Ahead of their highly anticipated and biggest-ever homecoming show, we asked Manchester-based four-piece IST IST to put together a playlist that channels their creative processes and backstage rituals! The result? A whirlwind of a soundtrack – ranging from Christopher Cross to Aphex Twin…
To help fully paint the picture, here’s a track-by-track breakdown from the post-punk icons themselves:
All Right – Christopher Cross
“A curve ball to start things off. We’re not a band that’s linked to ‘yacht rock’ very often but we do enjoy its universally positive sound from time-to-time when we’re done being moody on stage. This song sounds like what would play during the end credits of some cheesy 90s rom-com and always goes down a treat after a particularly good show. An unreasonably happy song to give balance to our fairly dark music.”
Myxomatosis – Radiohead
“This song has become a bit of a fixation for us recently and has been getting jammed in the rehearsal room fairly regularly. Since their fantastic Hail to the Thief Live Recordings record came out and their recent concerts. Incredible bass and drums work.”
Back to School (mini maggot) – Deftones
“Deftones are the band we have on most in the van. This also may surprise some people as it’s not an obvious influence in our music. They’re one of those bands we all listen to and have a shared love for.”
Disorder – Joy Division
“There had to be at least one Joy Division song in this list. We don’t have them on that often because they’re just such a massive part of our DNA already. But this song never fails to inspire in terms of energy and just raw expression.”
Red Eyes – The War On Drugs
“This is another song that’s on constant rotation and never gets old. Along with so many other WOD songs they just hit the spot every time.”
My Children – Protomartyr
“One of our biggest influences since ‘The Art of Lying’ era. They’re another band that we all agree are amazing, underrated and have a flawless discography of direct, inspiring and great sounding records. An big influence both lyrically and musically”
Wax The Nip – Aphex Twin
“There’s times when we just need fast and aggressive acid. Richard D James comes on to help us get ready for stage sometimes, in the form of music that forces us to get moving and get our shit together.”
Wichita Lineman – Glenn Campbell
“Easily one of the best songs ever written so must be included. This is a perfect van song for post gig reflection and calming the hell down.”
Personal Jesus – Depeche Mode
“We like to sing this to our driver Nigel when he regularly forgets to lift the handbrake. Changing the lyrics from ‘Reach out and touch faith’ to ‘Reach for the handbrake’.” We also really like Depeche Mode.
Death – Preoccupations
Another massive influence on us. This song in particular used to be on a lot. It’s 10+ minutes in length and long drawn out middle section creates such an addictive song on a record that’s sound and aesthetic has always inspired us.“
Der Mussolini – DAF
“This song is bedrock to a lot of great memories for us and has been on our playlists since day one. The handful of times we’ve done DJ sets it always comes out and gets the party started.”
I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar – Jonathan Richman
“Similar to the above, we’ve listened to this song so many times; along with another Richman classic, ‘Roadrunner’. Just a great attitude and great lyrics.”
McFearless – Kings of Leon
“We love this band. The bass and drum work in particular you can hear in Andy and Joel’s playing. Great parts that make the core of this band. This one always gets played in the rehearsal room and sound checks.”
War Pigs – Black Sabbath
“Speaking of songs played in the rehearsal room, we can do a fairly decent cover of War Pigs. A big influence on us, Toni, Geezer, Bill and Ozzy have given us so much. You know the rehearsal is near its end when we start playing this. You just can’t play anything else after that.”
This is set to be one for the books! With a career spanning over 10 years, IST IST have proven that they’re titans of their game, becoming infamous for their electric live shows.
Don’t miss out, set the date and grab your ticket here.
