Ephemera Reviews ProjektFest ‘97

A huge feature on the Chicago ProjektFest is featured in Epherma, packed with photos from this multi-day event.

Love Spirals Downward usually plays a mellower type of acoustic rock, most easily compared to the Cranes or bands of a like nature. Tonight they would debut a new style that sees more of an electronic feel. Suzanne admitted to a bout of nervousness, that preceded this appearance, and related a story about an X-files monster (the Chupacabra??) and how it’s name could be said to the beat of one of their songs. It was really quite refreshing to see a band get off their high horse and actually be friendly and personable to the audience. You felt like they were performing for you in their living room. It was nice and intimate. Except for a few NOISY people who talked all through the set it was good. The electronic songs brought up comparisons of Portishead or Lamb and still sounded a bit rough around the edges, but eventually those gave way to the acoustic guitar style that most are used to hearing form these two. What can you say, it’s sheer beauty to hear Suzanne’s voice pierce the still air. There is nothing more honest and breathtaking. They wrapped up with another electronic bit. All in all I could say that it was a very surreal performance. You would have these very beautiful songs juxtaposed with anecdotes and silly songs about a “pickleman.” It wasn’t as jarring as, say, Rasputina’s commentary but it was equally bizarre. I liked it a lot. No one should miss the opportunity to see these guys. No one.

Projekt Festivals

I would like to say thanks to everyone that came to see us at the Projekt Festival (and at our Border’s in-store) in Chicago. Suzanne and I had a fun time once again. For those of you who were trying to enjoy our set, I am sorry about all the rude loud motherfuckers that talked during our set and the sets of all the more quiet bands. Those people obviously did not come for the music and ruin it for those who did. If there is another festival next year, I hope to have a solution worked out with Projekt and the venue for dealing with such situations. Anyway, we’re just a fews days from the Projekt Festival Mexico, in Mexico City, with Lycia and Arcanta! I should probably go pack.

Love Spirals Downwards performing at the Vic Theatre in Chicago Friday August 1, 1997

Projekt Fest 1997 Guide: LSD Interview Feature

Love Spirals Downwards interviewed by Pat Ogl

The duo of Ryan Lum and Suzanne Perry had no clear musical ambition —or even a band name— when they contacted Projekt Records. They jokingly called themselves as “The Flower People.” The response to their first full length CD ‘Idylls’ was no joke.  At that time Projekt was run out of Sam’s house with a fairly small advertising budget. Nonetheless the band sold over 10,000 copies. Two years later the bands sophomore effort ‘Ardor’ again sold over 10,000 copies– this time taking far less time to do so. 

Eschewing comparisons to “shoegazer” and “gothic” acts, Love Spirals Downwards have crafted a following that transcends genre and even generational “pigeon holes.” The label has received enthusiastic fan letters from teeny boppers and sitting Circuit Court Judges.The band has gradually evolved over the past five years. ‘Idylls’ dreamy aura, layered acoustic guitars and electronic was taken in an ever so slightly darker direction on ‘Ardor.’ The band’s third release ‘Ever’ combines elements of their acoustic live show with Ryan’s trance ambient influences. Currently a remix single for “Madras,” off the ‘Ever’ CD is in the works.


Ryan: Well, I don’t remember it being that overwhelming of a response. But I suppose that many people that had an initial liking to our music was because our songs are pretty songs, which is something a bit rare in music today

Pat: Don’t you think a good deal of the other artists on Projekt make “pretty” music? I can tell you that there was a pretty big reaction to your songs on that compilation…

Ryan: Sure, most of the rest of the Projekt artist make music that is pretty. But I think that we are the only one’s whose main aesthetic is in making a pretty and otherworldly sort of sound. Most of the others have something else going on in their music as well, more self-expressionistic things. I’m not saying that makes us better or worse than the others, but I think it makes our music stand out a bit, we have a quality that is distinct.

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