The Disco Biscuits are also well-known for their ability to run long sets together, sometimes even playing their songs backwards, in styles referred to as "inverted" and "dyslexic." An inverted version of a song occurs when the band starts a song by playing its ending segment, followed immediately by its beginning segment and a jam that segues out of that song and into another. A dyslexic song is played the same way as an inverted one, with its main difference being that the pieces of the song are not played consecutively (e.g. ending of 1 -> 2, 3, 4, beginning of 1 -> 5). Another technique employed by the band is a fakeout, which occurs when the band plays a jam that usually leads into one song, but segues into another unexpectedly.
Due to the separation of their segments, dyslexic songs can begin on one night's show and end the next night. The nature of their setlists is both a blessing and a curse; while the myriad variations on their songs are interesting to hardcore fans of the band, it can confuse people who are not already familiar with their catalog. This forces the listener to be immediately willing to immerse themselves in the Disco Biscuits' large catalog, which can prove to be a rather overwhelming task for novices to undertake. On the other hand, many are fascinated by the game of "what song are they going to play next", and are disappointed when their ears are attuned enough to know the answers in advance.
The band has 2 rock operas as part of their catalog: the Hot Air Balloon (written by guitarist Jon Gutwillig) and the Chemical Warfare Brigade (written by bassist Marc Brownstein).
On 11/5/04 The Disco Biscuits announced that drummer Sam Altman was leaving the band to attend medical school. The band had toured only sporadically from the end of the summer of 2003 until Sammy's official departure was confirmed. The band announced that Allen Aucoin would replace Altman as the full-time drummer on 12/12/05, ending months of speculation.
In 2007, the band co-headlined the D.U.M.B. (Disco-Umphrey's McGee-Biscuits) tour with Umphrey's McGee. Bandmembers from both Umphrey's and Bisco have further more found each other in the Brain Damaged Eggmen, a Pink Floyd and Beatles coverband
Discography
* Encephalous Crime (self-released, 1996)
* Uncivilized Area (1998)
* Bisco Lives (2000)
* They Missed the Perfume (2001)
* Señor Boombox (2002)
* TranceFusion Radio Broadcast Vol. 1-4 (2003)
* Wind at Four to Fly (2006)
* Rocket 3 (2007)
* Planet Anthem (2010)
Portal To An Empty Head
The Disco Biscuits Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
take a step a back so
and I'm looking out a window
when I see the wind blow
and maybe I won't know where I am
and I can't quite make out what you said
and I can't quite make out what you said
as you stepped thru a portal to my empty head
here's my portal to an empty head
here's my portal to an empty head
here's my portal to an empty head
here's my portal to an empty head
and I'm dreaming my desire
dreams are on fire
wanna hook a wire to my brain
and I'm living in limbo
sitting in limbo
hoping that I won't end up insane
and I can't quite make out what you said
as you step into a portal to my empty head
and I can't quite make out what you said
as you step into a portal to my empty head
here's my portal to an empty head
here's my portal to an empty head
here's my portal to an empty head
here's my portal to an empty head
here's my portal to an empty head
here's my portal to an empty head
here's my portal to an empty head
here's my portal to an empty head
here's my portal to an empty head
here's my portal to an empty head
here's my portal to an empty head
here's my portal to an empty head
The lyrics to "Portal to an Empty Head" by The Disco Biscuits describe a person who feels lost and disconnected from reality. The use of a black hole in the first line indicates a sense of being trapped or sucked into something that cannot be escaped. The next few lines create a sense of disorientation as if the person is observing the world from afar and cannot quite comprehend what is happening around them. The line "and maybe I won't know where I am" is particularly telling, as it reveals a sense of confusion and dislocation that is pervasive throughout the song.
The second verse further explores the idea of being disconnected from reality. The line "dreams are on fire" suggests that the person is struggling with their desires and emotions, which are overwhelming them like flames. The use of "limbo" suggests a sense of waiting or being stuck in a state of uncertainty. The person is hoping that they will not end up "insane," which suggests a fear of losing touch with reality altogether.
The refrain "here's my portal to an empty head" repeats throughout the song, emphasizing the sense of disconnection and emptiness that the person is feeling. The repeated phrase "I can't quite make out what you said" further reinforces this feeling of not quite being able to connect with the world or with other people.
Line by Line Meaning
And I step into a black hole
I venture further into the unknown and uncertain
take a step a back so
But I hesitate and consider my actions
and I'm looking out a window
I observe the world outside of myself
when I see the wind blow
And notice the effects of nature around me
and maybe I won't know where I am
Uncertainty envelopes me and my sense of direction is lost
and I can't quite make out what you said
Communication is unclear and difficult to understand
as you stepped thru a portal to my empty head
As you try to enter my thoughts, hopes, and dreams
here's my portal to an empty head
I offer you access to my blank, undefined mind
and I'm dreaming my desire
I envision my deepest wishes and wants
dreams are on fire
My aspirations burn deep within me
wanna hook a wire to my brain
I hope to channel my thoughts and connect them to the world
and I'm living in limbo
I exist in a state of uncertainty and in-betweenness
sitting in limbo
I wait and ponder my next move
hoping that I won't end up insane
I fear losing my sanity as I navigate this confusing world
here's my portal to an empty head
Once again, I offer you access to my undefined mind
Contributed by Zachary P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@bigd5279
My younger son is in TN now going to a Disco Biscuits show. I wanted to hear the type of music. Never heard you guys. I like. Guitar solo is badass. Thumbs up from this older woman!
@Banksydog
Generally speaking, talk to your son about drugs.
@baxklab
Drug band love.
@baxklab
@@Banksydog 🏴☠️🦋🎆🤩🎉😆
@prima808
Interesting you’ve never heard of the, even if just by name only. These guys have been around for a minute, like since mud 90’s. I’m 47 now and remember seeing them in my late teens/early 20’s during my raving days in the early 2000’s. They were quite popular in the rave/jam band/drug scene. I was surprised to find out they’re still touring!
@joshuapettyjohn6153
2020 world is falling apart... and this song is still FRESHHHHH....
@sandozzz666
You’re an invalid. This song is terrible. You must be 19 years old.
@DanyalLodhi
I was in tears at Jon's guitar solo towards the end. Just bliss! I love this band!
@vlada
3 sentences.
All beautifully & simply convey the different feelings we all share about the band.🙏👏
@malcolmmckinley6677
When you’re barbecued, this song is 2 years long