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.
Twenty-Three Full-Time Cowboys
The Locust Lyrics
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The opening line of "You look older than you should" is a suggestion that the song is about ageism, and specifically about how age affects people's perceptions. The second line, "That pretty face can go to hell," seems to imply that those who use their physical appearance to their advantage will eventually meet their downfall. The line "Now you can own your own Jim Jones-style cult" is a reference to the infamous cult leader Jim Jones, who orchestrated a mass suicide of over 900 of his followers in Jonestown in 1978. This can be interpreted as a warning against blindly following charismatic leaders and the potential danger of joining a cult.
The next line, "Sometimes werewolves look like little bunnies, and spawn plenty of others," is a metaphorical phrase that suggests things are not always what they seem. Werewolves are often depicted as fearsome and dangerous, but in this context may be a representation of something that initially seems harmless, but has the potential to multiply and take on a darker meaning. Overall, the lyrics seem to be a warning against the dangers of blindly following others and putting too much trust in appearances.
Line by Line Meaning
You look older than you should.
You appear to have aged beyond your years.
And that pretty face can go to Hell.
Although your appearance is attractive, it does not define your worth.
Now you can own your own Jim Jones-style cult.
You have the power to create a destructive group that manipulates and brainwashes its followers.
Sometimes werewolves look like little bunnies.
Dangerous or terrifying entities may initially appear harmless or innocent.
And spawn plenty of others.
These entities can reproduce and create even more danger or terror.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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