On 14 February, local noise quartet Katadreuffe leave their typically cramped stage setup behind to support post-punk legends Wire at Paradiso. Why should you drag yourself away from the bar early to listen to them? Because this frenetic rock quartet layer sonic architectures of complex spiralling riffs, bashing rhythms and staccato vocal bursts. Their violent sounds are tempered by tight grooves and small respites of melody, sounding, well… totally wired.

What is Katadreuffe?
Katadreuffe is a band from Amsterdam consisting of four people: Ruben Braeken (guitar), Maarten Broekhuizen (guitar, vocal), Bas Jongboer (bass, synth) and Timothy Plevier (drums).

What sonic influences tie the members of Katadreuffe together?
Mostly stuff we listened to when we were younger. Right now, there’s some overlap in taste, but hardly ever amongst all four of us. For mutual infl uences we’d have to go back to older post-hardcore bands, shoegaze and Appetite For Destruction.

How long does it typically take to craft a Katadreuffe song?
It all depends on the social skills of the guitar riff which kick-starts the songwriting process. If it interacts well with others, it will attract and give birth to other riffs. When this is the case a song could be finished within a day. However, if a riff isn’t so receptive to others, the process could take weeks. Unfortunately, the social skills of a riff do not determine the quality of the end product. This can only be ascribed to the social skills of its creator. Writing lyrics generally takes a lot longer than writing the instrumental part of the song, by the way.

There’s a tension and energy about the band. Is it a difficult state to maintain? What if the band was a full-time job?
I think it’s just our natural mode of operation… If anything, it being a full-time job would only intensify the tension, because I can imagine there’s a lot more hassle involved in being a full-time band. It would probably cause some frustration, which in turn would, hopefully, find its way on stage and on record.

Elements of pop and melody somehow emerge through your noise. Is that deliberate?
The melodic and catchy elements in some of our songs are definitely deliberate. If there’s room in a song for something melodic, it’s more than welcome. As long as it doesn’t sound cheap or too upfront in the music. It’s about finding the right balance between the abrasive and the soothing. Also, in a way, the poppy elements make up for the lack of melody in the vocals. And, at least half of the band has a soft spot for a good pop song.

How does the band feel about Wire?
I, personally, wouldn’t say that I have an emotional connection with Wire, just an appreciation of what they’ve done and continue to do. As for the other band members, I know that they like the band a great deal, especially Pink Flag, 154 and Send.

If you were headlining Paradiso, which local band would you call up as a support?
It would probably be difficult finding a band willing to do so, but as long as we’re in imaginary territory, I guess a band like Moke will do fine. But only because a lot of people will show up and we will, hopefully, be paid accordingly.

Katadreuffe – Porlock by Festival SOY

Stream or download Katadreuffe tracks for free from Narrowminded.