WHISPERIN' & HOLLERIN' were quite taken aback by MOVING UNITS' recent self-titled EP(on RX/ Palm Pictures), not because it was crap - far from it, it's an excellent statement of intent - but because we'd never heard a Los Angeles-based band who sounded so totally unlike anything to have come out of the infamous city of angels previously. Intrigued, TIM PEACOCK caught up with guitarist/ vocalist BLAKE MILLER and drummer CHRIS HATHWELL to discover more about this fascinating trio while the band were in the UK on their first whistle-stop tour.
MOVING UNITS' background is typical for a band from the US in that the three band members formed a bond after washing up in LA after nomadic childhoods, and the final piece of the puzzle falling into place with the arrival of ex-DC resident JOHAN BOEGLI on bass. I'm told you got together through DJ-ing in clubs in and around LA?
"Pretty much," says Chris. "Me and Blake basically hooked up through mutual friends."
"We still find it hard to believe we've got this far with MOVING UNITS," offers the laid-back Blake.
"Even now we pinch ourselves every day. 12 months ago we had jobs and were playing music we thought nobody would ever care about."
Blake is disarmingly honest, but one listen to MOVING UNITS' fluid, funky sound ensures they stand out in the current climate, though it must be said their sharp, rhythmic sound does share an uncanny kinship with a number of groundbreaking, early '80s white boy funk outfits, especially the likes of Factory heroes A Certain Ratio or often-forgotten, but great bands like Medium Medium. Does it surprise the band that they should sound the way they do?
"Yeah, in a way," considers Chris. "The way we work is a process that's very much a collective. We work vigorously on songs to make sure stuff ties in. I know what you're saying...certainly bands like Pigbag and Medium Medium are bands have been big with us. Having said that, we definitely incorporate modernism too. We're trying to mine the best of both seams you could say."
Of course, MOVING UNITS are based in Silverlake, the particularly bohemian area of LA previously famous for bringing the likes of The Dust Brothers to our attention. The fact that Beck recorded his groundbreaking "Odelay" mostly there didn't hurt either. Is this an advantage? Certainly it grants you something like instant kudos in the UK press at least...
"Well, there are definitely cool kids living there," Chris suggests, cautiously.
"It's probably the best place to live in LA in that it's the most conducive to our lifestyle."
"Because of Hollywood looming like a grey shadow over the city it can have a toxic effect, too" warns Blake.
"But it's true that it does create a kinetic energy that the purist might wanna work with. It has something pure and stark and there's a rebellious energy there."
Silverlake is also home to the hip Spacelands venue that has been important as a launching pad to MOVING UNITS. What is it about the club that seems to make it stand out and garner an international reputation?
"Well, there are other clubs there as well," replies Chris evenly.
"In our case we did a Monday night residency where people could see us for free and a definite buzz went around. The gigs ended up being awesome events by the end of the months we were there, but you must understand that other bands have done similar things and nothing's happened for them, so it's not like it makes or breaks everyone who plays there."
"It's a place where factions can mingle," adds Blake. "That's good in itself, but it has a down side in that it becomes a tricky process to figure out the people who are really sincere about what you're doing and the ones who want to be there to be seen. Often they talk the same way."
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"But it is an important place," he concedes.
"I mean, we've never hung out with people like Beck or anything, but you're right in that because of their involvement in whatever way with the place it has created a foundation. Their presence has created a certain credibility."
Meanwhile, back at grass roots level, how did the RX label get involved with you. The same EP was initially only released on 12" vinyl on a local San Diegan label, wasn't it?
"The A&R person has worked up a good relationship with Blake," replies Chris.
"I think the sound of the record helped, though. Blake did a good job in mixing it especially. We both have similar ideas for drums sounds and mixing, which helps. He's captured our sound perefectly on the EP."
Talking of which, I also really like the sound of the EP. It sounds very live and organic. If (when) you make your debut album, will it have a similar sound?
"Well, making the EP didn't take super long," Chris muses.
"Blake recorded everything and there were a lot of learning curves for us all. The idea was to catch us as live as possible and cultivate songs so we wouldn't have to resort to trickery."
"As for recording new songs, we have been, but we have more trimming to do as we do a lot of live takes. The next record will have an improved fidelity as textures are important to us."
Of course this is your first trip to the UK and Europe as a band. Is it a very different experience to gigging in the States?
"Yeah, there are cultural differences," admits Chris.
"For instance, in the States, bars stay open until 2AM and the shows start much later. It's good here, though...I mean kids here actually do go specifically to watch the band. In the States, people often go more for social reasons."
"Yeah, it's been fun so far," Blake chips in. We're looking forward to this one (they're due to play London the night we speak) as when you're on the road the energy really kicks in."
"Yeah, last night was awesome in Liverpool," enthuses Chris. "Everyone we spoke to were really sincere about our music afterwards."
Talking of which, I guess the final - and obvious question - must concern your feelings about the current world situation and how it affects you as American citizens away from home as the might of the US military crunches into Iraq. This must be a weird and rather scary time for you, one imagines?
"Well, I can't really say it's a relief to be away from home," says Chris after a pause to consider.
"I mean, with the media being so pervasive, the feeling's pretty similar in the UK. You're reminded about the situation all the time."
"Yeah, in a way we're even closer to it," finishes Blake.
"We've left our milieu and -if anything - travelling's made us feel more vulnerable. We don't have familiar elements to rely on over here and perhaps we're more sensitive to the way things are going. Maybe being here and playing these shows is escapism in the best way possible for us!"
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