The debut EO by Beesqueeze, Crowd Control, will be launched today. Ramona Depares catches up with Kriz Haze who, together with Chris Mallia, makes up the duo.
How was Beesqueeze born?
Beesqueeze started a few months after the breakup with our previous band, Cable35. We have both been playing for a long time and letting go of everything just wasn’t working for us. So we decided to continue doing music as Beesqueeze.
Is there a story behind the name?
Well, it started out as Beef Squeeze and Too Many Christians; some friends referred to us by the name in the early months. I think there were a bunch of other names too, but none really stuck. We booked our first show in February last year as part of the opening of Funky Monkey so we had to be quick and choose the name. We just dropped the F from beef and it sounded nice, so we kept it.
You describe your music as alterdelic – can you elaborate?
A simple definition would be alternative and psychaedelic rock. Being a duo has given us a chance to experiment with a new sound and new instruments that we never, or rarely, used. So it’s a whole new approach to the way we write and play. That’s what we like to call the end result: Alterdelic.
What can you tell us about your debut EP?
We had a garage which we managed to turn into a small practice/studio room and we were gathering recording equipment to start doing some demos. Leaves was done as a demo last year, but we liked the recording so we released it. We were going to write and record at leisure throughout the year, but our plan had to change as our former landlady suddenly gave us a month’s deadline to leave. Apparently we were being too loud! During that month we ended up recording seven tracks and we finalised the album early this year. The process was quick and exciting, and now we’re even more excited as this is our first ever record on vinyl.
What was the biggest challenge in making it happen?
Besides the one month’s notice to vacate our rehearsal space, understanding the new set-up was also a challenge. Figuring out where a bigger noise is needed; using keys and guitars at the same time while having all the other sounds going simultaneously… that sort of thing. When we started the band we always wanted it to sound more fuller than a duo. Achieving that was our challenge.
Do you have a favourite track – and, if yes, why?
We love all the tracks, of course. Our latest release Complain received super positive feedback so far. We do have a favourite one at our shows though. Whenever Mistake comes on, it’s sure to get the shoes tapping or, even better, the crowd dancing and moshing. Kriz usually leaves the guitar behind and jumps down with the crowd. We always love playing that live.
When did work start on it?
I think we started in December of 2015, when Kriz bought his first or second experimental FX pedal and we were jamming to this tense heartbeat, like a chopping sound. Now, most of the song is built around it.
What can we expect from the launch event?
What you can expect is good, live music in a great atmosphere. What we expect is a party full of people who want to party in a swim suit.
Crowd Control is being launched tonight at Ta’ Fra Ben, Qawra, from 5pm onwards. Clandestines & Yews will also be performing live, with Steven Meli on the decks.
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