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.
Kill Roger Hedgecock
The Locust Lyrics
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The Locust's song "Kill Roger Hedgecock" is a scathing critique of the former mayor of San Diego, Roger Hedgecock, who was convicted of conspiracy and perjury in 1985. The band uses the metaphor of having one's eyes gouged out to represent the blindness of the public and media to Hedgecock's corrupt practices. The opening line, "Most things go unnoticed with your eyes gouged out," implies that only by blinding oneself to the truth can one ignore the rampant corruption and injustice that Hedgecock represented.
The second line, "They can only twist your arm so much," is a commentary on the limits of political power. Even though Hedgecock was a mayor with significant clout, he ultimately could only do so much before he was caught and convicted. The Locust is suggesting that even the most powerful and corrupt politicians are ultimately subject to the constraints of the law.
Overall, the song is a gritty and visceral takedown of a corrupt public figure, with The Locust pulling no punches in their assessment of Hedgecock's crimes.
Line by Line Meaning
Most things go unnoticed with your eyes gouged out.
When you are blinded by ignorance, you often miss seeing the evident things happening around you.
They can only twist your arm so much.
People can force you only up to a limited extent, after which you have the power to resist and retaliate.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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