For a stretch, the Facebook page of Se Delan had the tag, “We are not a metal band.” As if anyone with two functioning ears couldn’t figure that out, the pair of Justin Greaves and Belinda Kordic play a hushed, introspective blend of art/folk rock that frankly, eludes proper description. But, lazy internet journalism does indeed rule the roost these days, with folks making all sorts of false, uninformed blanket statements about bands just because of their previous history. In the case of Greaves, it’s because of his work in cult British noise-mongers Iron Monkey, and to a lesser degree, his current priority rock band, Crippled Black Phoenix. Beyond that, there’s little on the metallic side to speak, which is fine and dandy.
Se Delan’s debut album The Fall (KScope) is a total charmer, though. Kordic’s haunting vocals have a lot to do with this, casting the proverbial spell over Greaves’ minimal, but usually melodic compositions, some of which have some pop bounce (“Chasing Changes”), while others bearing a supremely dark tone, most notably “Tonight” and “Beneath the Sea.” The result is an album ripe for taking for the more adventurous crowd; i.e. backers of Anathema, Antimatter, Katatonia, and the like. Good company to be in. Greaves was kind enough to check in via email to wax on Se Delan, providing some in-depth…and not-so-in-depth answers. Read on…
Dead Rhetoric: The two of you have such different backgrounds. What made your pairing seem like one worth pursuing?
Justin Greaves: It’s because Belinda tempted me with food and love…and she can’t even cook! True story.
Dead Rhetoric: In doing Iron Monkey, then Crippled Black Phoenix, have you always had the itch to do something like Se Delan?
Greaves: I guess so. I mean, I’ve always listened to lots of different styles of music, watched lots of different kinds of films and I’ve been influenced by lots of different life events, so making music like this makes sense. I definitely wanted to do something different outside of CBP, but I never even took the first step until Belinda came along. I never found the right thing until now.
Dead Rhetoric: The initial ideas and/or formation of the band: When did they take place? And, what do you remember?
Greaves: We initially found we work well together while recording for CBP. Belinda did some vocals on the last three albums, and of course we got to talking about the possibilities of making our own music together. I think the idea was to re-ignite our passion for music and see what comes of it, also to do something a bit different.
Dead Rhetoric: The bio states there is a shared influence of “music, film, and life.” Did that make putting The Fall together easier than anticipated?
Greaves: Of course when you have someone who you share your life with and everything that goes with it including lots of influences and passions, then it makes it pretty much a joy to work on something together. The whole thing seemed to fall into place with no force, always a good sign!
Dead Rhetoric: How did your deal with KScope come about?
Greaves: We made balloon faces of all the KScope staff, they hated us for it, but then we popped the balloons in the office, and in the panic that followed we stole a contract and signed it ourselves. That’s how you do it these days.
Dead Rhetoric: Thus far, what has been the most rewarding aspect of doing Se Delan?
Greaves: Making music with Belinda is rewarding. I’m very proud of her, and what we have made so far.
Dead Rhetoric: As for The Fall, Belinda’s vocals are for lack of a better term, totally haunting. Was it fun to put her voice in the context of your compositions?
Greaves: It was great for me to hear her sing on music I’ve written. She adds so much atmosphere and gives a feeling of mystery. It was a lot of fun to record the vocals for “The Hunt,” she drank some wine and went berserk!
Dead Rhetoric: I’m particularly fond of “Tonight,” and “Beneath the Sea.” For you, which songs have resonated the most?
Greaves: For me it’s “Little One.” It’s about our little cat who passed away, so that one is very personal. Other than that it’s hard to choose my favorite. I really like the way “Beneath the Sea” turned out, and also “Chasing Changes.” That one is the most “pop” music I’ve ever done in my life!
Dead Rhetoric: You recently did some shows. How did they go? And, will you be pursuing more live activity in the future?
Greaves: The shows were good, even though I think we played to an audience who might not get what we do, it seemed to go down well, better than I expected actually. The live band are great guys and we had a great time together, so it was fun. We’ll be doing some more, fo’real!
Dead Rhetoric: You put “We are not a metal band” on your Facebook page, which made me laugh. Why did you put it up? (I can’t comprehend how anyone would think you are metal.)
Greaves: Some silly-ass music blog journalists reviewed us on heavy metal sites and complained we’re not metal enough and there’s not enough guitar solos, etc. That’s the danger of lazy internet journalism, I guess.
Dead Rhetoric: Finally, what’s on deck for the rest of the year?
Greaves: I have no boat.