HEALTH Escape From the Studio

In a small unassuming street in LA stands a small unassuming ex-Mexican grocery store. But peer behind its windows and you won’t find any rock hard (or soggy) taco shells, just some of the most exciting avant-garde music in America.

That store is now The Smell, an enticing alternative music venue which fountains creativity. Among its mainstays (the likes of No Age included) stand the experimental musings of noise-rock band HEALTH. Their self-titled debut was recorded in the very walls of The Smell, and was released to high praise. However, it teetered so close to the verge of destruction that listening is often an endurance test, but the reward is an entirely unique sound: a mash of ambient hip-hop beats, Animal Collective harmonies and, of course, a lot of noise.

Here, busy bassist and noise-mongerer John Famiglietti checks in to keep us up to date with their progress on album number two.

How are things now compared to a couple of years ago when your debut came out?

"Pretty sweet. Though I find my lifestyle is the exact same, my daily routine is the same, my girlfriend is the same age, and my friend count hasn’t increased (so nothing’s changed then? - ed)".

What stage are you at in the recording process, and how are you finding it?

"We are over our deadline by a week, getting tracks for mastering etc. It's hard to have perspective, but I think it's pretty good."

Are there any immediate differences we can expect from HEALTH with this forthcoming LP?

"We’ve definitely expanded our vocabulary with some new devices and concepts like time based effects, and some new rhythmic elements. The new album has a lot more repetition and melody, but the intent is the same."

You recorded a lot of your previous album in The Smell. Has the birthplace of this album been any different?

"Recording this album is a lot easier, we are recording at a studio with an engineer, not showing up at The Smell at 4am to get some tracks done before the vaquero bar next door starts playing music. Also, this time we got to record on analogue tape. It was a whole new squirrel."

That record was almost relentless from start to finish. Any plans to include a wee respite on this album?

"Yes, there are two songs that will definitely let up. One of which has no drums, and it's near six minutes."

Are you finding yourselves under more pressure with the expectation of a second album?

"Even if no-one had listened to the first album our own personal pressures on this one would be just as big. Every time we do anything our stress levels and personal pressures go through the roof. We’re always miserable during this process."

I really enjoyed the HEALTH//DISCO album you brought out last year where you got some great acts on to do remixes. Any plans for a repeat, and who might you invite to remix?

"Yes we plan to have another HEALTH//DISCO album after this one comes out. A lot of the names from the first one will return but we are actively seeking new remixers right now. Just like the first, most of the remixes will hit blogs long before the compilation, but this time we might hold more so the album has more impact."

Finally, is there anything you're particularly looking forward to about your return to Britain for a tour this spring?

"Yes, we will be back on the mushy peas and chips diet - love it, love it, love it."

It seems HEALTH have more than a few tricks lodged up their collective sleeve for album numero dos. They’ll be road testing their new sonic explosions at Stereo in Glasgow this April, so catch them there or, if it sells out, the nearest chippie.