Sep. 06, 2006 - Issue #568: Sex in the City

Mothra bests Godzilla, travels to Vancouver, starts cool band

Vancouver art metal band Mothra (yes, they are named after Godzilla’s moth-like enemy) have been turning heads around their home base since they transformed from a drum and bass duo into a drum, bass, synth and vocals trio in early 2005.

Made up of bassist Liam Bryant and the husband and wife team of drummer Al Miller and vocalist/keyboardist Karla Miller, the band’s reputation is now starting to grow outside of Vancouver too.

According to Karla Miller, though, the band grew out of a series of spontaneous events, rather than some grand scheme. “When [Al and I] first moved to the Sunshine Coast a few years ago we went to an all-ages show,” Miller remembers. “Liam was playing bass with a drummer. Al said, ‘Holy Crap, I’ve got to play with that guy’. They just started playing together. They were offered a show, but decided they needed vocals. So I said, okay, I’ll do it!

“And then we had three weeks to get ready,” she continues. “I’ve played piano my whole life, but never sang before this band. It was pretty funny. When I was a kid, like seven years old, I use to daydream that I was a rock star.” Hard work, dedication and focus are paying off for this three-piece and Miller has now booked over 30 shows for their fall tour.

“I’ve gotten a lot of contacts and gotten to know a lot about different venues,” she reveals. “It was a good learning experience to do that. We like doing things ourselves. We’re just taking it slow, trying to get all this touring under our belt.”

The band’s drive, along with their live energy and technical inventiveness, has helped them to bridge a number of genres and build a varied fan base.

“The fans respond well,” proclaims Karla. “A wide variety of people seem to be into us. We don’t really fit into any category. We have these older music nerds who come out to see us, and we have kids. There’s definitely some jazz influence there, especially on Liam’s behalf. And then bands like Rush and Primus. Al loves Rush. Liam loves Primus. I used to detest Rush, but now I realize the music is amazing. It took me awhile to get into Geddy Lee’s voice, though. I guess we don’t really sound like anyone.” V

Sat Sep 9 (8 pm)
Mothra
With A Javelin Reign, Better Living,
Exit This Side, Snic
Velvet Underground, $8

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