Starting with desert rock bands like Queens of the Stone Age as their inspiration, German group Clash of Sun have been further honing and developing their sound since releasing their first album in 2011. Diving into new melodic and musical territories, the group has paved their own path, and truly shine on their latest single “Just a Habit”.
The group took the time to discuss their latest single with us, and its place in their forthcoming EP.
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Indy Review: For those out there just discovering Clash of Sun, how did the band originally form, and what were some of the musical influences that drew you together?
Clash of Sun: Originally Clash of Sun was formed in 2011. We were all stoked about the desert rock bands from California and Scandinavia from the 2000s like Queens of the Stone Age, Dozer and Baby Woodrose.
IR: Forming in Germany, did you feel the sound you were going for (desert rock, ala Queens of the Stone Age) stood out in the music scene there, or was there a community of similar/like-minded artists?
CoS: There is a really enthusiastic desert rock scene in Germany with some bands like Colour Haze and some nice smaller festivals around here. But our local scene was dominated by metal and other heavier bands around.
IR: Your latest single “Just a Habit” really drew me in from the start, with the guitar melody reminding me of more vintage R&B/soul, while the vocals draw on that weary desert rock sound. What sparked the initial inspiration and direction for the track?
CoS: We also really dig soul inspired music like the Menahan Street Band and all the other Daptone Records output. Our guitarists is also a lot into Black Keys and The Raconteurs and so it made sense for us to combine our influences.
IR: The production has a great raw feel to it; was that something you were reaching for?
CoS: We wanted to record the power and not to have the ultra perfect robot timing for an organic production, so we recorded it live in a local venue besides the vocals. Personal taste, but we really like the dynamic of that kind of production.
IR: The lyrics evoke a deep yearning (“when you’re gone, I miss you”) that the vocals really carry home. Can you discuss the meaning behind the song, and the approach to delivering the lyrics? I would imagine there’s always a choice in how much melancholy and emotion to give away, and how much to hold back to let listeners explore their own feelings towards what they hear?
CoS: Nice to hear that there is to find a kind of meaning in the lyrics for you – actually our approach is to create feelings and without personal emotion this would be a difficult mission. In our opinion it should be up to the listener to interpret the deeper meaning (if there is one to find…).
IR: How does the track fit in with the forthcoming EP as a whole. Are there any themes or narratives that you see tying it into the other songs on the album?
CoS: When there is a kind of narrative in the EP, it would be the relationships between each other and especially between women and men. Maybe a classic theme, but always present, isn’t it?
IR: Outside of the EP’s release, what are the band’s plans for 2024?
CoS: Some new tracks are already nearly done for the next EP and we’re preparing for recording it in our nice and cozy rehearsal room this time. And some festival gigs are planned for this summer!
IR: Thank you!
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Take a listen to “Just a Habit” in our A Single Sit-Down Playlist!
The Indy Review 