An interview with Autobahn

Upon the release of their stunning debut record, we spoke to Autobahn's Craig Johnson about Krautrock, being part of Leeds' incredible music scene and the second coming of post-punk:

I hate to be too obvious and go straight for a question about your name, but your music doesn't necessarily sound influenced by that on Kraftwerk's fourth record, is there a link?

Yeah, when we started we were listening to a lot of Kraftwerk, Neu! and Can and we were going for repetitive looped Krautrock esque drums, so it made sense at the time. That music links into industrial music too which is definitely present in what we do.

By the time this issue is released your debut LP 'Dissemble' will have been released. How would you describe the album to those who haven't yet heard your music?

It's an intense record, especially the second half. You definitely hear more on each listen. The undercurrent which people sometimes miss is that of optimism, that's what we hear. There's doom and gloom and death and you need to stare that in the face.

Do you have a favourite track from the record? 'Beautiful Place To Die' blew me away when I first heard it

Thank you, that song is probably our favourite. It came together near the end of the writing sessions, it was one of those that just fell together. The lyrics really sit well with the emotive music.

The first time I saw you was when you supported Eagulls, Hookworms were played a few minutes before you took to the stage. Do you feel pressured by being considered part of that scene in Leeds?

We're all friends, there's no pressure. It makes you feel very proud seeing your friends doing so well and inevitably it spurs you on to become better yourself. We've got some great bands in Leeds and the best venue.

There's a pretty astounding number of great post-punk bands around at the moment, particularly in Northern England, how much do you think that's down to UK politics?

For it's not down to politics, maybe the lyrics at times but not the overall sound. I think it's down to the surrounding where you create your music. A lot of our friends have spaces in disused industrial factories and I think it plays a massive part. Our room is small, the walls are so close and I think that's where the urgency comes from.

Interview by Marty Hill