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.
File Under "Soft Core Seizures
The Locust Lyrics
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I'm not sure if you understand our kicks
this specialized sweep is a soggy donation
Rotten milk and a
History of
Spoiled eggs.
Morally bankrupt
Puppet predator
Mannequin breadwinner
Planting seeds
On bed sheets
The Locust's song "File Under 'Soft Core Seizures'" is a complex and enigmatic composition that requires a deep understanding of its lyrics to appreciate its true meaning. The song seems to be a commentary on the corrupted and degraded modern society, where people have lost their sense of ethics and morality. The opening lines of "Chancrous syphilologist, I'm not sure if you understand our kicks" suggest that the singer is addressing someone who is an expert in sexually transmitted diseases but doesn't quite comprehend their perverse desires.
The next line "this specialized sweep is a soggy donation" could be interpreted as a reference to the act of sexual gratification, which the singer considers as a deviant sexual practice. The following lines "Rotten milk and a history of spoiled eggs. Breakfast. Now let's go morally bankrupt" indicate that the singer is disgusted by their own depravity and wants to indulge in it nonetheless, knowing that it will have disastrous consequences. The last two lines are cryptic, but they seem to suggest that the singer is comparing themselves to a "puppet predator" or a "mannequin breadwinner," someone who is in control, but not quite human, and is spreading their corruption everywhere, even on "bedsheets."
Line by Line Meaning
Chancrous syphilologist
We may be difficult to comprehend
I'm not sure if you understand our kicks
We have a unique way of expressing ourselves that may be confusing to some
This specialized sweep is a soggy donation
Our style is unconventional and may not be appreciated by everyone
Rotten milk and a History of Spoiled eggs. Breakfast. Now let's go Morally bankrupt
Our past experiences have caused us to become disillusioned and unorthodox in our approach
Puppet predator
We are in control, but may appear subordinate to others
Mannequin breadwinner
We are perceived as successful, but may lack true purpose and fulfillment
Planting seeds On bed sheets
Our actions have consequences that are not always immediately visible
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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