Jun 27, 2023

Interview: EXTREMOS NIVELES DE CONCIENCIA (Argentina)


Patagonia’s Hardcore Punk veterans! They are EXTREMOS NIVELES DE CONCIENCIA, or simply known as E.N.C., an old band that established in Santa Cruz in the mid-90s. Their music is vibrant, entertaining, full of passion and old-school punk attitude! We spoke to Manu de Extremos (guitar/vocals) about the background of the band and their current status…

- Interview by Atandistorted [June 25, 2023]

1: Please introduce the band history and members of Extremos Niveles de Conciencia?
Extremos Niveles de Conciencia (E.N.C.), was formed in the province of Santa Cruz, Patagonia Argentina, at the beginning of 1994… Marcelo (drums), Abel (voice), Nestor (bass and voice) and Manuel (guitar and voice), with a raw and characteristic Hardcore Punk sound.

In 1996, after Abel’s departure and later Marcelo’s departure, Jesus entered in the drums. From that moment E.N.C. it was three. 

Between 2000 and 2005, Cristian (Xirrossix) was in charge of the battery. Then Jesus returned, until the activity of E.N.C. (2015).

2: Why did you name the band as Extremos Niveles de Conciencia?
Nestor, at that moment, gave a name to the group. “Extremos Niveles de Conciencia” sounds with a lot of power (also, the acronyms), the meaning is wide… And it has to do with the way in which the human being positions in front of life…

3: Tell us more details about the musical direction and influences of Extremos Niveles de Conciencia?
We were looking for our own sound… Although, we listened to many bands, of different styles… Sepultura, Cro Mags, Nuclear Assault, Bad Brains, Los Violadores, Todos Tu Muertos, Loquero… Misfits, Napalm Death, Ratos de Porão… Among so many others… I think which were not noticeably, influence on the musical.


4: What did you write in the lyrics?
At the time of writing, there was no one line to follow… The lyrics were coming out, about personal experiences, some thought… Feelings… Life itself, always positive.

5: Please describe each of the records and releases of Extremos Niveles de Conciencia?
We recorded demos cassette, to spread the music we were making, in the different stages of E.N.C. taken live, in the rehearsal place, or live… we made a little cover, and ready… “Live in Comodoro” (1994), “Simple y Crudo” (1995), “Inyection For The Laxity” (1996), “Evil Odacnurt I & II” (2004) and “E.N.C. 2012”… nothing in study, yet.

In June 2021, the label “1989 From Pico Truncado - Editions”, released in cassette-pro format, “Extremos Niveles de Onciencia En Vivo 97/98”, recital recordings, in Rio Gallegos and in our city, Pico Truncado. Approx. 60 min. Good sound and cover with photos of the time. All this is found on the Bandcamp platform.


6: Tell us some of the gigs and tours of  Extremos Niveles de Conciencia?
We went to a few cities, Comodoro Rivadavia, Caleta Olivia, Las Heras, Puerto San Julian, Rio Gallegos… Always, good memories!! …Our first show was together with two Death Metal bands, in Comodoro Rivadavia, lucky we were well received… Also the trips to Rio Gallegos (approx. 700 km), have their history…

7: Are you planning anything new for Extremos Niveles de Conciencia?
…As coming soon, through the seal “1989 From Pico Truncado”, the edition in cassette format, of “2012” and “Evil Odacnurt I & II”… and… fundamentally, the meeting of E.N.C., to record something in the studio.

8: What is your opinion about the hardcore punk scene in Argentina nowadays?
I know, that recognized national level bands, as well as bands from the interior of the country, edited and spread their music, go on tour… The scene is still active.

9: Thanks again. Any last words from Extremos Niveles de Conciencia?
Thank you “Viva La Punk zine”, for this interview, which means a brief review of the history of E.N.C.

…I invite you to listen to this sound, I leave you a big hug from Patagonia!!


Jun 22, 2023

Interview: RUMKICKS (South Korea)


South Korea’s all-female punkers! RUMKICKS 럼킥스 is without a doubt a band that kicks ass both in terms of music and their stage performance. This trio has released a 4-track EP in August 2020, entitled “Brutality” and then several singles. They have been active in live shows and are expected to release a full-length album soon. We at Viva La Punk ‘zine had the opportunity to chat with Yeawon Jeong about this truly energetic and great potential Korean punk band. Check these girls out now!!!

- Interview by Atandistorted [June 16, 2023]

1: Hello. First of all, I want to know what you feel/think about standing as an all-girl punk band from South Korea? Does your family (your parents especially) know about Rumkicks?
Haha! There is no particular feeling about being in a female band. I had many female friends since I was young, it is rather comfortable to be in a female band. And my parents hate it so much because of the visual of Rumkicks.

2: Well, since when and how did Rumkicks start, what is the purpose of this band existed and who is in the lineup?
Guitar/vocals - Yeawon, Drums - MJ, Bass - U. I met the first members after seeing the online band recruitment. At 2017. It was our goal to be the best punk band in the world.

3: Please explain how you define the music and sound of Rumkicks? Who and/or what has mostly influenced you?
It’s hard to define. Some say it’s too loud and some say it’s too weak to be punk rock. I wrote the melody that I like to listen to and the lyrics I want to do. People say we are pogo punk, but I don’t want to be limited to any genre or category, so I purposely avoid the word pogo and vaguely write punk. There will be hundreds of teams to list affected bands, but we were mainly influenced by the first generation punk bands in Korea (Lazy Bone, No Brain, Crying Nut). 

4: What sort of topics and messages do you write in the lyrics?
It depends on the song. Sometimes he writes socially critical lyrics and sometimes we sings feminism. There are lyrics that I wrote because I was bored, and there are lyrics that I wrote because I was angry, but I usually write lyrics when I am angry.


5: What has Rumkicks recorded and released so far, and how have listeners / supporters responded to your music products?
It has released several singles and one EP album so far and has received a lot of love contrary to our expectations that no one will listen. Rumkicks’ first full-length album will be released on June 22nd this year, so please pay a lot of attention.

6: Have Rumkicks had the chance to play live at many shows, and have done any tour series? Tell us some of the best and great moments?
During the five-year period, I performed a lot of various performances. A particularly memorable performance was last year’s Rebellion Festival. It was the first British festival and there were many other stages on Saturday evening, so I thought no one would come to see us, but the audience was full. I was so touched that I cried on stage. I’ll never forget it.

7: To be honest, I’m not familiar with the punk scene in South Korea. What does it look like, especially in Seoul? Please recommend some bands that we should check out?
The Korean punk scene took place in front of Hongdae. I think it would be nice to listen to the first generation punk bands mentioned above, 13 Steps, Cockrasher, And 18 Fevers. Now the scene is a little smaller, but the cool bands are still making good music.

8: Thank you very much for responding to this interview. How do you see the future of Rumkicks? What do you hope for? Thanks again, add some last words please.
We are having a tour of 19 cities in 7 European countries in July and August this year. Since then, a tour in Japan has been planned in September. If you are planning to travel, please check your schedule. I hope you listen to the new album when you have time, hahahaha! No one knows the future of Rumkicks, but I always do my best. While preparing for this first full length album (DIY band has a ton of things to do), I haven’t slept well in 6 months. There were a lot of trials and errors, and there are many parts that I just ruined, but I hope you enjoy listening to it.

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