Move over Brittany Spears and N’Sync because a new musical movement is taking force and indie rock band Abandoned Pools is at its forefront.
Anti-pop, a movement which focuses on an artist’s musical talent and vision, is a well-needed break from the image-driven pop that has permeated our society.
“Humanistic,” Abandoned Pool’s Extasy Records debut, features former Eels guitarist Tommy Walter as creator extraordinaire. With the help of producers Paul Q Kolderie, Sean Slade and Chris Lord-Alge, Walter takes matters into his own hands, writing, producing and playing tunes that range from electronic sounds to industrial metal blasts.
Trained on the electric bass, french horn, mellophone and once the teacher of a musical theory class at University of Pacific in Stockton, Walter is not the type to consider himself a rock star. Walter attributes his reluctance to resist the rock lifestyle to why he left the now defunct Eels.
The album’s first single, “Mercy Kiss,” a feverish ode to the awkwardness of adolescence, is on heavy rotation on both MTV2 and Much Music.
Recently, Walter took a break from the Abandoned Pools tour to speak to The Lantern about his newfound musical success.
Lantern: You left the Eels just as they were getting big. Was it because of the direction the group was going in?
Walter: The group as a whole were kind of holding me down and it felt like my role in the band was constantly being reduced. I had much more to offer.
Lantern: A lot of the lyrics on “Humanistic” are quite introspective. Is this type of songwriting a release for you or are you uncomfortable with thousands of people getting this kind of insight into your experiences?
Walter: In the moment of writing, for me it is more technical. It is only in retrospect that I realize there is something there. I see it (songwriting) differently, and I do it for selfish reasons. If someone can relate to it, then that is a great by-product.
Lantern: Are the musicians that are touring with you now permanent or just for the tour?
Walter: I made the record by myself because it was something I could do. I think they will stay with us.
Lantern: You’re on tour with VH1’s Bands on the Run winners and roots rockers, Flickerstick. What is that like?
Walter: I haven’t seen any of the TV stuff that they’re known for. I’m not out creating debauchery with them, but it is great to be the opening band – we have to go out and kick people in the head to get their attention.
Lantern: Several articles written about Abandoned Pools mention how the group is part of the new anti-pop movement. Are you aware of your inclusion into this movement and if so do you feel like it is appropriate?
Walter: I’m not really part of a scene, but our music and band definitely has a certain level of diversity and technical value that makes us different. As for fans choosing to focus on the music and not the image of a an artist, I’m totally down with it.
Lantern: Would you like to say anything else?
Walter: Yeah, I’m hungry.
Abandoned Pools is opening for Flickersitck at the Newport Music Hall. Doors open at 8 p.m. tonight.
