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.
An Extra Piece of Dead Meat
The Locust Lyrics
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The lyrics of The Locust's song "An Extra Piece of Dead Meat" convey a reflective message on the impact of media on our perception of violence. The line "Aim for the heart 'cause you've seen it on t.v., aim for the heart 'cause you've seen it in a movie" suggests that our exposure to violent imagery in popular media desensitizes us to the consequences of violence. The following line, "often given what is wanted," furthers this point, implying that audiences consume and demand violent content without considering its implications.
The lyrics then take a more scientific turn, stating "because blood only mixes with so many other chemicals, some of the specifics quickly affect the brain." This line implies that our physical and emotional reactions to violence are not just psychological, but also biological. The song suggests that our attraction to violence is rooted in our physiology and the chemicals released in our brain when we witness violent acts.
Overall, The Locust's "An Extra Piece of Dead Meat" is a commentary on the dangerous influence of media on our attitudes towards violence and its portrayal in popular culture.
Line by Line Meaning
Aim for the heart 'cause you've seen it on t.v.
Shoot the target in the heart because it's commonly shown on television and movies as the weak spot.
Aim for the heart 'cause you've seen it in a movie.
The movies present the heart as the vulnerable part of the body, so aim for it.
Often given what is wanted.
People usually get what they desire or intend.
Because blood only mixes with so many other chemicals.
Blood can only interact with a limited number of chemical substances.
Some of the specifics quickly affect the brain.
Certain details can have an immediate impact on the mind.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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