Djevara are a hardcore alternative rock band based in London… Read Full Bio ↴DJEVARA
Djevara are a hardcore alternative rock band based in London, England. Though essentially a hardcore punk rock band at heart and at birth (initially influenced by the American underground DIY movements of the 80s and 90s), Djevara's sound has evolved over time and they now play a brand of punk and metal-influenced progressive hardcore rock influenced by a wide span of artists, movements and sub-genres (see below). The band are known for enigmatic material and high energy, passionate live shows.
The band set off on a DIY mission from conception and this has involved/included: setting up a record label (Genin Records), creating and running festivals and various events, setting up and running an arts warehouse project in North London, and touring across the continent playing anywhere and everywhere that would have them. Though part of an active underground scene, Djevara don't fit easily in to any particular genre and they are marked out from their peers by being politically outspoken, multi-cultural, and "totally unfashionable". This has sometimes made it difficult for the band, who have experienced physical and verbal attacks and harrassment by authorities, who nevertheless refuse to compromise. Djevara's prize themselves on 100% commitment and 100% honesty in every live performance.
Djevara have played nearly 800 shows across the UK, Europe and beyond, mainly in small, independent clubs, pubs, bars, squat and festivals.
Influences include: Fugazi, 80s/90s post-hardcore, Future Of The Left / McClusky, Refused, Rage Against The Machine, At The Drive-In / Mars Volta, Tool, System Of A Down, Dillinger Escape Plan, Deftones, Soundgarden, Therapy?, Godspeed You Black Emperor!, The Prodigy, Radiohead, Dub Trio
DISCOGRAPHY:
2014 - "VIVA! / PUNK IS NOT A SOUND" (CD / vinyl / digital)
2011 - "The Rising Tide (Part 2 ) : Hear No Evil (CD / vinyl / digital)
2010 - "The Rising Tide (Part 1 ) : Corsa Al Ribasso (CD / digital)
2007 - "Third World War : Cast The First Stone" (CD / digital)
2004 - "God Is White" (CD / digital)
All of Djevara's records were released independently through their own record label, Genin Records / Djevara Music.
Though there is a characteristic sound that marks out the band, there is a clearly discernable evolution across the releases. Debut 'God Is White' was a high-octane record highly influenced by 90s alternative metal, while with 'Third World War...' the band adapted a more progressive, explorative alternative rock. "The Rising Tide" album was split into two EPs, bridging a change in line-up, with "Corsa Al Ribasso" (part 1) displaying a more brutal, experimental post-hardcore while "Hear No Evil" (part 2) sees a return to groove and is more direct, even while it is more progressive. New album "VIVA! / PUNK IS NOT A SOUND" was released at the end of 2014 and has been heralded by fans as the most accomplished. Despite achieving reasonable acclaim from their releases, Djevara have always had a reputation for being much more impressive live than on record.
PRESS:
Hear No Evil' is Djevara's latest studio album (or, more accurately, the second part of it), and the first to feature the current line-up. More polished and progressive than what had come before, the record is still captures the raw punk energy that Djevara fans have come to expect. After almost self-combusting both internally and externally in creating part 1, the band used part 2 as the start of the fight back and in the process may have created their most ambitious record to date. The time is now.
"Good isn't a word to be wheeled out when magnificent is still available. Djevara, right here, right now, are magnificent."
- UNPEELED.NET
"their power, their emotion, the way they turn their limitations into a great big positive and that sum of the whole does make Djevara, their new album and everything that they stand for, absolutely vital. This is a brave honest refreshing committed album, a raw album, a very ambitious album, and ultimately... a triumph of an album. Few would have the guts to even try it." - ORGAN 'THING OF THE DAY' " - ORGAN ART (awarded "THING OF THE DAY")
"powerful as all Hell...'Hear No Evil' is chaotic hardcore that's as emotionally charged as it is socially aware, with particular impact from an account of domestic violence in 'The Tort Of False Light'."
ROCK SOUND
"brilliantly produced, well constructed and mature examples of an approach to songwriting which owes as much to Fugazi, At The Drive-In and Million Dead as it does to the aforementioned Rage... the arrangements [are] dynamic and varied [and] they also know how to produce a lightning rod of a riff as well when such a moment is called for, and how to build their compositions to powerful crescendos. Djevara have already achieved an impressive amount off their own backs; 'Hear No Evil' is testament to that"
SUBBA CULTCHA
"Musically the Brit trio have produced a record which is as powerful as the lyrical sentiments it promotes...
A heartfelt and powerful release, effectively delivering the band's message and leaving you with more to think about than just six excellent slabs of heavy duty rock you can get lost in." 12/13
- ROOM THIRTEEN
"Djevara are a kick ass progressive HC band that really do deliver the goods - 9/10"
- STREETVOICE UK
GENIN RECORDS has also supported and released music from other independent underground bands based primarily in London.
WEBSITE: http://www.djevara.co.uk
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Djevara/23622872921
BLOG: http://djevara.net/DjevBlog
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/DjevaraBand
Playing With Fire
Djevara Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's fascist, it's bondage, but who the hell has won this?
