The band was originally formed in 1989 in Palm Desert, California under the name "Sons of Kyuss". They took the name from a monster in Dungeons and Dragons. Shortly after the release of their self-titled EP, the name was shortened to just Kyuss.
The quartet gained popularity around the desert due to their famous generator parties. These were parties fueled by gas generators in the canyons and isolated desert surrounding the small valley towns.
The group disbanded in 1997. They felt that they were in a decline and felt it best to call it quits before it escalated into something that could not be fixed. The line up had shifted dramatically between 1989 and 1997. Josh Homme, John Garcia, Brant Bjork, and Chris Cockrell were the original members. Chris was replaced by Nick Oliveri during high school. That line up recorded Wretch (released in 1991) and Blues for the Red Sun (released in 1992), after which Nick soon left. The eighteen year older, but very able Scott Reeder from The Obsessed was brought in. This line up recorded the famous self-titled album Kyuss (released in 1994; due to the album front cover often referred to as "Welcome to Sky Valley", a small town outside of Palm Desert — wrongly labelled by many). Brank Bjork left after this due to personal reasons. Alfredo Hernandez was brought in. The final line-up recorded ...And the Circus Leaves Town (released in 1995). The band toured and soon disbanded. With the compilation Muchas Gracias: The best of Kyuss, one final greatest hits CD was released in 2000.
All band members still influence the genre they helped to create. The most notable is Queens of the Stone Age. Josh Homme, Nick Oliveri, and Alfredo Hernandez started this up after Josh had experimented with his famous Desert Sessions.
John Garcia took a path geared more towards traditional rock. He opened with Slo Burn. It was a harder Kyuss, and still played in drop C. That project did not last for over a year, although one EP was released. Following Slo Burn came Unida. This band was steered toward rock n' roll and away from the stoner rock genre. John has most recently been involved with the band Hermano. Many consider this the greatest post-Kyuss project. In 2010 a Garcia Plays Kyuss gig at Roadburn Festival (Netherlands), to be followed by a proper European tour, was announced. The line-up of this band includes (former) members of Agua de Annique, Celestial Season, Kong and Arsenal.
Nick Oliveri also has created waves in the music world. Apart from playing for years in Queens of the Stone Age he has played on and off in The Dwarves. He is most known for his side project, which has become his full-time band, Mondo Generator.
Scott Reeder pursued a career of producing mainly (most notably Orange Goblin's Coup de Grace). In 2006, he released a solo album called Tunnelvision Brilliance. He also played in Unida for a little bit.
Brant Bjork has the most stable musical career of them all. He turned down playing with Queens of the Stone Age to pursue a journey with his surfing buddies, Fu Manchu. He left after making numerous records with them to focus on his already blossoming solo career, playing the guitar instead of drums. He has worked with many people since, releasing records with Ché, touring as Brant Bjork and the Bros, and occasionally playing drums as well. Brant Bjork also played on some Desert Sessions.
Los Angeles based drummer Gene Trautmann played for a brief period between Brant Bjork and Alfredo Hernandez.
Alfredo Hernandez has guest starred on too many CDs and bands to count including Yawning Man, Orquestra Del Desierto, Fatso Jetson, and many others. He also played in a local band located in Palm Desert and is the drummer of Brant Bjork and the Bros.
A big influence on the sound of Kyuss was Chris Goss (frontman of Masters of Reality), who produced Blues for the Red Sun, and everything that followed.
Although Queens of the Stone Age has been, and continues to be, a great deal more popular than Kyuss or any of its offshoots for many Kyuss is considered far superior than anything the disbanded members created afterward.
A lot of bands have been inspired by Kyuss, including Electric Wizard, Monster Magnet, Orange Goblin, Beaver, Dozer, Los Natas, Truckfighters, Acid King, Fu Manchu, Clutch, Pelican, Torche.
For 2011 touring line-up, see Kyuss Lives!.
Allen's Wrench
Kyuss Lyrics
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It's all you get [x4]
Allen's wrench,
It's all you get [x3]...
always there. (Man, you better than ever).
Just a like the tension, magic mother potion...
Breathe up, man, Allen's wrench.
Break soon, take, try Allen's wrench...
The lyrics of Kyuss's song Allen's Wrench may seem cryptic at first, but with careful examination, it becomes evident that they are communicating a message about the superficiality of modern society. The opening line "Your subdivision has been plastic emotion" is a commentary on how people in modern society have become emotionally detached, and their emotions are artificial, much like plastic. The repetition of the phrase "It's all you get" serves to emphasize the lack of authentic human connection that exists today.
The next line "Allen's wrench, always there" is a metaphor for how material possessions or substances such as drugs always seem to be readily available, offering temporary relief from the emptiness and lack of emotion that people feel. The line "Man, you're better than ever" offers a false sense of confidence that material possessions or substances can provide. The reference to "magic mother potion" is a nod to the temporary relief drugs can provide but ultimately offers little help for the underlying issues.
The chorus "Breathe up, man, Allen's wrench. Break soon, take, try Allen's wrench" seems to suggest that the solution to the lack of emotional depth may be found in indulging in these temporary remedies. However, in the end, it may not be a lasting solution to the issue.
Line by Line Meaning
Your subdivision has been plastic emotion.
Your community has lost its authenticity and emotion, becoming artificial and superficial.
It's all you get [x4]
This is the only thing you have or are entitled to, and it's four repetitions to emphasize the limited nature of it.
Allen's wrench,
Referring to a tool or substance called Allen's wrench which will be explained or alluded to in following lyrics.
It's all you get [x3]...always there. (Man, you better than ever).
Allen's wrench is a consistent presence, maybe even an addiction, which can't fully satisfy but is preferable to anything else. The aside is a positive affirmation of strength and resilience.
Just like the tension, magic mother potion...
A comparison of Allen's wrench to an unknown substance called magic mother potion, which could be a drug or other substance known for providing a desired sensation or effect.
Breathe up, man, Allen's wrench.
A directive to take in the full effect of Allen's wrench, likely encouraging deep breathing to enhance the sensation.
Break soon, take, try Allen's wrench...
The singer is urging someone to try Allen's wrench, which may be a new or desirable experience, while acknowledging that it may not be sustainable in the long term. It could also suggest breaking away from other unsatisfying situations or routines to try it.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JOSH HOMME, BRANT BJORK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind