The Locust was formed by Justin Pearson, Bobby Bray, Dylan Scharf, Dave Warshaw, and Dave Astor. After a number of personnel changes, they arrived at their current four-piece lineup in 2001, consisting of Pearson, Bray, Gabe Serbian, and Joey Karam. Originally a powerviolence band with a strong tendency towards synth-based passages, they have more recently stripped down much of their past sound, but retained the heavy distortion, synthesizers, screamed vocals, and intense stage presence. On the band's unique sound and live presentations, singer/bassist Justin Pearson has said, "I wanted to change the way people perceive music, or maybe just destroy it in general." Their music is complex, dynamic and fast-paced, often featuring abrupt and inconsistent time-signature changes. These erratic elements are, according to guitarist Bobby Bray, "a reflection of perhaps how our brains have to function in order to be able to do anything in the Western societies we live in."
The Locust have a unique stage presence: costumed in skin-tight, full body nylon suits (which the band refer to as uniforms), they have at times come across to first-time viewers as frightening. The last 5 different suits were designed and made by Ben Warwas. Unlike most bands, which normally have the drums set up behind the other members, the four members of The Locust are usually all positioned in a line at the front of the stage. The group recommends that in order to get the full impact of the music, one should see them live. The Locust boycotts Clear Channel Communications and refuse to play in any Clear Channel-owned venues. This boycott affected a 2005 tour with Fantômas as well as another tour with Yeah Yeah Yeahs. They also have a policy of only playing all-ages shows. The band's lyrics range from stream-of-consciousness poetry to satirical portrayals of mainstream ideas of sexuality to political commentary and critiques of religion.
Alas Here Come the Hypochondriacs to Wait With You in the Lobby
The Locust Lyrics
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Dead skin cells drip charity crumbs.
Biting the hand that feeds,
Deemed an unhealthy meal.
When slipping on someone else's elbow grease,
Gurgling devices loose their appetite.
Mirages seem to commission blame,
While pointing the finger cracks the mirror.
The lyrics to The Locust's song Alas Here Come the Hypochondriacs to Wait With You in the Lobby may come across as abstract and cryptic at first listen but upon closer examination, they touch on themes such as self-harm, selflessness, and accountability. The first line "Drained blood from your own spine in a trophy" could be interpreted as someone who has hurt themselves to achieve a sense of accomplishment or as a metaphor for sacrificing oneself for the benefit of others. "Dead skin cells drip charity crumbs" suggests that even in death or decay, there's a chance to give back in some way.
The next two lines "Biting the hand that feeds, deemed an unhealthy meal" could be a commentary on those who turn against those who have helped them or those who are ungrateful for the help given to them. "When slipping on someone else's elbow grease, gurgling devices loose their appetite" could be interpreted as someone failing or losing their drive when depending solely on the efforts of others. Finally, "Mirages seem to commission blame, while pointing the finger cracks the mirror" is a nod to the idea that placing blame or pointing fingers can obscure the truth, leading to false accusations, and ultimately harm relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Drained blood from your own spine in a trophy.
You have injured yourself and used your own pain as a symbol of pride or accomplishment.
Dead skin cells drip charity crumbs.
You give only the scraps of what you have left to those in need.
Biting the hand that feeds,
You are harming the very person or system that provides for you.
Deemed an unhealthy meal.
Your behavior or actions are perceived as harmful or toxic to others.
When slipping on someone else's elbow grease,
When taking advantage of someone else's hard work or effort,
Gurgling devices loose their appetite.
Machinery or equipment becomes less efficient or effective when neglected or mistreated.
Mirages seem to commission blame,
Misconceptions or illusions create a false sense of responsibility or guilt.
While pointing the finger cracks the mirror.
Blaming others for your problems ultimately damages your own sense of self and perception of reality.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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