British independent band WEAK13 have released the 'Loyal Coward' music video set in the Viking Age today (January 13th 2018) featuring the Svartland Living History Society. who hail from Wolverley, near Kidderminster. Their latest music video, taken from their album 'They Live', is definitely the most commercial sounding WEAK13 song to date but nothing is ever quite what it seems in regards to how the band functions.
Normally a WEAK13 tune is coated in semiotics, subliminal messages or loud subtext but the first glance of 'Loyal Coward' appears surprisingly landmine free, extremely mainstream and very radio friendly. Whilst on the surface it appears as if this is them selling out it's more than likely that this a clever rouse rather than a U-Turn but are they really playing with people's minds?
WEAK13 is one of the most influential British DIY bands since the millennium age. Always inspiring fresh upcoming bands with their strong anti-mainstream message, manic self-funded music videos and never shy about song content. As they announce their brand new music video release 'Loyal Coward' they, like clockwork, prepare their annual middle finger which has become almost a tradition like a Morcome & Wise Christmas Show once was.
The two main band members, Nick J Townsend and Wesley Smith, commented on why 'Loyal Coward' was noticeably different to the majority of their other releases. Frontman and guitarist Nick J Townsend stated: "We're musicians; not louts. There's always been those boring critics who label us as a rah rah band because they aren't smart enough to adequately address the music". Bassist Wesley Smith added "Yeah, I guess with Loyal Coward we're showing folks who screw with us that we're songwriters". Nick continued "It's a tune that lyrically means a lot to me; I don't really care what it means to you; no offence intended. There are no subliminal messages in this song either; you have my word as a professional liar".
After a few more Townsend one-liners Wesley Smith decided to answer the original question "It's a pop song with an unpopular theme which is depression and addiction; obviously it's different because we're using a variety of acoustic instruments; Nick wrote most of it in about two days during a very low point. He was a total mess a few years ago after a relationship breakup so I told him to just write".
https://open.spotify.com/album/6eO3enYQRxio7qDXDPjyya
The debut album has received positive press since its release:
""Loud and raucous" - Devolution Magazine
"Diverse, experimental, intimidating, unnerving, humorous but most of all extremely enjoyable" -Maximum Volume Music 9/10
"WEAK13 are absolutely comfortable with this slightly unconventional niche they’ve put themselves in" - Metal Gods TV
""Loud and raucous" - Devolution Magazine
"Diverse, experimental, intimidating, unnerving, humorous but most of all extremely enjoyable" -Maximum Volume Music 9/10
"WEAK13 are absolutely comfortable with this slightly unconventional niche they’ve put themselves in" - Metal Gods TV
"An unconventional mental masterpiece!" - Mad About Rock (Read our full review of the album here: http://www.madaboutrock.co.uk/2016/02/weak-13-they-live-debut-album-review.html)
Debut album 'They Live' available from Official band website weak13official.com [Facebook] [Twitter].
Watch more music videos by WEAK13 here: 'Halo' [2017] ,''Obey The Slave' [2017], 'Down On Me [2016], 'Go Away' [2015], 'Joke' [2014], 'SP' [2013], 'You Don't Love Me' [2011], 'Wake Down' [2010].
A good article, and thanks for the mention. However, we are actually based in Wolverley, near Kidderminster, not Wordsley.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone is interested in joining us or booking us for an event, please go to www.svartland.webs.com