The (International) Noise Conspiracy (abbreviated T(I)NC) was a Swedish rock band formed in late 1998. The lineup consisted of Dennis Lyxzén (vocals), Inge Johansson (bass), Lars Strömberg (guitar), and Ludwig Dahlberg (drums). The band was known for its punk and garage rock influences, along with its passionate left-wing political stance. Until 2004, guitarist/organist/keyboardist Sara Almgren was also part of the group. Dennis Lyxzén formed The (I)NC shortly after the breakup of his previous band, Refused. The (I)NC drew on the musical roots of at least four other bands, including Totalt Jävla Mörker (Johansson), Separation (Strömberg), Saidiwas (Dahlberg and Almgren), and Doughnuts (Almgren). In 2007, Inge Johansson also played with the band The Most.
Influenced by a quote from 1960s folk singer Phil Ochs, lead singer Lyxzén stated that the band aimed to blend music and politics into "a cross between Elvis Presley and Che Guevara." Additionally, according to the liner notes of their debut album, The First Conspiracy, the band sought to challenge music's role as a Spectacle—a concept derived from Guy Debord's work, The Society of the Spectacle.
History
First recordings
In 1999, the band recorded their debut album, The First Conspiracy, with G7 Welcoming Committee Records. While not a commercial success, the album gained the band recognition from the punk label Burning Heart Records, which had previously released records by some of the members' earlier bands. In 2000, they released Survival Sickness. Widely regarded as one of the finest examples of situationist-influenced punk rock, Survival Sickness showcased the band's revolutionary ideology with biting lyrics and infectious rhythms. Many of the lyrics were drawn directly from the writings of the Situationist International, particularly Raoul Vaneigem'sThe Revolution of Everyday Life.
By 2001, the band returned to Burning Heart's studio to record their next album, A New Morning, Changing Weather. With the addition of Almgren's organ playing, The (International) Noise Conspiracy created a sound that extended beyond the boundaries of typical punk music. Incorporating organs, horns, and keys, the band began to develop a reputation for eclectic instrumentation, a characteristic they would continue to refine.
The band's first tour outside their homeland of Sweden took them to China, where they performed in illegal and hidden rock clubs while Chinese police reportedly waited outside armed with guns and nightsticks.[citation needed] They also toured the United States with My Chemical Romance. The band's lead singer described their music as similar to The Hives but with a political edge, as The (International) Noise Conspiracy incorporates a strong Situationist agenda into some of their work, exemplified by songs like "Capitalism Stole My Virginity."
In 2004, The (International) Noise Conspiracy collaborated with producer Rick Rubin for their next album. Swedish jazz saxophonist Jonas Kullhammar temporarily joined the band on saxophone and keyboards, co-writing some of the songs. Organists Billy Preston and Benmont Tench also joined the lineup temporarily, as Sara Almgren left to join the Swedish punk band The Vicious (later Masshysteri). Rick Rubin signed the band to his label, American Recordings. The result was the release of Armed Love in 2004. The album's inlay paid tribute to the slogan "¡O Bailan todos, o no baila nadie!" written by the Tupamaros, which translates to "Either Everyone Dances, or No One Dances!" According to the band, this phrase reflects their philosophy and music.[citation needed]
In 2006, The (International) Noise Conspiracy contributed a cover of "Shut Up" to The Monks tribute album Silver Monk Time: A Tribute to The Monks, which was released in October.[citation needed]
By 2007, the band had completed recording a new album. In an interview for Rockstar.tv on 28 August, they announced plans to name the album The Cross of My Calling, stating it would feature "mystical" lyrics and a more soulful sound. The album was released on 17 November 2008 in Europe and 25 November in America. The fourteen-track album was produced by Rick Rubin[1] and released through Burning Heart, American, and Vagrant Records.[citation needed]
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