The Locust
- For other uses, see Locust (disambiguation).
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The Locust is a group from San Diego, California, United States. Originally a grindcore/power violence band coupled with synth-heavy parts, they've stripped down much of their past sound, but retained the distorted sounds, synthesizers, snotty vocals, and stage presence. On the band's unique sound and stage presence, singer Justin Pearson has said, "I wanted to change the way people perceive music, or maybe just destroy it in general." Their music is complex and fast-paced, 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." Over the years, their sound has changed several times.
The Locust have a unique stage presence, costumed in skin-tight, full body nylon suits (which the band refer to as uniforms). The most recent 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 band, one should see them live.
The Locust boycotts Clear Channel Communications, refusing to play in any Clear Channel-owned venues. This boycott affected a 2005 tour with Fantômas as well as a tour with Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
In their "lyrics" The Locust satirize mainstream US culture, sexuality, and politics.
Members
- Justin Pearson - Bass / Vocals (1994 - Present)
- Gabe Serbian - Guitar (1998-2000) Drums (2001-Present)
- Bobby Bray - Guitar / Vocals (1994 - Present)
- Joey Karam - Keyboards / Samples / Vocals (1997 - Present)
Past Members
- Dylan Shcarf - Vocals / Guitar (1994 - 1996)
- Dave Warshaw - Keyboards / Vocals (1994 - 1996)
- Dave Astor - Drums (1994 - 2001)
- Jimmy LaValle - Keyboards / Vocals (1996 - 1998)
Discography
- Split 10" EP with Man Is the Bastard on King of the Monsters (1995)
- Split 5" with Jenny Piccolo on Three One G (1995)
- The Locust 7" on Gold Standard Laboratories (1997), re-issued on 3" CD and 7" with bonus tracks in 2004.
- The Locust LP/CD on Gold Standard Laboratories (1998)
- Split 7" with Arab on Radar on Gold Standard Laboratories (2000)
- Well I'll Be a Monkey's Uncle 2x12"/CD (2000) featuring remixes by Kid606, I Am Spoonbender and Sinking Body, among other artists
- Flight of the Wounded Locust 7"/CDEP on Gold Standard Laboratories (2001)
- Split 7" with Melt-Banana on Gold Standard Laboratories (2002)
- Follow the Flock, Step in Shit 3" CD on Three One G (2003), tracks from split 5" with Jenny Piccolo and one extra track.
- Plague Soundscapes CD/LP picture disc on ANTI- (2003)
- Safety Second, Body Last CDEP on Ipecac Recordings, 12" on Radio Surgery (2005)
- New Erections CD on ANTI-, LP on Radio Surgery (2007)