Riffs Of Your Life: An Interview With Marty Harvey From SLOMATICS

Doom/Sludge/Spaced Out Riffsters SLOMATICS have been doing their thing since 2004. I'm a huge fan or obsessive stalker of the band and featured them many times on the blog over the years.

SLOMATICS have just released a split record with Aussie Sludge Metallers YANAMAMO. I wanted to try something different with the interviews I normally do. I asked my good friend Marty Harvey (Drummer/Vocalist) from SLOMATICS if he would be up for the challenge of going down memory lane and discuss all of the bands that he's been involved with.

Marty kindly agreed and we had an awesome chat where we discussed just that and a few other topics.

So Sit Back and enjoy the RIFFS OF YOUR LIFE with Marty Harvey.

Hi Marty. Thanks for doing this interview. And perhaps the 1st type of interview I’ve done this way. Going through your musical history upto the present day.

 

Marty. Thanks for having me Steve and letting me go back down memory lane for this one.

 

No worries. Always happy to make dreams come true. So how old were you when you joined a band and when you played gigs.

 

Marty: The band was called Mike Robinsons 1/2 bottle of cider from 1987 to 1988.

I was 15 yrs old. Played a few gigs at peoples houses and 1st proper gig 30th August 1988 in Errigle Inn, Belfast 

 

Wait a minute. You were 15 when you played your first gig in a pub. WOW. The 80s were a crazy time.

 

Marty: You didn’t know half of it. We all have to start out somewhere. Well Mr Boc, abbreviated name of band above lasted till 1988 when I turned 16 yrs old 

 

Next came - The Godcops. (1988-1989) -  Punk band formed at school. Trio of like minded people. Began gigging properly at The Warzone, Belfast Music Collective. Backed up Carcass/Bolt Thrower and other touring punk/hardcore bands 

 

WOW. Supporting a band like Carcass and Bolt Thrower at such a young age. Must have blown your mind. 

 

Marty: It sure was. Bands I dig at the time were Faster Pussycat, Dogs D'Amour. Sleaze Rock stuff along with the big Thrash bands at the time. So Carcass and Bolt Thrower were an experience and education for me at a young age. 

 

Next came Dead by Xmas (1988-1989) when I was 16/17 yrs old. 60s inspired light rock/few covers, then changed name to: Wino Suicide (1989-1990) then changed name to: Sweet Mary Jane(1990-1991). 18/19 yrs old. We recorded a 3 track cassette.

 

That must have been cool being on your 1st physical release.

 

Marty: It was cool and exciting. Having music you played and performed on a physical product. Next biggest challenge of my musical journey was moving to London to play with bands and continue with my studies. Very exciting and bleak times playing with a wide different variety of bands across different takes of music.

 

Cake (Squat hippy punk band) 1991 19 yrs old. A few crusty gigs. 

 

Uglystick (1992) 20 yrs old. Recorded a 3 track cassette. 

 

Donkey Bazzer and The Woof Bark Pigeon Thrashers (1994). Student charity gig band. 2 gigs done, 1 at the historic Cart and Horses, Where Maiden played!!

 

There’s your “Blue Plaque” moment right there. Iron Maiden and Marty From Slomatics played here.

 

Marty: If only that were true Steve. Definitely for Iron Maiden but ME. No chance. 

Next up is where the foundations of Slomatics were beginning to form. 

 

Marty: Very true Steve with Cosmonaut (1999). Me, Dave, Joe (ex Slomatics drummer) recorded a 3 track CD. Gigs in Ireland/UK

 

The Naut became a 5 piece by adding Chris and Baggy (From War Iron) 

 

The Favourites. Same time as The Naut. Me, Dave, Chris, Gary from The Kabinboy and Steve. 

 

War Iron, when The Naut split, me and Baggy formed the band. Core members of Me, Baggy, Goatlord on bass. Rotating 4th member on 2nd bass (3 came and went) Ross then stayed. Started on bass then onto guitar. Released 2 albums, 2 EPs. I left after playing some great shows after maybe 10 yrs. EyeHateGod was a highlight then the final show was with Napalm Death. 

 

WOW. A great way to end your journey with War Iron.

 

Marty: That it was. Next came up was Beef Central, same time as me being in War Iron and Slomatics. Me, Ian and ex Slomatics Joe. A demo 6 track CD and a few gigs. 