He wants a piece, she wants a piece - but now the cake is deceased!
What's lacking in love is feeding the beast, he sold a gun now but talking of piece
He had a right but he can't decide, not even to die dignified
They dial nine nine nine, but I'd commit no crime; I'm stuck in time and I'm petrified
"Don't mix the seed! Refuse to breed!" - the message of the Ku Klux Creed
Check it out, is that a time-bomb tickin'? - set n primed, it's alive n kickin'!
If you play with fire
Then you will burn
The smoke will clear my friend
But will you learn?
Eugenics - the remix - is taught by arrogant species
The vulture is our culture but how the hell do we stop this?
Raping the poorer, fucking the richer, but getting no nearer
Sowing the hate 'cause he couldn't wait to jumpstart his career
"The devil is here! The Devil is now!" - come along and I'll show you how!
They pulled one over, then knocked it over, and now we have a brand new fuhrer
Is it too late to set it straight, or did 'The Devil' already impregnate?
Check it out, is that a time-bomb tickin'? - set n primed, it's alive n kickin'!
If you play with fire
Then you will burn
The smoke will clear my friend
But will you learn?
I'm breaking out
With my new skin
I'm breaking out
You don't let me begin (x4)
[SOLO]
If you play with fire
Then you will burn
The smoke will clear my friend
But will you learn?
[SOLO]
I'm breaking out
With my new skin
I'm breaking out
You don't let me begin (x4)
Are they gonna weed us out one by one? (x4)
The lyrics of Djevara's song Playing With Fire speak of society's faults and how people deal with them. There are references to fascism, bondage, and eugenics. The song also highlights the greed and selfishness that exists in society, causing an imbalance between rich and poor. The song speaks of how people turn to hate and violence, which only leads to destruction. The lyrics urge people to be aware of their actions and to not play with fire, as it can lead to dangerous situations.
The first paragraph mentions society's issues, where "thought police" cannot recognize the problems, leading to fascism and bondage. The second paragraph addresses eugenics, where arrogant species teach the "remix." The vulture symbolizes our culture that preys on us. The song addresses the rapes of the poor and the rich, leading to sowing hate and destruction. The chorus suggests that if we play with fire, we will be burned, and we have to learn not to repeat the same mistake.
The final part of the song begins with an instrumental solo and repeats the chorus. Finally, the song ends with a question: "Are they gonna weed us out one by one?" This question suggests that if society continues to play with fire, we will self-destruct, and only a few will survive.
Line by Line Meaning
Let's face it, it's wasted, and the thought police can't taste it
Acknowledging that the situation is not good enough and going unnoticed and unchecked
It's fascist, it's bondage, but who the hell has won this?
The situation is suppressive and limiting, but there is no clear winner
He wants a piece, she wants a piece - but now the cake is deceased!
It is causing a conflict where both parties lose out because the situation has deteriorated
What's lacking in love is feeding the beast, he sold a gun now but talking of piece
Lack of love and compassion has created a problematic situation where people are trading weapons
He had a right but he can't decide, not even to die dignified
The situation is so oppressive that even basic human rights are being taken away and individuals are not able to decide for themselves
They dial nine nine nine, but I'd commit no crime; I'm stuck in time and I'm petrified
Although the situation is fearful, there is no escape and no help is coming
"Don't mix the seed! Refuse to breed!" - the message of the Ku Klux Creed
The supremacist message of the Ku Klux Klan is being revived
Check it out, is that a time-bomb tickin'? - set n primed, it's alive n kickin'!
The situation is volatile, and the danger is imminent and increasing
Eugenics - the remix - is taught by arrogant species
The supremacy ideology is being taught in modern times
The vulture is our culture but how the hell do we stop this?
The oppressive, parasitic culture is widespread, and the solution seems unattainable
Raping the poorer, fucking the richer, but getting no nearer
The situation is harming everyone, with no progress or improvement
Sowing the hate 'cause he couldn't wait to jumpstart his career
Individuals are spreading hate to gain advantage in their career
"The devil is here! The Devil is now!" - come along and I'll show you how!
The devilish ideology is present, and the people who promote it are gaining followers
They pulled one over, then knocked it over, and now we have a brand new fuhrer
The people who deceived and manipulated others have gained power and now control the situation
Is it too late to set it straight, or did 'The Devil' already impregnate?
The situation is so severe that it may be too late to correct it, as the damaging ideology has taken hold
I'm breaking out
With my new skin
I'm breaking out
You don't let me begin (x4)
The singer is breaking free from the oppressive situation and wants to start anew, but is being held back
If you play with fire
Then you will burn
The smoke will clear my friend
But will you learn?
The singer warns against getting involved in the dangerous situation, as it will only lead to harm, and asks if it will be a learning opportunity instead
Are they gonna weed us out one by one? (x4)
The singer questions whether the oppressive people in power will try to eliminate those who do not follow their ideology one by one
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: NICHOLAS HALLAM, ROBERT CHARLES BIRCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind