Coilguns: We carefully select our collaborators and they reciprocate

“When Coilguns unveiled their exceptional latest album, “Odd Love,” last November, it was evident that this was a project driven by immense musical passion. The Swiss post-hardcore group, already equipped with an impressive catalog, delivered a standout piece-an album that stands out as one of the best in a scene that has been gaining momentum recently. The groundwork for this success was laid back in early 2024 when Coilguns and Birds in Row shook us with the outstanding “You & I In The Gap.”

Given the unique nature of the diverse Humus Records—an initiative of the band’s mastermind, Jona Nido—and the upcoming full live performance of “Odd Love” at Roadburn 2025, we decided to engage the band in an interview. Through their collective responses to our questions, we gained insight into the expansive artistic vision they embody.

From exploring topics like DIY, the pandemic, Trounce, the potential for concerts in Greece, to politically charged art, Coilguns shed light on their identity and creations in a captivating interview.

First of all, welcome to Rocking.gr! Congratulations on the release of your latest album! How has the reception been so far?

[JONA] Hello, Jona speaking. For over two years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to shaping this album, investing our hearts in every aspect. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s not just about the music, our technical proficiency, or the songwriting. What truly resonates with people, be it fans or the media, is the genuine sincerity infused throughout the project. This authenticity permeates everything, from the album cover and title to the thematic depth of the lyrics.

Though our trajectory with this album is positioned as an advancement-some may even perceive it as “selling out”-it’s clear to everyone that we’re charting this course on our terms and in a wholesome manner. We remain true to ourselves while unveiling a new facet of our creativity, sparking inspiration among both the audience and press. It’s truly a beautiful experience.

“Odd Love” arrives five years after “Watchwinders.” How have you, both individually and collectively as a band, evolved during this period? Did the creative process differ this time around?

(LUC) The extended duration was largely due to the impact of COVID-19. The pandemic brought about significant personal challenges. We had ambitious plans before the pandemic struck, and the abrupt halt of these plans without certainty around resumption led to profound uncertainty and introspection. While it was initially unsettling, we gradually regained a sense of normalcy. The creative process also underwent a transformation, deviating from our previous methods. Jona would create riff/song structures at home and share them with me. This necessitated me to delve into home recording techniques, overseeing drum recordings, and delivering detailed demos to others. This departure from our traditional collaborative approach was a first for us, accustomed as we were to working in a tight, urgent, and collective setting.

It felt akin to preparing a Paneer butter masala only to end up with tofu ramen instead.

The recording of “Odd Love” at Ocean Sound studios, under the guidance of Grammy-nominated producers Tom Dalgety and Robin Schmidt, was a significant experience. How did these collaborations influence the final product?

(LUC) Ocean Sound is truly remarkable! Its setting, technical equipment, and Scott Evans’s presence made the recording process exceptional. Entrusting the mixing to a new collaborator marked a pivotal step for me. Initially unfamiliar with Tom’s body of work outside our sphere, I grappled with his approach which diverged significantly from our familiar terrain. Through invaluable discussions with Jona and Louis, I gradually grasped his methodology and artistic vision. While I may not agree with every aesthetic choice, I’ve come to appreciate the directional impact on the record as a whole. The positive feedback post-release validates this perspective.

(KEVIN) Personally, the producers steered the songs in unforeseen directions, which I found challenging to comprehend. After investing substantial effort into envisioning the songs’ recorded form, the stark deviation was unsettling. It felt akin to anticipating Paneer butter masala only to be served tofu ramen. While I do enjoy tofu ramen, there was a mental adjustment to align the final product with the intended vision. The enthusiastic feedback thus far reaffirms this transformative journey.

The inception of Trounce’s debut album, “The Seven Crowns,” during these sessions was noteworthy. How was the experience of performing the album in its entirety at Roadburn? Speaking from personal experience, the intensity and immersion were unparalleled.

As you gear up for a similar feat with “Odd Love” at Roadburn 2025, what challenges do you foresee?

(LUC) The performance of “The Seven Crowns” at Roadburn was unforgettable. The energy reciprocated by the audience made it a remarkable experience. As we prepare to showcase “Odd Love” in its entirety at Roadburn 202