 

Bucolic Spectre, same time as War Iron, Slomatics, Beef Central. 2 piece improvisational noise/trippy vibe with Ian. 

 

Four bands at the same time. Impressive stuff there. Perhaps your busiest time.

 

Marty: That it was. Now we’re upto Slomatics, from 2011 I think? Rest is history and the present. Initially standing in for a few months. After a few months I’d played 2 shows and was recording A Hocht.

 

As you know I’ve been a massive fan/stalker of Slomatics for the last decade or so but I didn’t know that all the guys knew each other for so long and have been involved in multiple projects. I should have really prepared better or completed more research for that.

 

Marty: We do have a rich history. I’ve known David (Slomatics Guitarist) for over 38 years and Chris for a long time as well. Chris joined The Naut and it came back from there. With War Iron and Slomatics practice rooms were close together. I got asked to cover Joe's position for a few weeks and 10 years later I'm still here. 

 

Did you ever think it would last this long? You being with Somatics.

 

Marty: No. I didn’t but I must be doing something right as I still hear across 11 years and multiple albums. When I was asked to do vocals I didn't really want to do the Phil Collins thing but it happened and I've sung ever since. People seem to like it.

 

I feel Canyons is your best vocal performance and my favourite Slomatics album. Did you do different things then for that record. 

 

Marty: Yes. I learnt new things for my vocals and I feel I have improved to the earlier albums. I'm still looking to always improve my musical skills and I'm looking to have professional vocal lessons. Just to learn new techniques and keep my voice in top shape. 

 

I improved and learned new things with my vocals especially compared to the other albums I did especially on A Hocht. 

 

How did you get into music. 

 

Marty: I started originally learning trumpet at school for a few months. 

 

You actually played the trumpet. We need to bring trumpet into Slomatics next release. Just kidding.

 

Marty. HA HA. I wasn't very good at that and then I was given the chance to play the drums. I found out I was very good. Took me a few weeks to find my way. I Learned the basics and started playing better after a few months. Learning different techniques and just getting better and even trying to get heavier in places. It’s all about practice and finding your own way. 

 

Favourite album you've listened to in lockdown.

 

Marty: Lowrider. Refractions. Awesome album. The different tones on the album especially on Ode To Gamameyde. 

 

Such a brilliant album. I listen to that album all the time. Such a great workout album. Anyway, Highs And Lows being with Slomatics.

 

Marty: Being with the band is the highest and just the best. Plus the bands we've played with, worked with and people we've met. 

 

You just did your first gig in a long time at Bradford, UK recently. How did that go.

 

Marty: It was grand. Great crowd and great bands were playing that night. Fantastic atmosphere.

 

Were you apprehensive about COVID-19 still being around and people being in close proximity to the whole band.

 

Marty: Sure it was daunting and I didn’t want people to get too close to me that night. We had a job to do that night but we’ve always been friendly and approachable with our fans before COVID-19 hit. It was a fine balancing act but we managed to pull off and we came back home Virus Free. I’m always looking forward to playing more gigs after such a long time of not playing, so we’ll see what comes up in the future.

 

You have a new split release with Yanomamo. What can people expect from that.

 

Marty: It's a track that was originally recorded by Joe. We've done a different version and I've sung that song back in the day. One my first guest performances with the band live on stage. 

 

We did a split release with Yanomamo because they bring something different and we wanted to release with different bands. And it's good they're from different parts of the world. 

 

We've sold out our batch of records in 4 days. We got some more from Yanomamo to sell.

 

Anymore future splits. 

 

Marty: Yeah. We have. But I can't say anymore. It's a secret for now but expect a 2022 release. But both bands are excited for this one. 

 

Plans for next album. 

 

Marty: We are planning to make one soon. We are at different stages. No vocals. As we record them last but hoping late 2022 or 2023 for release. All depends on when everything is back to normal. 

 

I can’t let you go without discussing Newcastle United. As we are both supporters of our favourite football team. Though I’m still confused how usually folks from Northern Ireland support Manchester United and you support our beloved TOON.

 

Marty: Well look at the past managers (and players with Kevin Keegan) in charge. I was a massive fan of Ossie Ardiles and Kevin Keegan growing up. So I instantly got drawn to Newcastle United. So here we are many years later.

