Of All Things, an emerging band noted for their alt-rock sound, are gearing up to release their debut album later this year. The band, which hails from Norway, blends 80s and 90s alternative rock/pop influences into their music, creating a distinctive sound that captures mature themes and energetic rock undercurrents. Andreas Siem, the band’s bassist, shared insights into his instrumental choices and the creative process behind their upcoming album.
Andreas Siem elaborated on his selection of bass guitars and how they serve the band’s evolving sound. “On our new single I use a Fender Mustang Player with a PJ Configuration. I use this bass on the upcoming album we’re recording in addition to my 1980 Hagström Super Swede (only 364 made!) which is my main bass live,” Siem explained. “I like the Mustang because of its versatility and aggressive sound combined with an overdrive pedal. And my Hagström just sounds great right through an amp. I mostly use the Mustang for a more overdriven sound with a lot of treble, and the Hagström for a warmer sound.”
When discussing his overall rig for the new record, Siem detailed his approach to achieving the desired tonal qualities. “For the new song and upcoming album, I used a Sovtek MIG-50 blended with a clean DI signal. I also use a Fulltone OCD that only goes into the amp. The character is mainly from the Sovtek/OCD and the low-end is from the DI. With these effects, I feel like the bass takes its own place within the rest of the band. It’s not just the low-end, but also the aggressive top from the bass. I often use a nickel coin as a pick to get a bit more top.”
Siem provided insight into how he contributes to the band’s music, particularly in crafting bass lines. “In Of All Things, it’s mainly Lars (Guitar) and Emma (Vocals/guitar) that write the songs before we arrange them with the whole band. So often the bass line is almost fully-written, and then I will change them if I feel they could need a change,” he shared.
Reflecting on the thematic direction of the upcoming album, Siem discussed the evolution from their first EP. “This record is in many ways us reacting to and growing out of our first EP. When Emma, Lars, and the former band members wrote the first EP, they were very young and have since changed musically and personally. Whereas ‘Strawberry Wine’ lyrically explored adolescence, the new album takes on more mature themes such as class division, overstimulation, and the fear of adulthood. Also, we threw in a breakup song for good measure. Musically, it has a pronounced rock undercurrent while looking back towards 80s/90s alternative rock/pop. Part of the maturing was our songwriting becoming heavier and more rock, which was further accentuated by my and our new drummer, Lars Inge Torps’s contributions.”
The upcoming debut album by Of All Things will be available later this year.
