L/P are a post-punk group with a knack for writing pop songs. Formed in the small town of Truro, Nova Scotia, with members residing throughout the maritimes L/P aren't an extremely active band. However, it doesn't stop them from releasing vinyl and playing shows to very receptive audiences throughout their region. Here's an interview with the Mumford brothers.
1.Can you give a brief history of the band?
L: Of course. We started in August of 2008 as a 3 piece. Myself (Luke), Evan and Marshall are good friends, and we'd been jamming in several forms of a band for a while. Evan and I played in a different group at the time (Genetic Angry) but we were interested in playing in something that is almost a different genre, basically not alike at all because we still loved the other band, and wanted to do both. Evan played drums and did vocals for our 1st and 2nd EP but we decided that to push it forward we could use a drummer, and Evan would play guitar also. That's where our buddy Shawn came in and how its been since.
2.Both post-punk and powerpop are obvious influences based on the songs, but the lyrics don't seem to fit the stereotypes of vague poetry or love songs. What sort of topics have you touched on?
L: My songs are basically vague poetry or love songs. There are pieces of reality in there. Alot of personal stuff. I suppose the original influence was Dischord bands like 1985 and on, 60's music, OG emo if you will but for my part anyway there aren't many conscious influences. There isn't a straight view of what it should sound like.
E: In "Ageis" I commented on the consistent homophobia that surrounded our mayor. Usually, lyrics come from introspection and are influenced by the syntax the music I write to dictates.
3.Are there any other bands playing out of Truro or Halifax that are standing out?
L: There are some cool bands in Halifax. Quaker Parents/the Wides/Castle Wolfenstein/Bad Vibrations to name a few. I live in Truro right now so I'm out of the loop. Most of the music coming from the hub is good. People should definitely try to seek out underground Nova Scotian bands, there's lots of great can't-escape-from-NS music out there.
4.What have you released so far?
L: We've released 3 EP's, a split 7", and 1 song on a compilation. Its all laid out on the link below where you can buy them for super cheap or listen to on there. Also the 7" is up for grabs so contact me via email if you wanna pick one up.
5.Any plans for any upcoming tours or releases?
L: As mentioned we have one song called "Humility Doll" that was recorded a bit back. That is coming out on a cassette called "Khyber Compilation Vol II". There is talk about doing a small maritime tour with a band from Halifax, but besides that there isn't much planned. We have 2 already recorded songs from summer 2010 that haven't been released yet, and we have another 2 songs waiting to be recorded. Unfortunetly the members are all currently spread out in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and half the band are immersed in school so we don't do much musically. We all play in other bands also. At this point we play local shows once in a while, write a few songs here and there and that's probably what the future will hold for us.
6.Final comments?
L: Thanks for listening, that's what it's all about.
-Moral Panic
Full band photo by Riley P, other photo by Olivia M
Have a listen here: http://www.thebandlp.bandcamp.com/
Contact L/P: luke.mumford@gmail.com
Their previous group, Genetic Angry: http://www.geneticangry.bandcamp.com/
