No Wave With a Conscience

Sludgy, surfy distorted No Wave rockers Skeleteen are a band with a difference. Kyle Justin and Matthew Eilers take their cues from Kyuss, Slint, Sonic Youth and even, some might say, Metallica. But their sound is not the only reason they’ve got people all over the world taking note. Kyle and Matthew are huge supporters of the animal rights organisation ASPCA, as well as massive supporters of human rights organisations Somaly Mam, Midnight Mission, PCAA and ACLU. The passionate twosome sound angry for a reason, in such songs as the title track to their latest album, the January-released No Fun Intended, out on Future Static. The album veers between heavy hardcore riffing, screaming over relentless drums and fuzzed-out bass in Bet On Me to more melodic and catchy grunge pop in Gone, the lead single. No Fun Intended is greatly produced, allowing each song the breathing space that it requires, as each song is so different. With the changing tempos and the weird, quiet seething noise that sees them step into My Bloody Valentine territory in the awesome track Not This Time, as well as the surprising synth in Overcome, they’re a multi-faceted band with so much to offer in so many ways. Speaking of which, Kyle and Matthew are offering No Fun Intended for free to people who donate any amount of money to any charity of their choice. Alternatively, if you buy the album online, all the proceeds go to ASPCA. The band says, “We’re avid animal lovers, we support human rights and equality, and we’ll do anything we can to make a difference to stop child abuse, sexual abuse, animal cruelty. We do whatever we can to help out, especially in times like these, and even a small donation helps any organisation continue their mission,” (see the band’s blog for more information). No Wave Grunge with an ethical and moral conscience – it doesn’t get much cooler!

Posted by Sarah Gooding under Los Angeles