Grim Rhythm: "It's difficult to write interesting music without a singer"

Among the countless words that can be written about the remarkable example set by 1000mods, this year sees the addition of their first attempt at putting together their very own festival, in their hometown of Chiliomodi, Corinthia, under the name Chiliomodi Rock Fest. You can read more about their remarkable journey in our interview from last year. At this great celebration with old and new friends, the beloved Athens-based band has taken the risk of inviting an international act alongside the excellent Sadhus, Frenzee and Drunk Jackals - and that band is Grim Rhythm from Australia.

As we correctly assumed, Frenzee’s presence is strong not only in Europe but also across the Australian continent, and it was through the relationship between the two bands that Grim Rhythm came to perform at Chiliomodi Rock Fest. We discussed these and many other aspects of the band’s journey and approach to music, and everything points to a band characterised by straightforwardness in their words and a genuine appetite for energetic music.

Enjoy them, and do whatever you can to support this beautiful new endeavour!

Hello all and welcome to Rocking.gr! How do you do?

We do very well! Thanks for having us on board for a chat.

So we are talking right now with you with the great opportunity given to us that I believe, this is going to be your first show in Greece, how do you feel about it?

This is not only our first show in Greece but our first ever show in Europe. We feel so lucky and honored to be invited to play in such a unique setting with some amazing bands. Truly something we never saw coming. I’m very glad our first show on the continent is in Greece.

I would guess that you’ve come into contact with the festival since Frenzee also have roots to Melbourne Australia, but please tell us whether I’m right and your story about your participation in Chiliomodi rock festival.

Yes that’s correct, we struck up a strong bond with Frenzee and have played countless shows together in Australia. On a personal trip to Athens last year I was introduced to some of the guys in 1000 Mods and we spoke about playing some shows together and now here we are doing their own festival and then a whole tour, it’s crazy!

Do you know the story behind this festival and 1000mods connection to the village? How well are you acquainted with the Greek rock music scene?

I do know the connection, it’s what the band is named after and it’s their hometown. I really appreciate the effort put into putting this festival on, it’s a special occasion and we are very grateful to be a part of it. I would say we are not hugely acquainted with the Greek rock scene but that’s why we are here so we can interact with the bands, the fans and everyone involved who makes the show possible.

Let’s talk again now a little bit more about your music - which is based around garage punk sounds that I must say fit your name perfectly. You recently released a new album called "Forever Eating Shit". Is this social commentary or mostly based on personal experiences?

This title is 100% based on our personal experiences as a band and as struggling musicians. It’s a very self deprecating depiction of how we sometimes see ourselves. Always ending up on the shit end of a deal, always getting fucked over. But it’s about perseverance and marching on with what we want to do with our music. We have been grinding away at this for a long time.

Your sound is a very fast one at times, often close to hardcore / crossover soundscapes. Is this intentional or do you just go with the flow?

We write music that we like to hear and nothing is off limits. The latest record is fast because we were writing fast songs and feeling that way. Perhaps the next record will all be slow and melodic, who knows? That’s what’s interesting, having complete freedom over what we are creating.

In general, where do you draw your inspiration from, whether this inspiration are other musicians or any type of artist?

I personally draw a lot of inspiration from bands who don’t sound similar musically. I’m not being influenced by the sound as such but more about how a band presents themselves and how they operate and how hard they work. An example of this is the Australian hardcore band Speed. They tour relentlessly, still do everything diy and they have more fun than any one else doing it. That to me is inspiring.

You have chosen the instrumental way to go with your music. Do you express yourselves better without vocals, or it just happened? Would you ever consider it as a future endeavor?

We consider ourselves composers like Beethoven or Bach… I’m just kidding, it just happened naturally and now I think it’s a great standout for us. It’s challenging to write music interesting enough without having a singer or some geezer on the stage running around with a microphone. The limitations is what makes us work harder as writers and performers.

There is an approximate ten year gap between your new album and the previous one, "What Do You Know About Rock ‘n’ Roll". Did you face any difficulties and took the time between the two albums, or did you just take in step by step?

Well we kind of went into hiding and were focusing on other musical projects then we came back to the band when it felt like the right time.

After Chiliomodi Rock Fest you will also be doing a European tour. How hard is it for Australian bands to tour Europe nowdays? Do you feel that the popularity that bands like Amyl And The Sniffers or Speed have recently gained in Europe and America has helped rock Australian bands to be discovered easier?

We are from Melbourne and most often than not all the local bands tour Europe on a pretty regular basis. Europe is set up for touring. Australia is not. It’s much harder there. I think those two bands have helped but Europeans have always loved Aussie music.

What are some upcoming bands that you’d like to introduce to the audience?

Dog Watch.

Is it possible that we are going to see you to other Greek cities too in the future?

I fuckin hope so!

Thank you so much for answering our questions! Please, finish this interview sharing what you want with our audience!

Come have a beer with us!