London-based band Nothingheads drop “Private Pyle,” the second single from their upcoming album The Art of Sod, characterized by a heavy, repetitive riff and a raw post-punk aesthetic that blends intensity, dissonance, and a gritty, rebellious energy. Read our discussion below!
Describe your sound in 3 words
unhinged, satisfying, releasing
How did the idea for ‘Private Pyle’ come together, and what inspired the central booming riff?
It was the last song on the album we wrote and we decided the album needed something immediate, driving and repetitive. The basis was demoed at home then it all came together pretty quickly in the room. The dehumanisation of the character Private Pyle in Stanley Kubrick’ Full Metal Jacket was an obvious lryical inspiration as was travelling through Vietnam and reading Graham Greene’s The Quiet American (which has a very different depiction of a character called Pyle).
Thematically, ‘Private Pyle’ explores the illusion of free will. Could you dive deeper into how you wanted to convey that theme through both the lyrics and the music?
Lyrically I tried to suggest surreal imagery that would juxatopse between vulnerability and discipline. Like – ridicule walrus and march heart on sleeves. Set to abrasive guitars and a driving riff coming in and out the idea was to create a kind of claustrophobic listen that would also feel a bit cathartic and satisfying
Your upcoming album is titled The Art of Sod. Can you share what the title means to you and how it reflects the overall mood of the album?
There’s too many potential layers to this onion. Sod can either mean soil that you put on the ground to make something grow or can used as a swear word or even short for sodomy. While Art often people struggle to define too! But generally it is some form of cultural value. So the meaning lies somewhere in the tension between raw and refined, which fits with the album’s sound and lyrical themes. It also has a nice ring to it and is kind of funny and I’m sure there are many other interpretations of it people could make if they wanted to.
What’s a riff from another band or artist that you wish you had composed yourselves?
So many . But I’m going to go with Home Town by Witch. When the fuzz kicks in
You’ve built a strong reputation on the UK underground live circuit. What’s been your favorite moment from performing live so far?
Any time we see people moshing, jumping up and down or even gently head bopping. It’s nice to know some people are enjoying themselves.
How does the energy of your live performances influence the way you write and arrange your songs? Do you think about how tracks will translate on stage while you’re composing them?
Whilst almost all the songs are written as demoes at home first they are always written with the live show in mind. Which bits will hit hardest etc. Then when we play in the room it’s about bringing those bits to life and accentuating certain parts.
What isn’t a crime but should be?
Standing on escalators
Thank you!
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