Starting out in 95', The Locust did everything they could turning music as we know it upside down, the band used 30 second sound blasts to convey a world of musical mad genius.
Their latest offering is an EP, released by the always interesting Ipecac Recordings, and it's another experiment in sonic extremeness.
To understand it a bit better, I got Bobbie to sit down and give me some info:

Hi there! Can you tell us a bit about the new EP, first, why an EP?

BB- An EP to us doesn’t make it any less full than an LP. This is a full album as far as we are concerned. It ended when we were done with it, we merely were the logistical bringers of this release, Safety Second, Body Last, possessed us to record it.

Why did you decide on doing such a completely different thing than
Your previous work, why just two long tracks instead?

BB- Actually its meant to be heard as one track. The reason we split it into two CD tracks was to keep consistent with the vinyl version which of course has two sides. As far as it being different, well I don’t think its that much of a stretch for us, plus we have to keep our selves entertained.

The new EP has been described a getting the band closer to making
pure-concept music, was that what you were trying to accomplish with
it?

BB- Usually each release is a “concept”, not just for us but for all bands, weather they try to or not. It’s a frozen snap shot of a time period (the time spent to write and record). we’ve kinda’ always intended our records to be heard in one sitting, and lately we’ve been letting our lyrics and metaphors follow suit.

Is this a new direction that the band is going to pursue in its next
release?

BB- Sure, why not.


How does your material transform to a live environment, and how
different is the new material going to be live?

BB- As for the EP we play it in its entirety, and its works out quite well as there is nothing missing. Meaning that what you hear on the recording is what we play live, since we don’t do any fancy overdubs. although we do change things here and there since music is never finished and recordings are simply a documentation of an ongoing process.
The new stuff we are working on will work the same way, we are writing some heavier slow parts, so that should be fun.


What do the lyrics of the EP deal with?

BB- everything. A good amount of our lyrics can be interpreted in many ways, and it is intended to be that way. We do divide up the lyric writing between Joey, JP, and myself and we each have our own distinct characteristics, especially in terms of subject choice.
Some on Safety Second, Body Last are:
Automobiles with perspiration problems, the Mexican American war, slapping on some pants and using your larynx, cave dwelling, self sabotage, communication break down between you and you, bigger picture entities (like psychotic disorders) self perpetuating despite human intention or will.

What is the writing process in the band? And how long does it
Usually take to complete an album?

BB- A lot of sabotage, passive aggressive conversations, physical violence, and arm twisting, but I guess that one falls in the last category.
And each minute of music averages 60 hours worth of work, I recently discovered that statistic and rammed my face into the carpet.

The album uses more Electronics than your previous releases, what was the idea behind using more of these?

BB- There are no samples used on the recording. Joey worked on his modular (analog) system like a madman so he used it. Jp and I each got a couple of new pedals so we incorporated those too.

You’ve released the album through Ipecac records, why did you choose
Them and what is your impression from the label as of now?

BB- Mike Patton is an awesome human being and I couldn’t say anything bad about Ipecac if I tried. There are some great releases on that label and I would expect more in the future. Definitely a good label to keep your eyes and ears on.

Can you give us a bit of background about the band, how did you
Guys start out?

BB- We like music. We made a band. Friendships began. Some people left the band over the years, mostly in the past. The current line up has been this way for 5 years or so and it’s the best its ever been, in every way. Love of music has always been our guiding principle, as cheesy as it sounds.

You've been known for using unique merchandize items, what's the
Idea behind that?

BB- Its fun and ridiculous, reflects us as people.

What kind of live shows are planned for the band?

BB- we will play our songs. Perhaps special guests. We've done a few shows recently with our friend Dave Stone, using some of his toys.

That's it, thanks for taking the time answering my questions!
Alon Miasnikov

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