Old Mrs. Bates - Nothing Makes Sense
photocredits: Felix Krisai
It must be in the air that Austria produces one indie rock band after the next. Today it's the duo Old Mrs. Bates, who found their way into my playlist with the EP 'Nothing Makes Sense' (ROLA Records).
Old Mrs. Bates, that's Schorsch and Valle, respectively Georg and Valentin. While the former sings and plays electric guitar, the latter works the drums and the bass synth. The two have known each other since their school days when they already rocked together. First in various school bands, but then also together in project work.
"Making music was a big theme from a young age, rock music was ubiquitous in our generation." OMB
Yes, one could think that the glory days of rock are back - if they had disappeared. There hasn't been a band in a long time that I would elevate to Rock Olympus without hesitation. If it must be, also personally. The five songs on the EP catch your ear immediately with strong vocals, prominent guitar riffs, and drums that set a tight tempo. They remind me strongly of the early songs of Mando Diao. I don't take offense to the comparison. On the contrary: "The early Mando Diao, in fact, we liked to listen to in our youth. Coming from indie and punk rock, we are now fans of equally dirty blues and alternative rock. Inspiration comes e.g. from Black Pistol Fire, Reignwolf, or Jack White. The first mentioned, as well as Black Keys or Royal Blood are as 2-man bands of course also role models." OMB
Not only music but also movies play an important role in their songwriting. Thus, the (non-)character Norman Bates' mother from Hitchcock's thriller Psycho inspired them to their band name. It doesn't get scary, though. Even the bit of bad boy image they let shine through their music is more sexy than bad. Austrians ...
And already I'm thinking about a rock concert in the mountains. Ball lightning would be nothing against it. But who needs the reverb of the mountains? Let's just turn on the amplifier. Guitar-distorted rock, without compromise. Armed with a megaphone, singer Schorsch screams it all out. Sometimes pining, sometimes angry, sometimes humorous. These are songs about reality, packaged in a rock way. Although the personal favorites list "naturally" always changes, the song Apple Trees is currently a lot of fun to play. Little hint, it's the shame hip-swinging rock song. You can tell the two are having fun with it.
And that goes down well. When asked about the best declaration of love from fans, they dug deep into their memories.
"There were a few moments that have remained in memory. The most defining one was probably when a friend from another band said our song "Coast" flashed him so much and helped him out of a difficult time a bit." OBM
With music this good, it's no surprise that there was more than one moment. And there are certainly more to come. Because a lot will happen this year: a new EP will be recorded in the U.S. and Old Mrs. Bates will also go on tour. In October and November, they will come to Germany.
So the Rock Olympus can come...
Listen and Rock
