through all the rock and roll twists and turns imaginable.
Tobias
Strandvik:
-We’ve
never been a band that have relied on any studio-trickery. The joy of playing
music together is the foundation for this band so when recording that’s what we
do, we play the songs together until we’re happy with what we got. I’d like to
think there’s more of an edge to the performances this time though. We just
went for it and didn’t play it safe at all but that’s what makes it exciting.
Sonically it’s a grittier Kamchatka we hear this time and
it’s evident that there’s a new level of energy shining through Hoodoo Lightning, a more confident take-no-prisoners kind of attitude and
closer to the uncompromising experience of seeing the band live. Also
introducing the shared lead vocals from Thomas & Per on many of the tracks
gives the power trio format an extra punch and a wider dynamic range as well.
Per
Wiberg:
-Since
both me and Thomas sing it’s cool to mix it up and share verses and choruses.
I’ve always liked rock bands that have two or more lead vocalists, like Kiss,
Grand Funk & ZZ Top for example. It brings more life to the songs I think
and also underlines the fact that we’re a band. Obviously it’s fun and
entertaining for both us and the audience in a live situation as well and it
takes away a little of the pressure of having one guy doing the majority of the
lead vocals.
As usual the music itself is heavily rooted in the 60’s
& 70’s but Jonas Kjellgren has managed to avoid all the pitfalls of the
slick retro sound and instead found a great balance between an up to date
powerful in-the-moment sound with lots of creative details. Combined with the
classy as ever songwriting and vigorous performances it’s the sound of a band
who knows what they want and what they’re good at!
Hoodoo Lightning strikes!
///
Produced by Kamchatka & Jonas Kjellgren
Mixed & mastered by Jonas Kjellgren at Black Lounge
Studios
Recorded by Tobias Strandvik at Kamchatka Shelter
Thomas Juneor Andersson - Vocals, Guitars & percussion
Tobias Strandvik - Drums & Percussion
Per Wiberg - Vocals, Bass & Keys
Kamchatka - Website
Kamchatka - Facebook (Official)