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.
Identity Exchange Program Rectum Return Policy
The Locust Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Liaison for the nervous
Your consensual embryo is revoked
Leave your body out of this
Passive aggressive bolts filled with anxiety
Loosen amidst this cyanide vacuum
Its time for the eyeball crotch to have a looksee
Welcome to "that's enough of that"
Located near "are you not my privates"?
A limbo bonanza if "this" then we weren't me
A styrofoam cup full of responsibility.
The Locust's song Identity Exchange Program Rectum Return Policy seems to be a commentary on identity politics and how one's sense of self can be easily manipulated or even taken away entirely. The opening line "Wrecked 'em? I don't even know him" suggests that people are quick to judge and dismiss others without even knowing them, which creates a sense of disconnection and alienation. The following line "Liaison for the nervous" could be interpreted as someone who is trying to help others navigate their anxiety and fear surrounding their own identity.
The lyrics "Your consensual embryo is revoked, leave your body out of this" could be seen as a statement on reproductive rights and how society often tries to control women's bodies. The phrase "passive aggressive bolts filled with anxiety" describes the feeling of tension and unease that comes with trying to navigate these complex issues. The line "It's time for the eyeball crotch to have a looksee" is a surreal and bizarre image that could represent the forced examination of one's intimate parts in a society that is obsessed with classification and control.
The chorus of "Welcome to 'that's enough of that', located near 'are you not my privates'?" is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the absurdity of trying to label and categorize every aspect of a person's identity. Finally, the last line "A styrofoam cup full of responsibility" is a seemingly insignificant item that is nevertheless filled with a sense of weight and duty. This could represent the burden of having to constantly defend and assert one's own identity in a world that is always trying to erase it.
Line by Line Meaning
Wrecked 'em? I don't even know him
I am not responsible for any damages caused, as I have no connection with the person involved.
Liaison for the nervous
I am here to help calm those who are anxious or worried about their situations.
Your consensual embryo is revoked
Your agreement to a potential new life is no longer valid and has been cancelled.
Leave your body out of this
Focus solely on the issue at hand, do not let emotions or physical sensations interfere.
Passive aggressive bolts filled with anxiety
The uneasiness and tension that is present is being expressed in a subtle, indirect manner.
Loosen amidst this cyanide vacuum
Try to relax and breathe in this toxic environment in order to alleviate some discomfort.
Its time for the eyeball crotch to have a looksee
Take a moment to examine and analyze the situation from a different perspective or angle.
Welcome to 'that's enough of that'
Let's move on from discussing this topic as it has reached its limit.
Located near 'are you not my privates'?
This place or situation is in close proximity to something that is private or personal.
A limbo bonanza if 'this' then we weren't me
A state of uncertainty and confusion arises as the situation does not align with personal identity or understanding.
A styrofoam cup full of responsibility.
A small and seemingly insignificant object holds a large weight of obligation and accountability.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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