 

We’ve got a fucking shit owner who doesn’t care and a manager nobody wants. Even our fans and team don’t want him. So what can we do. Last day of the transfer window and everyone is strengthening their team apart from us. One £20 million signing and that’s it.

 

Marty or Allan Saint-Maximin. Tough call for Newcastle United To Make.

You do not foresee another successful campaign for us.

 

Marty: If we don’t get relegated then it’s a successful campaign.

 

HA HA. Very true there mate. Well Marty I want to thank you for doing this interview. Been a blast and I’ve had such a great time doing this.

 

Marty: You’re more than welcome Steve. It’s been great for me too. Going over old memories and it’s always great talking about Newcastle United. Farewell and take care.

Words by Steve Howe and Marty Harvey

Thanks to Marty for doing this interview and for all of the promotion materials.

Yanomamo / Slomatics Split is available to buy now.

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

An Interview with Marty Harvey from SLOMATICS and WAR IRON

With today's announcement of SLOMATICS headlining the first Gizzard Fest in Rotherham, where you can find all the details here.

I've been a fan of Slomatics for a long time now. They have released a string of acclaimed albums and they're a major influence on the mighty CONAN. I wanted to interview one of the guys from Slomatics for ages but I never got round to it until now.

I caught up with Marty Harvey (Drums/Vocals) to discuss his role in Slomatics, festival appearances and their acclaimed 2016 album – Future Echo Returns. So sit back and enjoy this epic interview. I apologize now when we start discussing our beloved football team – Newcastle United.

Enjoy.....

Hi Marty. Thanks for doing this interview. Before we start discussing your upcoming appearance at the Gizzard Fest in Rotherham. We need to discuss your current album – Future Echo Returns which was released last year. That album has won a considerable amount of praise from fans and critics alike. Has the responses surprised you all within the band.

I think getting any kind of praise is always cool, whether it’s after a show or reading something on a blog/review, it’s a recognition of time spent writing, practising and all the other behind the scenes stuff that happens to make an album, but truthfully we’re still surprised when we get it. It’s definitely not something we set out to get or crave by any means. I suppose since A Hocht, then Estron there had been a building response from fans and critics, so with the release of Future Echo Returns, I guess the momentum with whatever praise we got from those albums continued. But it would seem Future Echo Returns has gained the most attention yet.

Did you ever expect it to be embraced the way it is. Excellent reviews and appearing on a wide range of best album of the year lists.

When writing music, reviews and end of year lists simply don’t feature as a reason to do what we do. We play music together simply for fun and to please our ears!! When we play live or people buy our music I always find it humbling that music we’ve made is discussed or considered to be held in the same regard as bands who have been on the scene for years touring, recording and playing live.

Did you know you had something special on your hands before you released it.

Can’t say we did, can’t say we do now!!! As the music started to come together and we jammed out sections it became apparent that there was more melody this time around and more use of synth textures and vocally a decision by myself to try more harmonies. Musically we feel it’s probably the most complete album we’ve done.

What was the overall experience this album compared to other albums that you’ve recorded.

From a recording perspective A Hocht and Estron were recorded in Start Together Studios, Belfast by Rocky O’ Reilly, both in their entirety, with Future Echo Returns we took a decision to use both Start Together and Skyhammer. Chris Fielding (Bass Player, Conan/Producer @ Skyhammer) has produced some great sounding music with some great bands and the overall approach to how he recorded and got such great sonics was something we were interested in. We were curious to see how he used his skills with our music. We recorded all drums, guitars and vocals at Skyhammer over 2 sessions, with a middle session held at Start Together to use Rocky’s vast array of vintage keyboards and synths. So recording in 2 different studios with sufficient time in between sessions gave us time to fine tune the recordings and see what did and didn’t work!!

Did you do anything differently when recording this new album. Your vocals are different compared to other albums you’ve recorded with Slomatics.

There was really nothing too different from a technique perspective that I did largely different vocally. Lyrically I come up with ideas fairly quickly once the music has been written. When we are playing through/practising songs without vocals I am coming up with vocal melodies in my head and trying to phrase them so I can sing and play drums at the same time!! This is something I’ve got better at doing over the years. I do feel that I’m developing a style that suits me vocally and hopefully using melody/harmonising more in the songs.

