Dispatch from Sasquatch!: Klangstof's pre-show warmup

So you didn’t make it to Sasquatch? You missed out on Klangstof, the year-old alternative band from Amsterdam, who took the Yeti stage Saturday afternoon.

The four guys who make up the band are all in their mid-20s and enjoying their time in the U.S., traveling by van from show to show, and taking a little time in Seattle to record their next album.

They’ve each got an easy sense of humor: When asked to write their names down for the Inlander, they labeled themselves:

“Jobo Engh (guitarist, pink blonde hair – it used to be pink, he explains) (23)

Wannes Salomé (synths, fro) (26)

Koen van de Wardt (the rest) (25)

Jun C. Villanueva (drums, bald guy) (25)”

Rather than get amped up before a show, the guys say they like to chill out by playing the board game Munchkin – a parody game based loosely off of Dungeons and Dragons.

“The basis of it is to f—- your friends over,” Jobo says with a laugh.

“It’s a great way to get angry before you go onstage,” Koen says.

Jobo and Koen have been making demos together since they were in high school, but the band as a whole has been together about a year, and released their debut LP Close Eyes to Exit, last year.

Their style evokes Radiohead, a big influence they all bring up when asked who they are inspired by. Fans of Alt J, Broken Bells, and Portugal. The Man, should also take a listen.

Their electronic and indie rock mix makes sense when you consider who they’re touring with: They’ve been on the road with the Flaming Lips, and soon will go out with Miike Snow.

Wannes says their style could be described as influenced by Norwegian music in general.

Their band is named for a city they say captures the vibe of their music – “down and Scandinavian.”

That said, though their songs may be a little dark at times, they are far from that as people.

“People should know we’re not as serious as our music,” Jobo says. “We’re goofy as f—-.”