Doomed Confessionary: Carole, Jérôme & Andries (torpedo)

Photo by Michel Bertholet

torpedo is a noise-rock/industrial/post-punk/psych trio from Lausanne, Switzerland. The band consists of Carole Obère (vocals, guitar), Jérôme Diserens (bass, keyboards) and Andries Hannaart (drums).

torpedo’s latest full-length album »Orpheo_ Nebula« was released on September 15th, 2022 via Broken Clover Records / Araki Records.

»Orpheo_ Nebula« revolves around six poems from which an epic piece is born; its seven parts interspersed with noise. Combination of noise-rock, industrial, 70’s influences, flirting with sludge, some drone waves, feedback in its different modes of production; the psychedelism of words, sometimes spoken, sometimes spat or howled that every now and then ventures to caress grindcore. The stream of the album sails in always new waters.

Can you say a few words about your band?
Hi, we are torpedo from Lausanne and we play noise rock on a trio. Our sound is melted with psych, post-punk, industrial and experimental touches. We are exploring together since 2019. The project started as a duo in 2016. Up to date we have released two LPs,»Sphynx« in 2019 by Charogne Records (CH) and »Orpheo_ Nebula« in 2022 by Broken Clover Records (US) and the participation of Araki Records (FR). We have been thrilled to tour in the US last year. And we can’t wait for what is coming next!
Thanks for having us on this series of interviews Doomed Nation.

What was the biggest challenge for the band last year?
Touring in the US last spring.

What can you be most proud of last year?
Having that experience! It was a longtime dream that we realised with and among awesome people, bands and venues. We discovered an incredible musical ecosystem there, where we will be delighted to fly back!
Also, we are pretty proud of still having dreams in this crazy dying world.

What was your biggest regret?
Maybe that human world did not turned into a better thing that it did. Not really surprisingly and this is the point – we prefer being surprised.

What was the best concert/tour last year and why?
A gig in Eugene OR, cause we could smell the sound, that was so thick and LOVELY. We played with Blacktracks, Knoll and God Is War: all the three of them – WHAOUH! The whole night was so radical. Beautiful artistic and human connection there. And also sharing the stage with Arrakis and Monofo from Thessaloniki, that was an absolute killer night! Please, listen to these bands.

What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
We had many and can’t say only one. Maybe, playing with these amazing bands: Brigid Dawson and The Mothers Network, Mondo Chaga, Punk Bunny. Discovering the sound of Øjne, Drei Affen, Petrolio, Agriculture or Botanist.
Also listening to these incredible albums: »Takh« by Takh, »Jazz Codes« by Moor Mother, »Matawan« – collected works by Planning For Burial, »Desolation’s Flower« by Ragana, this crazy brilliant remix of »Earth’s Angels« by The Bug featuring Flowdan, rahh! the remix/remaster of Sunbather, »Hyacinth« from David Eugene Edwards and discovering Risha in which he collaborated with Alexander Hacke and the Submersive Behaviour of Tropical Fuck Storm.
And the cool reception given to our last single »HOPE|DREAM«.

Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Soon, on a few dates in France and Switzerland during the first trimester of the year. We can’t wait for it. Playing with cool bands and we are very much excited to discover the venues where we will be playing for the first time. Also, can’t wait to play in Lausanne with Fragile Figures, please check it out.

What are your plans for this year as a band? What do you personally want the most?
Playing gigs and recording songs. And peace on earth. End of petrol and assholes. Degrowth. Listening to great music on vinyl, having a garden with many birds, tulips, roses and black orchids. Have tonnes of money to give to people living on the street. And put out a record. You?

How can people best support your band?
Come to gigs. Continue to listen, dig and love good shit. Buy vinyls, digital albums and merch. Think music as an art that bring us together. Send good vibes and letters. And stopify..

Do you have any message for your listeners?
Yes, please escape from all bullshit, refused, free our minds & make love loud, not war. Don’t turn into living-deads : but live. Say no to everything that is not doing good to you, no matter what other might think loudly or say. Just follow your beautiful way, listen to yourself, think ecosystem and stay free. <3
Happy new year on that destructive whole damned humanity to everybody. Cheers!

Links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube

Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well