Armed (International) Love venue: Smålands, Lund date: 2004-09-29 The (International) Noise Conspiracy is one of those bands that live are bigger than their songs – thanks to commitment, sweat and style. It is therefore extra good to see them on the pretty small stage at Smålands. Ever since singer Dennis Lyxén was in Refused (Sweden’s biggest hard core band, 1991-1998) he has always given everything on stage and years of performing experience has made him a pro – he knows exactly how to hold the audience’s attention. Between the songs he serves nice pamphlets about sexism, capitalism and other evils, right in the taste of the crowd. The band has also realized the good of delivering a message through music and aesthetics – both the music and the message benefit. I haven’t listened enough to the new album Armed Love, but the new songs do not sound as convincing as those from A New Morning, Changing Weather. “Capitalism Stole My Virginity” and “Up For Sale” are still the heights of the show. Some of the new stuff becomes too soft from the influences of the sixties sound. More punk in the mix instead, please. After the show I ask the sweaty and underpants wearing band a few questions. Thanks for a good concert. How was it for you? Dennis Lyxén: It was good! Smålands is definitely one of our favourite places to play. Really? When was the last time you played here? DL: Oh, when was it? It must have been in 2000. The ceiling is a bit low up on stage? Lars Strömberg: Yeah, I smashed the guitar through it on the first song. Rick Rubin produced your last album. What is your favourite record produced by him? LS: That would have to be Slayer’s Reign in Blood. He has done so much different kind of music that is so good; Slayer, Johnny Cash, Public Enemy etc. How was he to work with? Were there any problems in the beginning of you having too much respect for him? LS: No, it wasn’t. He is very easy to work with. He is not forcing you to do big changes. What he is good at is finding the core of the band; take out what they are best at. He often only suggests small changes. Like what? LS: Like, “maybe there shouldn’t be any drums on this part” or “more guitars here” or something like that. Will he produce your next album? LS: We don’t know yet. But maybe, that would be fun. It was ten years ago I first saw you, Dennis, in Refused, at Bergslagsrocken. How was it to play then compared to now? DL: That’s true, that was ten years ago…Well, everything was so different then. You know, just to put out a single was a huge thing, like “Whoa, shit, we made a single!” ' You’re now Sweden’s sexiest man according to Elle… DL: Well, that’s funny. But it’s nice that they didn’t choose an oiled up muscle hunk. And maybe we’ll reach a new audience. And finally, Inge, are you coming down here with Totalt Jävla Mörker soon? Inge Johansson: Well, I don’t know. I don’t think I have time now because of all the touring with Noise Conspiracy. /Erik Sandberg