The (International) Noise Conspiracy (T(I)NC) formed in Sweden in 1998. It's well known for its strong political stance on many progressive issues. The band will be touring Australia until May 29. Dates are available at http://www.myspace.com/internationalnoiseconspiracy.
On this tour, T(I)NC is supporting Rise Against, both bands being strong supporters of political causes. Rise Against is a "big fan of Fat Mike's [Michael Moore's] politics" and although not as comical, covers issues of war, wage slavery and environmental destruction on its latest album, Appeal to Reason.
On its latest album, T(I)NC teamed up with Rage Against the Machine producer Rick Rubin.
"Rick likes the fact that we are very political", says vocalist Dennis Lyxzen on the band's MySpace page, "especially in times like these. Labels want you to tone down the politics, but Rick recognises that it's what makes us stand out. But we also recognise the industry is on shaky ground because of that, which is why it's so cool to have someone like Rick believe in you."
According to the band's MySpace page, the song "'Satan Made the Deal'" smashes Sammy Davis Jr., Patty Hearst and the ultimate apocalyptic California dreamer Charles Manson into a sonic blender and ends up with … swamp boogie straight outta the Rolling Stones' Exile on Main Street?"
"Rick was doubtful, but we wanted the Stones groove on there," says Lyxzen. "The song is about how Manson could have been any of us. I don't believe in the concept of ultimate evil or good."
With George Bush out of office, many have looked to Barack Obama for hope. However, before the election, T(I)NC had these sobering words: "It's hard to tell what the election will bring," Lyxzen said. "We have always been avid believers that it's not McCain, Obama or Bush, but the system that is screwed up.
"We'll see what happens. But America is losing its empire, economically and politically. It is holding onto Iraq, trying to prove its worth by gunpoint. Yet the ruling elite senses that change is coming. Europe and Asia are ascendant. We'll see what happens."