“We have never intended to change our musical styles intentionally,” says Takeshi, who is a founding member of the band and provides bass, guitar and vocals. “Some may feel we do, but we don’t. As long as it still means ‘heavy’ for us, whatever music style sounds great to us. There is a certain signature sound and music that only three of us can play, and that will never end.”
Boris’ most recent offering was an LP succinctly titled Noise, which the band described as their “most all-encompassing effort to date.” Released in mid-2014, the record saw Boris once again exploring the greater reaches of their microcosmic universe, encompassing both sprawling compositions (such as the 18 minute Angel) and blunt brutality. Noise was officially Boris’ 19th studio album in 18 years – an insanely impressive feat anyway you cut it – though the band aren’t resting on their laurels. In fact, as warmly as the album was received, Takeshi is adamant that the songs have gotten better through playing them live.
“It is pretty exciting to see how our songs grow and are being developed with playing those songs in front of audiences and being accepted in an unpredictable way,” he says. “That feeling will lead a motivation to do a new one for us. We prefer to play new songs because we can show an audience our most updated sound and style live and would like to present to our audience the latest one freshly.”
With literally hundreds of songs in their vast catalogue to choose from, one can never be sure what to fully expect from a Boris show. Even when the live show is predominantly predetermined – as it was the last time the band were in Australia, playing the entirety of their 2000 LP Flood – there’s still room for plenty of unexpected tangents. Takeshi himself admits that assembling what the band is going to play across any given tour is one of the more difficult tasks the band faces.
“Basically Boris play our latest songs for the show, though it is pretty hard for us to decide the setlist,” he says. “We want to have both new and long term-fans enjoy shows at once. Boris have always tried to play enjoyable sets, not only for our audience, but also for us.”
The band will soon return Down Under for a quick headline tour, which brings them to the Corner Hotel next weekend. Boris have been frequent Australian tourists throughout their career; last visiting for the aforementioned Flood tour in 2013. The relationship between Boris and their Australian fans is one of mutual respect, which fills the band with enthusiasm for each return visit.
“[Keyboardist/guitarist] Wata was so happy when she held a koala and watched the kangaroos and the other animals last time,” he says. “Audiences in Australia look so excited. We can enjoy our own shows every time. We are all looking forward to upcoming shows too.”
BY DAVID JAMES YOUNG
