Gay Beast + Cocoon @ Klub 007 Strahov

GAY BEAST (usa)
COCOON (cz)

@ Klub 007 Strahov

"Gay Beast are from Minneapolis and claim a 'neo-wave' sound which is about a decade and a few hundred miles removed from Chicago's now wave 'explosion', and they use that time and distance to their advantage. At times I am reminded of Karate Party, Devo, Brianiac, Lovely Little Girls, and Lake of Dracula, but that recall comes in tiny pieces, small chunks in a bigger platter. And all that is good, and better that Gay Beast studiously avoids aural polish. There is a nice film of filth on this recording. If this is how they sound live: Wow!" -SS (Z-Gun http://z-gun.org)

"There are too many bands out there futzing around with progressive rock, with 'no wave'/'now wave' tropes, with neon-colored wackiness; bands that aren't putting the music out front; bands that have slid down the slope of 'being off' (a slope which descends into Mike Patton's open mouth). Gay Beast, a guitar/synth/drums trio from Minneapolis, is not one of these bands, yet they play with all those parts in full swing, a real platespinning act of dynamics, abrasion, and genuine melodic innovation. All mistakes are studiously avoided and pratfalls are timed for maximum effect. All comedic qualities of the band are insular and intrinsic. Their attack is vicious and weird, processing their robotic fortunes under sheets of electronic duress, but their balance is impeccable. Bands like Gay Beast used to get me excited, but none have had such a gloriously bent and creative batch of songs to match up with the innovation. If handled correctly, Gay Beast should tap into, then later usurp, the whacking off of outfits like Hella or Lightning Bolt or Deerhoof, or at least play in the same league. Very, very exciting stuff here, which hides its hand with masterful skill, and which plays down that which could easily wreck a less-capable band. Vinyl edition of 500 numbered copies in a silkscreened sleeve." - Doug Mosurak (Dusted)

www.myspace.com/gaybeast

Cocoon: www.myspace.com/cocoonsound

Band members:

honza (dr)
jura (g, voc)
viktor (bg, voc)