For a band that was founded nearly two years ago and that has an international composition, ATTRACTIVE CHAOS have already shaken up the female fronted music industry quite a bit. Members Emma Elvaston (vocals), Clément Botz (guitar) and Pier Paolo Lunesu (bass) have left a solid impression with their singles that led to the first EP “The Fire Between Us” (2023). The recently released two singles and videos “Words On A Letter” and “To The Moon” are the introduction to a brand new EP “Tame & Conquer” that will be out on August 14th, independently. We asked Emma about the meaning of the band name and of course we went through the tracks on the new EP.
The name of the band is ATTRACTIVE CHAOS. What is so “attractive” about “chaos”, Emma?
I guess what I find attractive about the chaos we propose is the melody, the rhythm that always accompanies it, whatever the form the chaos takes. That’s what suggests the name of the band. Chaos yes, but always appealing and charming.
The new EP “Tame & Conquer” is ATTRACTIVE CHAOS’ second release only, apart from a handful of singles. Can you give a short review of your first EP “The Fire Between Us” from last year?
“The Fire Between Us”, as its little brother “Tame & Conquer”, is an EP that is rich, melodic and diversified. The main theme of the EP is the complexity of relationships between human beings.
ATTRACTIVE CHAOS is Emma Elvaston: vocals, Clément Botz: guitar and Pietro Paolo Lunesu: bass. Why don’t you have a permanent drummer?
We do have a permanent drummer who is Thomas Calegari. His role and engagement are simply different from the founders.
Your press sheet opens with a quote from William Shakespeare: “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances. And one man in his time plays many parts.” In what way does that reflect on ATTRACTIVE CHAOS?
The quote is taken from Shakespeare‘s play “As You Like It” and – together with the opening paragraph of the press release – the aim was to capture a sense of the range of emotions that we experience in life, the tragedies and dramas, the loves and losses, the struggles and triumphs… the things that are found and expressed so in the lyrics and music of “Tame & Conquer”. The Shakespeare quote is comparing life to the stage of a theatre – we enter the stage when we’re born and leave it again when we die – and in between we play many different roles and experience all those triumphs and tragedies mentioned above, as if we were actors in the great play of life. When I listen to “Tame & Conquer” each song feels like a different scene, about different emotions and experiences.
“Tame & Conquer” kicks off with the single “To The Moon”. On that same press sheet it also says: for fans of Epica, Nightwish, Delain and Leaves’ Eyes. “To The Moon” comes closest to Delain, maybe more with Charlotte Wessels than with Diana Leah. Are you a fan of her and what do you think of her solo work so far?
I used to enjoy Delain a lot when Charlotte was the lead singer of the band. I think she managed to create a unique universe around her character and I am really impressed about how she revealed herself in her solo project. I wouldn’t say I am a fan, but I admire her for her career.
The next track on the EP is “Magical Powers”, a much more melodic metal song than the opening track that would make a great new single. Who’s doing the harsh vocals? What magical powers would you like to have?
Clement, our guitarist and composer, is doing the harsh vocals. I would love to breathe underwater. I am a sea lover. Water is my element.
Next up: “Words On A Letter”. A heavy rock ballad (and the first single) based on the poetry by M. Lebugle. Who is he? What words on a letter would you write to any person of your choice?
M. Lebugle is my father and I wanted to realize a dream that he had: turning his words into a song that emphasizes his poem. I would definitely write to my grandfather who I didn’t have a chance to say a last goodbye to.
Track #4 is “Finally”. It sounds like a Nightwish song they could have released as a single. It’s very catchy, your voice fits perfectly to the music and the melody doesn’t leave your head after hearing it. Who wrote it (music and lyrics) and what is it about?
Thanks a lot ! This song was written by Pietro Paolo Lunesu and arranged by Clément Botz. I wrote the lyrics and the vocal lines. “Finally” is a very positive song. The lively music is in symbiosis with the text all along the song. The lyrics deal with the quest for oneself to the detriment of the opinions of others. The song invites us to follow our heart and dreams until we “Finally” find who we are.
We’ve almost come to the end of “Tame & Conquer”, two more tracks to go, starting with “Right Now”. A completely different song, partly due to your vocals and the heaviness of the guitars. It starts as an Amaranthe / Metalite tune, then fluently transforms into another Delain influenced melody. The winner of the EP for me, but what is your favourite track?
Not an easy question, but I think that “Magical Powers”, for the message it delivers and for the duality of the vocals, is my favourite song on the EP!
Closer “Obsession” features Gabriele Gozzi from Eternal Idol and Fallen Sanctuary on vocals. What’s the connection between him and ATTRACTIVE CHAOS?
In April 2023, ATTRACTIVE CHAOS was on tour as support act for the band Temperance. As Michele Guaitoli couldn’t sing with Temperance the whole tour, he was replaced by Gabriele Gozzi as a guest singer. Gabriele is not only an excellent singer but also an amazing person. Therefore, we naturally invited him to feature on one of our new songs.
What characterizes “Tame & Conquer” is the diversity in music. Is that also where it distinguishes itself from “The Fire Between Us”?
Absolutely not, “The Fire Between Us” was also characterized by its diversity. Indeed both EPs were written in the same period, so “Tame & Conquer” is just a continuity of “The Fire Between Us”. I wouldn’t be able to tell you the one I prefer. They are similar in their diversity.
Are there plans to tour with ATTRACTIVE CHAOS using a live session drummer after the release of “Tame & Conquer”? And what about a full-length album?
As from the beginning of ATTRACTIVE CHAOS’ adventure, Thomas Calegari will play most of the upcoming shows. We will have the chance to perform on August 17th at Rock Castle in Czech Republic and in October as support act for the mythic band Victory over Germany and Switzerland. You’ll also find us in Paris on September 8th. Short length is actually the best format for our music. It allows us to promote each single as a release. Most of the time, bands work so hard to make a full album, but only a couple of songs will be listened to. It’s a pity when you put the same time and same energy in every song. We want each one of our songs to be meaningful and properly promoted. According to our experience, the EP format is the way to achieve it. ■