As you’re now signed to Black Bow Records. How did all that come about. Though Slomatics are a major influence on the label owner Jon from the mighty CONAN

Black Bow Records, as you say, we’re now signed to. It was kind of a natural progression. Jon’s label has developed with his repertoire of artists and to be a part of his label is a really cool thing for us. It was an easy decision when we chatted.

You’re also performing at Roadburn and Psycho Las Vegas later in the year. Did you ever expect to be performing on the international stage such as those two awesome festivals. What’s the current mood within the band in regards to performing in both festivals.

To be asked to play shows that us as fans would want to attend due to the amount of really cool bands on the bill is a great thing. I’ve been to Roadburn a few times and had some great experiences as a fan, going back as part of the festival is going to be awesome. We played the Incubate festival a few years ago, playing the Green Room Stage in the 013, this time round we will be back on the same stage.

Psycho Las Vegas festival was something which came totally out of the blue. Truthfully I had never heard of it. Getting approached to play a show in Las Vegas doesn’t happen everyday!! It’s something which we have talked about, playing in USA, but due to real life stuff like family and work, it was something which we feel would not have happened. But it all seemed to come together and so in August Slomatics are playing their 1^st American show. Naturally we’re excited!!

What can people expect from those two shows.

More of the same, but now with added cool visuals that have been put together by Dermot Falloon who did our “Electric Breath” video.

Now you’re headlining the Gizzard Fest gig which Chris from United in Fuzz and Spaztik Munkey is currently arranging. How did that come about. A lot of people will be genuinely excited for that gig.

This is gonna be a head scratcher when the readers are checking this answer out…there are 2 Chris’s and 2 Dave’s!! We were approached by Chris (Festival Organiser) and we couldn’t refuse. The whole set up seemed like something we would all be into. It’s based at a pub with nice ale, so seems like a no brainer!! Chris (Festival Organiser)is good mates with Dave Main (D*A*M Guitar Pedals) and Chris (Slomatics) and Dave (Slomatics) wax lyrical about Dave Main’s pedals as both use them in their set up. So it all seemed like a cool and fun show to do, something when we look at doing shows is a prerequisite!!

Chris has arranged some exciting bands for that gig. Which bands are you currently looking forward to.

Well it’s a 12hr celebration of all things heavy, loud and fuzzy!! What’s not to like!! And all happening in an outdoor marquee with fine cask ales!! So, I’m looking forward to checking out all the bands, some of which I’ve heard of and others I’ve yet to experience. That’s what is really cool about bills like this, you get to see and hear bands that you normally would not get an opportunity to do so.

Is there any chance that Slomatics do a proper UK tour. Instead of one-off dates here and there. Or is it too expensive to do at the moment.

When looking at the logistics of doing a show it’s an obvious thing to factor in finances when a promoter approaches you. So in accepting a gig we are always up front about our costs, generally promoters are aware of our travelling needs from Northern Ireland to mainland UK/Europe and assist accordingly. Touring is something we’re just not into as a band. We all have other commitments with work and family so getting away for a few dates for specific shows is how we like to do it.

You’ve been part of Slomatics since 2011. Did you ever expect the journey the band has taken you on. Three full length albums and a few split EP’s as well. How did you become involved with Slomatics for people who don’t know your history with the band.

I’ve known Dave since we were kids at school and Chris for about 20 years when he stumbled up on stage to play a guest spot for a band me and Dave were in, guesting on a theremin!! Me and Dave were in a band called Cosmonaut, mainly an instrumental stoner band, with Joe the original Slomatics drummer on bass.

We changed the band set up to include Baggy (War Iron) on vocals and Chris joined on guitar, we did our thing for a good number of years, calling it quits in 2004, Dave, Chris and Joe formed Slomatics, me and Baggy formed War iron. I got a call from Dave asking would I stand in for a while until they found a new drummer after Joe left, I said I’d help out for a few months, so 6 years on they still haven’t found a replacement, they seem happy enough with the current stand in!!!

When I joined Slomatics there was no need to get used to playing styles, having played with the guys for years, so it was an easy enough transition for me. I was a fan of the band beforehand and knew they had a number of releases behind them, so to add to that back catalogue was cool. There was no real plan, as is still the case!! Since I’ve been with Slomatics, we’ve released 3 albums, a few EPs, split vinyl and played some great shows, recorded music for an animated movie, with new music being written during practice for our next release.

