TANTRUM ZENTRUM – “DON’T BE A FASCIST”
A SPILL EXCLUSIVE VIDEO PREMIERE
It’s great when you come across a band who, at the same time, recalls certain artists you enjoy (past and present) while at the same time, sounding distinct enough that they couldn’t be mistaken for any of them. We have the pleasure of introducing our readers to such an artist, three-quarters of whom happen to be Canadian.
Based out of London and also involving one American, post-punk and electro-clash is the name of the game for Tantrum Zentrum. Today we unveil the video for their new single , a song that is a tongue-in-cheek exploration of the tragedies in relationships gone wrong due to the mindset, behaviour or political orientation of one of the parties. The song is based on the most unlikely love story ever – this song is about falling head over heels… with a fascist!
Frontman Vaat Dafuq explains, “‘Don’t Be A Fascist’ is a wartime love story. Inspired by the 80s Yugoslavian pop hit ‘Fa Fa Fašista’ (performed by Sarajevo’s Plavi Orkestar), the song tells a story as old as time itself: boy meets girl, and they fall in love. Then their country gets occupied by the German forces of the Third Reich, and the girl falls for the tall, handsome enemy soldier in a magnificent uniform. Needless to say, the boy is furious! We chose a bombastic title that may resonate with many even now. The release is accompanied by a humorous ‘explainer’-style video that shouldn’t be taken too seriously.”
This is the second of three songs recently recorded with renowned producer Steve Evans (Robert Plant, Siousxie Sioux, Goldfrapp). The video is a cleverly thought-out animated joyride with multiple things happening. Tantrum Zentrum brings all the spunk and infectious energy of The Monks, Gang of Four and The Vapors, and catchy stylings and a musical ethos that fall in similar territory as newer artists as Molchat Doma, Soviet Soviet, LCD Soundsystem and Fontaines D.C.
Made up of Vaat Dafuq (vocals, guitar), Sabine de Rousseau (guitar, vocals), Valhalla Schimmer (bass guitar) and Kur Putchnik (drums). Tantrum Zentrum makes hi-energy post punk interlaced with funk, goth and krautrock influences. Delivering sonic dissonance and poppy hooks with great energy, the band’s music shares elements of no-wave experimentalists such as Sonic Youth, Glenn Branca and Theoretical Girls, as well as Krautrock pioneers Neu! and Faust.
As of June 30, “Don’t Be a Fascist” will be available from fine music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. The band will be playing a number of club shows in the UK in support of this release.
CREDITS
Vaat Dafuq – vocals, guitar
Sabine de Rousseau – guitar, vocals
Valhalla Schimmer – bass guitar
Igor Olejar – drums
Steve Evans – backing vocals
Produced by Stephen Evans and Tantrum Zentrum
Recorded at The Fortress, UK by Stephen Evans
Mixed in stereo and Dolby Atmos by Stephen Evans in November 2022
Additional synth and drum machine samples by Punkdisco
Music by Tantrum Zentrum
Lyrics by Vaat Dafuq
Released via Teknostan Records
Also enjoy the band’s latest few singles:
Tantrum Zentrum
[Single]
(Teknostan Records)
Release Date: July 19, 2023
Artist Links
Background Photo Credit: James Champion
