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Today, Chicago-based post-hardcore noise rock band Interlay share their heavy, explosive third EP snow covers your insides, out now via Pleasure Tapes–a collection fueled by courage, feminine rage and raw power. The project, which takes its name from Sylvia Plath poetry, sees the group embrace contradiction: melodic without sacrificing intensity, abrasive without losing intimacy, and firmly rooted in the DIY ethos that has guided the band from its start.
Alongside the release is "fIREHOSE," a title taken from the 80s band of the same name, whom the band credits as an influence. Bandleader Alexandria Ortgiesen (vocals/lyrics/guitar) shares on the personal, heavy track, "The song explores SA and feminine rage, inspired by Black Sabbath’s 'Master of Reality' guitar tones, wanted something heavy and driving. It also pulls from 'Subterranean Homesick Blues' by Bob Dylan and Joan Baez."
On the new project, Ortgiesen is accompanied by a new, fully Chicago-based band featuring Nate Dixon (bass) and Brent Favata (drums). Next month, on November 14, the band will perform at Chicago's Bricktown Records in support of the Chicago Abortion Fund with Directrix, Lyndsey Jane and The Familiars presented by Golden Output.
LISTEN: snow covers your insides
Ortgiesen credits mixing engineer Doug Malone for the project's sound, arrangements and their dynamic live show. "Beyond engineering the sessions, Doug played an active role in developing the record's sonic identity, helping the band refine guitar tones, arrangements, and dynamics while preserving the immediacy that defines Interlay's live performances."
On what Ortgiesen calls the most emotional track on the project, "Silo," the musician shares, "This song is inspired by a memory of staying up until 5AM on a friend’s farm with someone I loved. The song is about loneliness and the vivid memories of the smoke, haze and fog over the farm Silo at dawn."
LISTEN: "Silo"
On the guitar work behind "Silo," Ortgiesen shares, "I am really proud of using a Leslie, I love exploring ways in the studio and when writing to incorporate noise and feedback into parts to layer. I think it’s an interesting area to explore when it comes to guitar and makes up a lot of my identity as a guitarist."
Leading music publications across the country have taken notice of Interlay's singular sound. Stereogum writes, the band, "whips up blustery form of noise-caked, melodic post-hardcore" and draws comparisons to Sunny Day Real Estate and Knifeplay. Consequence writes, "Dynamic talents..the cut falls somewhere in between hazy shoegaze and noisy post-punk, with an explosive chorus to boot," and draws comparisons to Unwound, Flooding and julie.
The previously released "Plastic Stars" is a vulnerable, powerful love song rooted in darkness. Ortgiesen says, "I wanted to write a love song. Something romantic, but not in a light way. What came out was an emotionally shredded take on the loneliness of being in love with someone in the throes of addiction. The song's refrain of 'I will disappear' said in anger, not as a threat exposes the raw nerve of vulnerability."
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