You appear in another great band called War Iron. What is the current state of that band. Will you be recording any new material with War Iron. Or is Slomatics is your main focus.

I drum in War Iron, leaving vocal duties to Baggy with Ross on guitar and Goat on Bass. War Iron were formed by me and Baggy as a result of our band The Naut (also with Chris, Dave and original Slomatics drummer, Joe) splitting up years ago. Chris, Dave and Joe got Slomatics off and running and did great things with Flooding The Weir and Kalceanna and so War Iron got around to releasing The Faceless Sea, The Fifth and Final Sun Albums, a few EPs and a split 7” with Headless Kross. War Iron have just had 2 great shows with Napalm Death and currently weighing up a few options at the moment. I try to split my time with bands equally.

You're involved with The Planet Of Doom film. How did that come about. 

Planet of Doom came about by being contacted by David Paul Seymour, the creative mind behind the animated movie.  Through discussion the project felt it was something cool and something which we had not done before, so it was really appealing.  We were sent rough concepts/stories about our particular theme.  Writing a song to someone else's concepts was an interesting way to write, especially when you have specific time parameters to stick to and a storyboard theme to get across to the listeners. 

You've recorded a new song for that project. Can you tell your fans what people can expect on that new song. Have you seen the final segment of your part of the movie. 

We recorded our song in Start Together Studios in Belfast with Rocky O'Reilly over the course of a weekend and it was pleasing when David Paul Seymour heard it.  It fitted his brief and told the specific story of the themes we were given...relief!!  The song itself sounds like Slomatics!!  Can't give too much away until the movie is released, as of yet we have not seen the animation for our part of the movie which our song portrays, but with anything that David Paul Seymour has done we know it's going to be super cool!!

You know I’m going to move away from music and talk about our favourite football team. As we both support the same team – Newcastle United. How did you end up supporting Newcastle United. As I thought you would be supporting Manchester United. As most people I’ve came across from Northern Ireland always support Manchester United. Why our beloved Toon.

As a kid I supported Tottenham Hotspur as I just happened to catch them on TV during one of their European matches and wanted to support a team..so Spurs it was!! It just happened to feature 2 Argentinian players..Ossie Ardiles and Ricardo Villa, I thought they were great, flashy skills and just having a touch more skill than the UK players on the team. I particularly liked Ossie and always followed his career. He left Spurs and I kind of lost interest, as you do as a kid!! A few years later I found out he was managing Newcastle United albeit for a year, then Keegan came into manage when Ossie left. I loved Keegan as a kid, as I watched him on Superstars and as a fickle teenager I changed allegiance to the Toon!! The rest is history.

It’s always hard for ourselves as we haven’t won a major trophy for decades. Though we’re trying to get promoted back to the Premier League. Have you seen a Newcastle United football match. If so, who was it against and what was the final score.

Yeah I’ve been over to see Newcastle a good few times. Seen them play and win, draw and lose. Saw them for the 1^st time in 2003 when they were managed by Sir Bobby, then made a point to try and get once a year, saw them fall to bits with John Carver, then each year with Graeme Souness, Glenn Roeder, Sam Allardyce achieve little!!

Keegan came back on the scene and threw the head up and left, wobble under Joe Kinnear and even Shearer that year couldn’t help not get them relegated. Hughton brought the The Toon back up, Carver again made a shambles of things, paving the way for McClaren's laughable tenure and now we’re looking pretty good under Benitez, straight back up to the Premiership!! He just needs to stay and we’ll be back to the good old days that we had under Sir Bob!!

Best moment by far was watching Shearer crack in his 206^th goal against Portsmouth in 2006, becoming the clubs all time record goal scorer!! Worst game I was at was v Man Utd beaten 5-0 and I had paid silly money for the tickets!! Enough said!! I am sure none of this football chat is of interest to anyone but you and me Steve!!!

Well Marty, thanks for doing this interview. Much appreciated. I should have done this sooner but I was always too hesitant to ask. Do you have anything to say to your fans before you go.

I’d just like to say thanks to you Steve for your continued support through Outlaws of the Sun and a big thanks to anyone who appreciates our music, whether buying our merch or coming to a show to check us out. If you’re at a gig come over and say “Hi”.

Words by Steve Howe and Marty Harvey

Slomatic Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

War Iron Links

Facebook | BandCamp