Devil's Gate Music
Related Articles
British modern alt-rockers Amongst Liars are gearing up for their debut UK headlining tour and vocalist Ian George took some time out from tour rehearsals to talk us through the background of the band. Check-in with Ian, below…
What are the origins of Amongst Liars, how long have you been playing together?
We formed from the ashes of two bands back in late 2019, so literally just before the pandemic hit. We got lucky in that we had a real focus to write songs, so managed to write and record loads over the last year and a half in between lockdowns. We only managed one gig though before everything shut down, but have played quite a few over the last five months, which has been awesome!
What should people expect when they check Amongst Liars out? How would you describe yourself?
We take loads of influences from different genres but like to think of ourselves as alternative groove rock – with attitude. We are all about the live show too, so really like to give off a massive energy.
‘Kill The Tide’ was recently released as a single; I believe that it’s a re-working of the very first song the band wrote together and until now it has never been released, was there a particular reason for this, or was it a case of now being the right time?
Yeah, it was more now is the right time, as we recorded it a while back and was in our first batch of recordings that we did, so with the newer album material we thought it was a good time to put this one out. Originally it had an extended intro and wasn’t as punchy, so we got our producer to remix and spice it up a bit, to be more reflective of our newer sound.
The self-titled debut album lands in Spring 2022, what can we expect from it?
It is very diverse in terms of songs. We definitely maintain the heavy side of things, but there is a lot of experimenting with songwriting, sounds, and production to give it the modern edge we want as we don’t want to sound like we are stuck in the past and we really want to try and get a unique vibe with what we are doing.
Kerrang Radio’s Johnny Doom has been a champion of the band, that must be a great boost?
Yeah, he has played quite a few of our singles, which has been great!
The artwork for the previous single ‘Black Days’ is incredible, who created it and what was the thinking behind it?
We use the same guy, Pierre, for all our artwork – he is just amazing. Artwork and videos and creating a whole visual package is so important to us and we just love the work he does. We usually send him the song and lyrics and an idea of the meaning behind it and give him free rein to do his magic – and he just comes up with such mind-blowing designs!
How are tour preparations coming along? Not long until the first date now!
All is going really well thanks. Our drummer Adam had a bit of a tough year as had shoulder surgery and then had to be away with work, so we had a great guy called Luke (Leo’s cousin) come in to help stand in for shows – which was a lifesaver and so much fun. He is now getting on board as well for additional drums and samples etc – which we are really excited about.
So Adam is now back drumming too and things are coming together nicely and sounding awesome – we are just building a great setlist at the moment and can’t wait to get out and play!
What band out there at the minute do you feel that Amongst Liars would be best suited to open for?
We would love to open for the likes of Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes, Idles, RATM, Shinedown, QOTSA.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
I used to get played my dad’s Rolling Stones and Bowie records, but distinctly remember seeing Smells Like Teen Spirit on MTV when I was a little kid and it just blew my mind.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
I haven’t actually managed to get to a gig other than the ones we have played since lockdown ended, as have been so busy but really enjoyed Wildfire and Loverocks – they were awesome and we got to see some great bands!
What current issue are you particularly passionate about?
We write a lot about modern life, as feel that it’s really important, so aren’t afraid to shy away from commenting on a lot of topics that are important to us – incompetent governments for starters! We have also written about the effects of fake news too in this area. Also promoting good mental health and calling out all forms of bullying are really important to us too.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
Stevie Wonder – Songs in the Key of Life
What new albums have you been enjoying in 2021?
The new Royal Blood album Typhoons is a banger.
What are your plans for the remainder of 2021?
We can’t wait to play the tour and get out there again and then we have some early 2022 live sessions to rehearse for – and then start planning next year and getting the album out – so December and January are going to be VERY busy!
Lastly, how was your Wildfire Festival experience? Those midges are kinda brutal, aren’t they 😉
We had an amazing time – such a beautiful place to be in and play – after playing we hiked up the huge hill behind the venue, drank beer, and listened to the bands from there!
We kind of got lucky with the midges – I think they realised that our blood is contaminated, so kept their distance! That and the midge spray we got given!
AMONGST LIARS head out on tour this November backed by a string of special guests. Tickets for shows can be obtained via – https://linktr.ee/amongstliarsontour
AMONGST LIARS LIVE:
19th November 2021 – The Grove Theatre, Eastbourne
24th November 2021 – The Water Rats, London
25th November 2021 – The Thunderbolt, Bristol
26th November 2021 – Albert’s Shed, Telford
27th November 2021 – Asylum 2, Birmingham
28th November 2021 – Sidney & Matilda, Sheffield
30th November 2021 – Gulliver’s, Manchester
Connect with the band, here:
