Classic Spins with Vokonis

Vokonis

If you've ever thought to yourself, Pink Floyd was kind of awesome, but what if they started playing something a bit more on the sludge side?

You might be interested in meeting Vokonis. 

In a couple months, they'll be releasing their third album via Swedish label, The Sign Records.

In the meantime, let's find out what sorts of albums they like listening to.

1. My favorite kind of album is the concept album. The Wall is my absolute favorite. Beyond the amazing songs, it has spectacular nostalgia for me. 

What's your favorite one and why?

Concept albums are very important for me. I think it’s a way to get a deeper sense for the music overall. 

In that aspect I have a few but if I had to name one in particular it would be Mastodon – Crack The Skye. Because it deals with both astral and very spacey concept at the same time as it deals with heavy loss.

2. My very first album was Live Evil by Black Sabbath. Since then I've had a strong affinity for the live record, even if they're a bit fake. KISS set the bar with Alive!. Surely, it was fake, but it's got the best concert feel of any one.

Tell me about your favorite live record?

Thin Lizzy – Live and Dangerous. 

I adore Thin Lizzy and that album just has so much energy to it. And that the band had to counter claims over that the album is mostly overdubbed speaks volumes on how mesmerizing Phil Lynott were. 

In my opinion Thin Lizzy have held up the best out of the old rock bands. Their sound is still relevant, and Live and Dangerous is the best showcase of that.

3. There are a great number of records I've turned to for my moods. What do you listen to when you're angry? Sad?

I vary my music a lot all of the time. If I’m anxious and have to calm down I try and listen to some Fleet Foxes or Pink Floyd to get into a better mindset. 

If I’m sad I cry, if I’m angry I try and get to the bottom of the cause of aggression I can’t listen to music then.

4. One of my friends laughs at me, routinely, for loving the Misfit Toys of albums by major bands. Lulu by Metallica and Lou Reed, Carnival of Souls by Kiss, Diabolous En Musica by Slayer, etc. 

What's the strange one that you love?

I get teased a lot for liking the latest Arctic Monkeys album. But I think it’s a fantastic David Bowie inspired space saga. 

In a world of nostalgia it’s hard to hit right, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino hits the spot just right though.

5. It's almost fashionable to release live versions of albums or re-record the old ones. King Diamond is releasing a concert with Abigail front to back. Roger Waters has done The Wall twice. 

Which ones do you have in your collection?

I don’t have anything like that in my collection actually. Didn’t know that was a thing honestly! 

I would be interested in doing that myself though. Just to give an updated version on an album and maybe expand on songs. 

Also gives fans who can’t catch a live show a taste of how we sound live compared to on record.