INTERVIEW: Rob Hoey – Limb

A stylistic shift from one genre to another can effectively make or break any band. London’s LIMB have taken the plunge, with their latest full length Saboteurs of the Sun (read our review of it here), altering their sound from dense, sludgy riff-mongering to much more sublime, psychedelic and space rock infused hard rock. It’s a change that, thankfully for the band and listeners, has worked incredibly well, giving the band their best output to date. We had a chance to chat with vocalist Rob Hoey from the band just before the release of their latest record to lift the lid on it as well as talking about their lyrical content, and their plans for taking the scene by storm.

For those who aren’t familiar with LIMB’s music, can you describe your sound and influences?

Rob: Hello! Well, we tend to lean towards a heavy (what some might consider) ‘doomy’ sound but we try to throw some different elements in the mix with samplers, sequencers and keys. We have been compared to KILLING JOKE in reviews of the new album so that’s a good starting point, right?

Your new album, Saboteurs of the Sun, is just about to be released. How did the writing and recording process go for it?

Rob: The writing and recording process was awesome! We always love working with Russ Russell who has a knack for bringing our ideas to life. It’s great working with a friend as well as someone who is amazing at knowing exactly what you’re striving for. As for the writing, we had more time this time round to experiment than the last record so we worked hard to bring in new elements and hopefully that paid off.

Lyrically, this album seems very dark, and it’s clear from titles like Wych Elm and Death in Absentia that you have taken influence from some grim subjects. What sort of frame of mind were you in when the lyrics were being written, and were some of the songs inspired by certain things?

Rob: All the songs have the overarching theme that people have lost their way with each other somehow in terms of solid communication and how that effects our day to day running of the planet. It also explores the idea of moving away from earth to try and start again, our personalities would certainly come with us, right? What would that mean?

Where did the title Saboteurs of the Sun comes from?

Rob: As with the subject matter of the album, we are moving towards a time where we may do irreversible damage to this giant rock we live on! Our power source will most certainly die at some point. Have we gone too far already? Have we sabotaged our own power source?

Do you have any favourite tracks from the new record?

Rob: We all love to play Survival Knife live, it has a bit of everything in it and I think sums up the overall feeling of the album the best

How do you feel that Saboteurs of the Sun measures up in comparison with Terminal and Limb in your eyes? Has your approach towards song writing changed at all with this record?

Rob: Yeah, I think we feel this is a more mature album, or maybe more ‘considered’. Each of our records has been different so far! The first was a stripped back slightly retro doom affair and the second album, Terminal, was a more straight forward rock record with big hooks. I guess this new record is us breaking away from our early roots slightly.

Do you have any upcoming touring plans? Are there any bands you’d love to share a stage with or places you’d love to play that during the upcoming touring cycle for the album?

Rob: We have just been announced for Bloodstock Festival and we are making plans to get round the UK again so keep your eyes peeled!

Finally, do you have any message or recommendations for your fans?

Rob: Hey everyone, I hope you enjoy the album. Saboteurs Of The Sun is available now from New Heavy Sounds. Also, listen to everything you can get your hands on!

Saboteurs of the Sun is out now via New Heavy Sounds.

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