INTERVIEW: Cosmic punk band Waco conjure some ‘Human Magic’
Photo: Waco’s new album will be called Human Magic. Photo courtesy of Ashton Hertz / Provided by Earshot Media with permission.
Waco, a cosmic punk band out of the United Kingdom, recently released their newest single, “Levenshulme Lover,” off their forthcoming debut album, Human Magic. The band plans to continue sharing their unique sound, all the while singing about metaphysics, conspiracy theories and spirituality.
The band has been around since 2014, when the quartet first formed in London.
“We have the spirit, energy and irreverence of punk, but we have a madcap perspective on reality,” wrote guitarist Jak in a recent email interview with Hollywood Soapbox. “It’s a strange world; let’s keep it that way.”
Jak said “Levenshulme Lover” is an anthem for the lovesick, featuring lyrics focusing on lamentations and dreams of alternate realities.
“We filmed the video last summer, and it features our late bassist, Chris, in all his grace and glory,” Jak wrote. “We miss you, brother.”
The early days of Waco came together thanks to “animalistic compulsion to make noise,” according to Jak, who added that the band members grew up on a rich mix of styles, including hardcore, classic rock, soul and D-beat. Among their influences were X-Ray Spex, Free, Queen and the Descendents.
Human Magic, which Waco plan to release in the fall, is evidence of the band’s willingness to explore new musical frontiers. “We journey as far as Americana, piano ballads and prog rock, all while staying rooted in punk rock,” he wrote. “It was an intoxicated trip to make, so I hope it’s an intoxicating trip to listen to.”
The band’s name is a reference to Waco, Texas, and the 1993 deadly siege on a compound of the religious group known as the Branch Davidians. Jak wrote about the many people who died throughout that siege, which fits into the band’s desire to question authority.
“We think it’s healthy to question and distrust governments, corporations and institutions,” he wrote. “In fact, we think it’s healthy to question everything. The way we see it, if people Google ‘Waco’ in search of our band, and they find information about the siege instead, then we’re happy. Also, it means that when we’re asked about our band name we can ignite this very conversation and can hopefully inspire ourselves and others to share thoughts, debate, listen, lament and learn.”
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Waco’s new single is “Levenshulme Lover,” off their forthcoming debut album, Human Magic. Click here for more information.
