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.
Gluing Carpet to Your Genitals Does Not Make You a Cantaloupe
The Locust Lyrics
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Producing some of that high grade Formica.
Yea. No. Maybe. So.
When six becomes nine, and nine becomes six.
Never leave the house fully erect, one might fall and break it right off.
Interpreting The Locust's song Gluing Carpet to Your Genitals Does Not Make You a Cantaloupe is not an easy task, as the lyrics are quite cryptic and abstract. The first line of the song, "split the genes with a walking asshole," could be interpreted as a reference to genetic engineering, where genes are split and recombined to create new organisms. The line "producing some of that high grade Formica" could be a metaphor for creating something strong and durable, like Formica countertops.
The following lines, "yea. no. maybe. so. When six becomes nine, and nine becomes six," are difficult to interpret, but could suggest confusion or uncertainty about something. The final line of the song, "never leave the house fully erect, one might fall and break it right off," is a humorous and absurd way of saying that one should be cautious and careful in their actions.
Overall, it's clear that the lyrics of this song are not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a commentary on society, technology, and human behavior. The song seems to be poking fun at our tendency to go to extreme measures or do strange things in order to achieve some perceived benefit or pleasure.
Line by Line Meaning
Split the genes with a walking asshole.
The process of genetic modification is being done recklessly and inhumanely.
Producing some of that high grade Formica.
Creating something of low quality and unnatural composition.
Yea. No. Maybe. So.
Uncertainty and confusion in decision-making.
When six becomes nine, and nine becomes six.
A sense of disorientation and loss of direction.
Never leave the house fully erect, one might fall and break it right off.
Be cautious and avoid taking unnecessary risks that may result in harm or injury.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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omg this brings back memories from HS days.