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.
Well I'll Be a Monkey's Uncle
The Locust Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The Locust's song "Well I'll Be a Monkey's Uncle" is a chaotic and surreal commentary on dysfunctional family dynamics. The lyrics depict a scene where the dad nonchalantly responds to his daughter being on fire by telling her to get marshmallows, demonstrating a disregard for her safety and well-being. Similarly, when the son expresses his dislike for his younger brother, the dad dismisses him and tells him to eat what he is given.
As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the family is in some sort of dire situation, as they are running in circles and trying to make a dollar stretch. The dad's response to his child's exhaustion is to threaten to nail their foot to the floor, highlighting a cycle of abuse and neglect. The lyrics are intentionally disjointed and absurd, making it difficult to discern the exact circumstances of the family's situation, but the overall message is one of dark humor and social commentary.
One interesting fact about the song is that it was released on The Locust's 2003 album "Plague Soundscapes," which was produced by Alex Newport, who also worked with bands like At the Drive-In and The Mars Volta. The song has also been covered by other bands, including Cattle Decapitation and Graf Orlock.
Line by Line Meaning
dad, sister is on fire. shut up and get the marshmallows.
I have a problem, but instead of solving it, let's just make it worse and turn it into a joke.
dad, i don't like little brother. shut up and eat what i give you.
My feelings and preferences don't matter because I am of lesser power and authority in this household.
let's go. this damn dollar has got to get me two.
I have a mindset of greed and entitlement, valuing material possessions over relationships or experiences.
dad i'm tired of running in circles. shut up or i'll nail your other foot to the floor.
I am frustrated with the lack of progress and change in my life, but instead of seeking real solutions, I would rather resort to violence and abuse towards those who are in a position of authority over me.
Contributed by Jayden W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
amputechture-
@RecklessYouth333 hey dude ! That was basicly the same way i got into the locust, its really nice to hear that someone epriciates the locust as much as i does, or good punk rock in general.
makeithurtful
that intro has always creeeeeeeeped me the fuck out like nothing else.