The career of “witch house” pioneers Salem has been remarkably varied to date. Feted by celebrities, with Michael Stipe even showing up at one of their concerts, the band has also found that being excruciatingly candid in interviews perhaps isn’t the best policy—check this now-notorious Butt magazine interview for proof.
The band has had a difficult time translating to the live arena, with videos fromtheir Fader Fort appearance at SXSW drawing equal amounts of mirth and scorn, but the members of Salem are no doubt hoping to put all that behind them with the release of their debut album on Sept. 28. This video for “Asia” offers a glimpse of what to expect, with heavy distortion, fractured beats, and a barely discernible melody cut just beneath the surface.
it seemed like 90% of the crowd hated them at the Fader Fort show at SXSW. to their credit they didn't seem fazed at all