I’m not sure if there is a general readership here at No Echo, but I feel like some of you might still be similar to me in that you have a level of trust in the taste of specific record labels. For instance, I still generally check out 80 percent of the music released by Relapse Records whether I’ve heard the band before or not. I used to also be this way with Hydra Head Industries.
Through my curiosity, I learned about the record Backsliders and Apostates Will Burn by The Austerity Program. Somehow at least 15 years have passed since the release of that record, and the Austerity Program is releasing a new record this May.
I sent a few questions to The Austerity Program guitarist/vocalist Justin Foley as the release of Bible Songs 2 approaches. Along with these questions, he shared “Judges 19:22-29” from Bible Songs 2.
For starters, was there always an intent to write Bible Songs 2, or did the writing for this record happen more spontaneously?
The lyrics of the LP are all based on troubling verses from the Bible, just like the last record we did. That one was more “sinners will pay," this one is more “the end is nigh." It all fits well with the clamor of the music.
And I do enjoy standing sweaty in front of a crowd and screaming at them that they’re all doomed. Highly recommended.
You mentioned to me in the conversation leading up to this article that "Judges 19:22-29" is probably your favorite song from Bible Songs 2. What about it stands out to you?
It gets to the point with little fuss. No real melody, sets the rules of engagement, and then heads right to work. Also, it is not technically difficult to play so I can quickly get lost in performing it.
On the other hand, I read the whole Bible and this is the worst story in the whole thing. So part of me does wonder what’s the matter with us that we’d choose to write a song about it.
I've not had the opportunity to see The Austerity Program live before. Are there any plans to play live with the release of Bible Songs 2?
Yes, the live performance is always the best part of experiencing music. But we have jobs, families, and obligations that keep us at home most days. Sadly.
Also, has there ever been a desire to have a live drummer, or is a drum machine preferred at this point?
Nope. The sound of the drum machine playing really loud is part of the thing we are trying to get across. And god help the poor person who would have to deal with the weird and specific way that the two of us communicate about playing music. They’d quit within a 1/2 hour.
***
So, while it doesn’t sound likely that a tour announcement will be coming soon from the Austerity Program; Bible Songs 2 is more than worth a listen for any fellow audio masochist like myself. Bible Songs 2 will be released through the label run by The Austerity Program called Controlled Burn. It is set for a release date of May 1st on a limited edition LP as well as digitally through Bandcamp.
Thanks to Justin and Thad Calabrese for the opportunity to premiere one of their new songs ahead of release as well as working on this new record.
Tagged: the austerity program
