LA punks Plague Vendor share new album influences
- Text by Alex King
- Photography by Rowan Daily
A dark force is rising from the heart of suburbia. Plague Vendor hail from the wholesome Los Angeles suburb of Whittier, where they hide from the happy-families bullshit at a former frat house, meth lab and porn dungeon. As they told Huck last year, they’ve transformed it into a skate house come cultural hub christened Comstock.
Their music feeds on the underground network of creative characters that make Whittier bearable, but Plague Vendor’s distinctly Californian brand of punk rock travels well. With Bloodsweat lighting up nowhere towns all over, we reached out to guitarist Jay Rogers to share the tracks that shaped the new album.
The Walkmen – “Little House of Savages”
This song has the groove and the swagger that can make any band be inspired.
Radiohead – “Bangers and Mash”
This is was a b-side on In Rainbows. Johnny Greenwood kills the guitar on this song. Definitely inspired our “post-punk” fucked up-ness?
Underworld – “Cups”
The groove in this song is undeniable. Underworld is one of our favourite bands and for good reason.
Trentemøller – “Evil Dub”
The name speaks for itself.
Fugazi – “Recap Modotti”
This is an album we all like a lot and feel like it was underrated, this is a stand out for sure.
The Stooges – “T.V. Eye”
Another self-explanatory song. The simplicity and geniusness of this song inspired us and will continue to inspire.
Portishead – “Machine Gun”
Sometimes repetition is all you need. we understand that and embrace it. Thank you Portishead.
The Dead Weather – “Hang You From The Heavens”
We all love the groove of this song and Mosshart’s bomb wordplay.
Massive Attack – “Risingson”
The vibe on this song is the vibe that we all strive for. Classic.
Spoon – “Believing Is Art”
Love the chord progressions in this song. Spoon will forever be one of our inspirations.
Plague Vendor’s Bloodsweat is out now. Catch the band on tour across the UK throughout April.
8 Rough Trade East, London
9 The Owl Sanctuary, Norwich
10 Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
11 The Castle Hotel, Manchester
12 Broadcast, Glasgow
13 The Chameleon Arts Cafe, Nottingham
14 The Shipping Forecast, Liverpool
15 The Flapper, Birmingham
16 The Green Door Store, Brighton
17 Clwb ifor Bach, Cardiff
18 Start the Bus, Bristol
20 The Boiler Room, Guildford
21 The Old Blue Last, London
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