Despite equipment failures and , experimental avant-garde rock band would like you to know that they are done with their new album. And it’s got some pretty big shoes to fill considering their debut album Reality vs. The Optimist was one of the most talked about debut albums of 2007. Reality vs. The Optimist is the soundtrack to a death circus; it’s mix of Mr. Bungle oddity and Cure like emotion makes it a joyous yet dark record that leaves the listener begging for more. Well, there is no release date for the new record just yet, so you’ll have to settle on a double Kuestionnaire with the founding members of Kiss Kiss, drummer Jared Karns and lead vocalist/guitarist Josh Benash.
Lets start with Jared Karns’ answers…
1. Of all the bands/artists in your CD/record collection, which one is your most cherished?
Slayer. I have every one of their albums of original material, except “Show No Mercy” got stolen when I went to see Murder By Death and Gogol Bordello in Brooklyn.
2. What have you been listening to lately?
Between The Buried and Me – “Colors” – that record is fucking ridiculous. And our own music.
3. What’s your favorite local band?
Sick Of It All. There are a million bands from NYC so I’m sure I’m forgetting far better ones, but that’s the first one that comes to mind. As far as smaller bands, Nakatomi Plaza make me proud to be from here, but most of the NYC scene is drowning in mediocrity.
4. What was the last show you attended?
King Crimson 40th Anniversary Show at the Nokia Theater NYC
5. What was the greatest show you’ve ever been to?
Aw man, so many contenders. It would have to be a toss-up between The Get Up Kids/The Anniversary/Koufax/Jebediah at Water Street Music Hall Rochester, NY October 2000, and Godspeed You Black Emperor at Bowery Ballroom NYC April 2005 I think.
6. What show are you looking forward to?
Portugal The Man/Maps and Atlases this weekend, but we can’t go because we’re practicing. Priorities.
7. What musician would you like to hang out/work with for a day?
Robert Fripp (King Crimson) if I were Bill Bruford in 1972 – 1974.
8. What four albums you would bring to a deserted island?
Between The Buried and Me – “Colors,” Saves The Day – “In Reverie,” King Crimson – “Red,” The Get Up Kids – “Something To Write Home About”
9. Would you call yourself a music geek?
Yeah, somewhat.
10. Any favorite music-related videos/DVDs you own?
Rush – “Chronicles” music video collection on VHS. My roommates sit around and watch it all the time, it’s fucking hysterical.
11. What’s the last book you read?
“Reign In Blood” by DX Ferris
12. Do you prefer live performances or recording in the studio?
They both are awesome in different ways. In the studio I get to spend time playing with different drum setups, perfecting a sound, and actually practicing! Live is a lot more fun in a quick-paced energetic kinda way, and usually involves traveling more.
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you’d like to share?
When I thought it would be a good idea to throw a piece of skin that blistered and ripped off my finger while I was playing into the crowd after a recent set. People were just grossed out by it. Lesson to bands – never let your drummer near the front of the stage.
14. Any favorite tour locations?
Chicago, Cleveland, NYC, Little Rock AR, the Ohio/Kentucky border, Maine (even though we haven’t been there in years), Colorado/Wyoming/Montana/other western states – definitely looking forward to getting back out there.
15. Lastly, what have you done today?
Continued solidifying plans with the band for practice this weekend, went out to dinner with my girlfriend and my roommates, got caught up on our myspace messages/emails, updated street team/mailing list, planted a couple seeds for possible tour/show ideas.
Kiss Kiss – Machines
Sick of it All – Potential for a Fall