April 12, 2015 | Posted in:Vellum News

 

The creatively brutal Nox Cult are thinking about recording their first ep. Only together six months and after playing a handful of shows there’s already so much buzz on this band and they haven’t even put out a record yet. All the hype is just from gigs. Each one has seen more and more kids (and older people too) asking for their autographs and buying up all their merch.  My prediction is that Nox Cult will be the first super group to emerge out of NYC’s crypt underground scene in 2015. Partly due to serious chemistry and good vibes between its members who do not use their real names (Soda, Monkey, Fox) and play the following instruments (guitar/vocals, drums/samples, bass/vocals).

Nox Cult’s first gig at Blackthorn 51 in Queens NY saw them play to a sold out crowd that ensued general chaos. Every gig since which you can count on one hand has been an awe inspiring experience with people really digging the music. I met with them at a recent rehearsal to get an idea of what was going on and to hear that brutally melodic sound once again. A trip that combines all the best elements of alternative, punk, hardcore and metal.

The band came together pretty organically. When Soda’s last band (e) motion picture broke up he took a short break and after a few months started looking for a new drummer. He remembered Monkey mentioning to him at an (e)p gig to call him if he ever wanted to play, and Soda decided to take him up on the offer. They arranged to jam and at that first meeting Monkey also invited a young bassist named Fox to join the rehearsal. That night they wrote their first song “Friends and Snakes” and the rest as they say is history.

To date they have about six or seven songs which pretty much smack you in the face with their heavy introspective frequency. Soda says Fox will just start thumping a melody on his bass and since he’s a soundscapy type of guitarist he’ll jump in with parts and the lyrics will be written later. Monkey will add his stuff usually in the form of samples which run the gamut of serial killers to psychotic voicemails from former friends. There’s certainly a darker side going on to accompany the heavy sound but also a bit of humor. “Maniacs” takes pop culture references such as Yoko Ono, Mickey Mouse, Charles Manson, Jeffrey Daumer, and breaks into a chorus of ‘we’re all a bunch of maniacs, the human race.”  Monkey jokes that it’s more like animaniacs. The song is filled with poppy, fast melodic hooks which get you moving.

Lyrically, Soda says he’s always been inspired by the freak show. That accounts for “Death At The Circus”. He chose circus instead of carnival because ‘it rolled off the tongue better’. Whereas “With Knives” is an ani-suicide song.  “Elephant” on the other hand is about an animal held in captivity for twenty years that Soda read about. Monkey says it’s the only time he actually envisioned an animal while playing and thinks someone should draw a picture of the story. Soda adds that it’s one of his fave Nox Cult songs.

Fox uses the word “organic” when talking about the band’s work ethic. To him and the other two it means one member will realize he’s good at something and let the others know he’s working on it. There’s no leader or hierarchy which seems to be working out just fine. Even though they relish and think of their time in rehearsal and onstage as “magic” they know it takes a lot of hard work, dedication and determination to make a successful band. They consciously think of marketing and providing a good business model for themselves.

Other positive notes on the horizon is Soda’s reoccurring role on “Gotham” as the lead singer for Oswald’s house band. And Fox going on tour with Justin Symbol for the William Control/Requiem tour in May/June.

Since Nox Cult is still young there’s plenty of time for growing pains. Once they get a record out it will ensure more exposure and an exciting time to see where it all goes.

Nox Cult-l to r: Fox, Monkey, Soda

Get all your Nox Cult info here:

www.noxcult.com

Catch them April 25th at Blackthorn 51 opening for Michale Graves