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.
High-Maintenance Libido Bring The Whole Family
The Locust Lyrics
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The lyrics of The Locust's song High-Maintenance Libido Bring The Whole Family are quite cryptic and difficult to interpret. The opening line "Undulating backfire" suggests a situation that has unexpectedly turned sour, while the mention of "bedroom eyes, twenty/twenty" could be a reference to someone who is very attractive and knows it. The line "limping through the frivolous" could also suggest someone who is struggling to keep up with the shallow and superficial aspects of modern society. The following line "scanning through the scandalous" could imply that this person is constantly seeking out drama and excitement.
The final line of the verse "face to face where do these things come from damn it? out of unsorted vicious impalement" is particularly difficult to decipher, but it could be interpreted as frustration with the chaotic and unpredictable nature of life. The phrase "unsorted vicious impalement" suggests a violent and painful experience, which could be a metaphor for the challenges and difficulties we all face.
Line by Line Meaning
Undulating backfire.
Unexpected consequences arising from one's actions, causing chaos and confusion.
Bedroom eyes, twenty/twenty.
Having a certain look in one's eyes that could attract sexual attention; being able to see perfectly clearly.
Limping through the frivolous.
Struggling to find meaning or purpose in unimportant or superficial things.
Scanning through the scandalous.
Searching for intriguing or controversial situations or information.
Face to face where do these things come from damn it?
Wondering where certain thoughts, desires, or impulses originate from and feeling frustrated by their presence.
Out of unsorted vicious impalement.
The source of these troubling feelings or impulses is unclear and seems to be rooted in a chaotic and violent place.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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