Joni Ekman, guitarist and vocalist for Finnish band the Acthungs responds to interview questions in much the same way he approaches writing rock and roll songs. That would be short, to the point and bullshit free.“I Like You a Lot”, “I Don’t Care About You” and “You’re Not My Friend” are some of the song titles on their latest album Welcome to Hell. You get the gist right?If not just imagine if the Reatards came from southern Finland rather than Memphis and hauled their sleazy and degenerate garage punk around Europe.Following a number singles, the band from Tampere are dropping their second LP on Bakersfield, California label Going Underground that we are premiering below.We had a very brief conversation with Joni to find out more.Noisey: Does hell have a postcode? If so where is your idea of hell?
Joni Ekman: I don't know about the postcode. I don't know if I believe in hell but I think some parts of our US trip got close to what I think is hell.Is the spirit of US punk rock strong in Finland?
Everybody likes US punk. Old and new.Your song titles are very direct. Is this because English is your second language or you believe in being direct?
It's about the language and I'm really bad making up song titles. I'd rather make a song called "Dogshit" than a song called "Song About My Feelings"
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Joni Ekman: I don't know about the postcode. I don't know if I believe in hell but I think some parts of our US trip got close to what I think is hell.Is the spirit of US punk rock strong in Finland?
Everybody likes US punk. Old and new.Your song titles are very direct. Is this because English is your second language or you believe in being direct?
It's about the language and I'm really bad making up song titles. I'd rather make a song called "Dogshit" than a song called "Song About My Feelings"
‘Welcome to Hell’ is available now from Going Underground records.Like this story? Like NOISEY on Facebook.