|
That being said, I do
enjoy any feeble attempt at getting down with my bad (literally)
self. However, when I come upon a group which makes my bony-ass hips
move somewhat more gracefully than a driver's ed student learning
stick-shift, I know I've found something exceptionally awesome. Such
is the reasoning for why I cannot get enough of the funky-fresh jams
of Atlanta's own Liquid Jungle.
The twin souls that would make Gemini jealous who comprise the core
of Liquid Jungle are the brothers Josh (bass, lead vocals) and
Graham Yoder (lead guitar, backing vocals). The pair embarked on
their musical journey in the 6th grade, co writing their first
material and feeling their way along, foregoing any formal training.
Weaning themselves early on influences such as Primus, STP, and the
Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Yoders quickly expanded the palate,
indulging in the gourmet tastes of Zappa, P-Funk, The Grateful Dead,
Radiohead, and Neil Young. The pair began making the local rounds
early, playing out at such venues as the Somber Reptile, the Hanger,
and the Masquerade, all before graduating high school.
Senior year saw the
development of a healthy interest in improv as well as the
acquisition of drummer Robert Read, and the first incarnation of
Liquid Jungle combobulated into existence. The addition of guitarist
and backing vocalist Andres Miller further solidified the group's
slinky, intense phonic generations. The departure of Read put Liquid
Jungle on momentary hiatus, until the initiation of Scott Keener on
the skins. "We
jammed with [Scott] 2 years earlier," recalls Josh. "We always
thought we had great chemistry with him, and knew we would
collaborate with him again." Truly, the chemistry between the
members generated results which would make an alchemist jealous. The
group must have been graced by the advisement of some Lord of Dance
(no, DEFINITELY not that one), for the name Liquid Jungle
encapsulates the group perfectly: they produce grooves as infectious
as an STD. The music is fluid to an ecstasy-inducing degree, yet
also massive and dense. Sailing aloft on the propulsive stickwork of
Keener and the alternately percolating and thumping slap of Josh's
playing, Andres and Graham alternate creating tidal waves of
distortion, the kind which would have Jimi Hendrix himself
transfixed in the sonic communication. The boys work their pedal
boards with the expertise of hardened studio veterans. How could
this be of any question, given each boys' ripe old age of. .
.20!?!?! No fiction here, each member of Liquid Jungle has barely
cracked two decades, yet each plays with the chops and musicality
which would make schooled pros simmer with envy.
The future certainly looks bright for the boys in Liquid Jungle,
particularly due to their ability to keep level heads and maintain
reasonable goals. According to Josh, "We basically want to be a
successful touring band that doesn't have to rely on record sales or
mainstream success; yet if some kind of mainstream popularity came
to us we'd accept it. But we want creative freedom to express
ourselves. We want to build a dedicated following wherever we go. We
want to be known for our live shows, but we also want to create
great works of art with our albums."
Look for Liquid Jungle to be traversing the Yellow Brick Deer
Crossing of Highway 316, putting in time in both Atlanta and Athens
to spread the funk to every trunk with even just a little junk. Keep
up to date on the latest Liquid Jungle news at the group's website:
www.liquidjungle.net
The boys have certainly succeeded in one thing: proving to me that I
got rhythm, boyeeeee! Now if they could just funkify "Don't Stop
Believin'". Somehow, I doubt that will even be a challenge. . .
BAND QUESTIONAIRE! Picking at the
scabs on the brains of Atlanta's best!
(Question; Answer)
1. Soccer riots: start 'em, stop 'em, or join 'em?
Probably none of the above. I'd be the guy off to the side getting
it all on camera.
2. Name your dream piece of
equipment.
In ear monitors
3. Greatest invention of the 20th
century: scotch tape, 3-D glasses, or the styrofoam cooler?
Out of those three we'd pick scotch tape. There's endless
possibilities. Our personal favorite would have to be the invisible
marker. 4.
Name one person you'd like to see spontaneously combust on the "Mr.
Rogers" show.
Was Calista Flockhart ever on Barney? Cause if so I'd definitely
pick her. 5.
Most underrated pet: alligator, albino tiger, or centipede? Explain.
The centipede, cause it's cheap to feed and you can have it run
errands for you.
6. Could you shit your pants on
command? If so, on whose command would you shit?
It depends on whether or not we have girlfriends at the time, cause
that is the ONLY person I would EVER even CONSIDER shitting on
command for.
7. Who really does the killing: The guns, the bullets, or
Charlton Heston?
Obviously Charlton Heston...... if only someone could catch that
wolf and beat him at his own game.
8. If you were stranded at sea with
Calista Flockhart, would it be possible for you to eat each other to
survive?
Hopefully she would have combusted by then.
9. Who could swallow a whole
watermelon faster: Mick Jagger or Steven Tyler?
With or without seeds?
10. Name the greatest concept album
ever. Explain.
You know I heard someone saying that Tool's new album, Lateralus, is
written to form a mathematical spiral. note: we have no idea
how or why this works, nor do any members of liquid jungle own the
album...but if it is true....DAMN THAT'S COOL!"
Click Here to View Liquid Jungle's Profile
|
