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December 1st, 2008
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The Elvis and Deus show

From Sweden, white punks with a thing for Japanimation
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By Fiona Gaze
Staff Writer, The Prague Post
September 3rd, 2008 issue

COURTESY PHOTO
Search for these musical pranksters online and you may be enlightened.
Bondage Fairies


When: Thursday, Sept. 4, at 7:30
Where: Palác Akropolis
Tickets: 160 Kč, available through Ticketpro, Ticketstream and at the venue
Dubbed “probably the only Nintendo-death-punk band that the cold country of Sweden has squeezed out from its fleshy womb,” the duo that is Bondage Fairies will unleash its unique blend of electro-punk and in-your-face musings in Prague this week.
Cloaked in Japanimation masks, “Elvis Creep” and “Deus Deceptor” are strict about maintaining their stage personas. The masks that stay on for the duration of their gigs have built-in mics, all the better for freeing up hands for extra guitar work and synth splurges. But the fronts have a practical purpose, too.
“This way we spare people red and sweaty faces; there are already so many sweaty bands, so no need for another,” Elvis says. “Plus, they look pretty cool.”
“It’s great to be anonymous if you want,” Deus adds. “Although it’s not very effective when playing in small places, since after the show two new guys appear wearing the same clothes and they are as sweaty as hell.”
The name Bondage Fairies is more typically associated with a famous hentai comic book series about fairy fetish. As to their moniker and its associations of manga porn, Elvis says, “I do believe some unlucky people end up on the wrong Internet pages when searching for the hentai manga, while the same goes for people searching for us. Enlightenment goes two ways.” Besides, Elvis says they just like the name: “It’s better than say, ‘Red Hot Chili Peppers’ or ‘Pearl Jam,’ don’t you agree?”
Elvis and Deus aren’t sure exactly when their individual aliases took root. The two came together in 2001 — Elvis after being rejected from art school, and Deus a budding computer scientist who credits the likes of Nirvana, the Melvins and Mudhoney as early inspirations. Their mutual love of video games, death punk and beer brought them together and led them to experiment with tunes at Elvis’ house.
“In the beginning was a Nebula Rainbow,” mulls Elvis, “and he had to die. In his place came Elvis Creep.” As for Deus: “Rene Descartes had a nice pessimistic thought that everything around us is made up of a god of betrayal, Deus Deceptor. I liked the idea and the name, and I would do the same if I were a god, so why not?”
Their debut album, What You Didn’t Know When You Hired Me (Lobotom Records, 2005) has found a solid following both in their native Sweden and across Europe. The title came from Elvis’ experience of being hired to work at a daycare center without any background check, and introduced such hits as the wistful cartoon “He-man,” the poppy and satirical “Gay Wedding” and “Indie Girl,” a dark ballad sprinkled with violin riffs and gaming bells.
As for new work, “We’ve also just finished our new 7” single, but the guys pressing it ain’t,” says Elvis of the song “Garbage Indiebands,” which should be ready any day now. Another album is in the works as well, scheduled for release later this year.  
While others have called them “the Pixies on acid,” the Fairies describe their music as laser rock or synth punk, though it “all depends on the person asking,” Elvis clarifies. Deus agrees with a laugh. “I usually say punk rock with a twist of cheesy synths, but it’s up to the listener to decide.”
The Bondage Fairies played last year to a packed Klub Bordo, and the band enthuses that they can’t wait to come back. “We really liked it in Prague,” Elvis says. “It will be fun to see the fantastic crowd and enjoy the beautiful city.”
“And have some beer!” chimes in Deus.

Fiona Gaze can be reached at fgaze@praguepost.com


Other articles in Night & Day (3/09/2008):

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