Description
Itchy-O, Denver Colorado’s percussion centered onslaught, invites you to download, dissolve and melt into the bedlam of
Burn the Navigator. Listen to the sonic sorcery of electronic instruments untethered and running free on this
Alternative Tentacles, home of the weird and unruly, debut!
Based in the United States, itchy-O has brought its dark, mystical, sweat-drenched shows to audiences across the globe since 2009. Propelled by a massive rhythm section of over 14 drummers along with an orchestra of other instruments; guitars, synthesizers, theremin, vocoders, and other custom-made sonic devices, and an ensemble of technicians and provocateurs, their performances are lauded as a wholly immersive, musical experience of magnificent proportions. .
Itchy-O engagements are all encompassing ceremonial events that engage audiences from every angle in an electric bog of music, ephemera, and spectacle. The group disrupts traditional concert protocols with a powerful form of magic and chaos that awakens the senses, tests assumptions, and creates an opening for new experiences where identity and boundaries surrender and disband.
Itchy-O was selected to act as a centerpiece at MONA’s world-renowned
Dark MOFO fest in Tasmania in 2016 and is thrilled to be invited back to perform again in 2023. They have played with David Byrne & St. Vincent,
JG Thirwell,
Magic Sword, performed on bills with Iggy Pop, Dan Deacon, Bad Religion, and Public Enemy. They have opened for DEVO, Beats Antique, The Melvins and have
three albums released on Jello Biafra’s famed record label,
Alternative Tentacles.
Itchy-O is also committed to providing spectacular and spontan They in delivering engaging and mesmerizing art to the streets by prviding spontaneous musical encounters in non-traditional settings for unsuspecting audiences through these guerilla-type performances.
With a driving drum corps battery, taiko drummers, an arsenal of electronics including synthesizers, theremin, vocoders, and other custom-made sonic devices, itchy-O completely engulfs an audience from every angle in an electric bog of music, ephemera, and spectacle. Lauded as one of today’s most unique musical performance experiences, the group disrupts traditional performance protocols with a form of chaos that unifies spectators and audiences. Itchy-O performances awaken the senses, test assumptions, and create an opening for new experiences where identity and boundaries surrender and disband.
With a driving tribal drum corps complemented by an arsenal of special surround sound effects units (including synthesizers, theremin, vocoders, and several other hand held electronic devices), Itchy-O immerses you from every angle in an electric bog of music, ephemera and spectacle. Teaming up with Alternative Tentacles Records to release their debut LP “Burn The Navigator”, Itchy-O provides the soundtrack to the end times, grand apocalyptic party that invites you to leave your world behind.
From the opening fireworks of “Orange Dev”, to the explosive blasts of “Jaywalker”, and the jungle calls of the “Dance of Anunnaki”; the reality-defying Itchy-O dares you to let go of all expectations. Tipsy meets Flat Earth Society from ex-members of Crash Worship and Extra Action Marching Band! No matter what music you like, LISTEN TO THIS NOW!
“Referencing Itchy-O, a Punknews commentor once stated “What’s punk about this?” And in a way, that commentor was right. Viewing punk rock as a set of musical patterns, or even as a set ideology with an acceptable range of views, Itchy-O isn’t punk in the slightest. But, viewing Itchy-O under the earliest definitions of punk- that is, music that is energetic, experimental, and weird as hell, Itchy-O is about as punk rock as it gets.
Itchy-O stomps out what can best be described as instrumental, space-rock stadium music. Opener “Orange Dev” sets the tone for the release. As laser and siren sound effects scream in the background, the band smashes out percussive heavy patterns. Borrowing effects from Hawkwind and Stomp!, the band sometimes sounds like a post-apocalyptic mardi gras and at others, a demented carnival.
Wisely, they plot a varied course. While “Orange Dev” is the template, the band strives for other textures. “Garden of Igigi”conjures images of ancient Persia, and in a ways, shares a kinship with the modern-druidism of bands like OM and Trouble. But, this is also where the band becomes dangerous. Just as a sort of trance vibe is set, the band tears it away with an aggressive, near screeching synth and them actual, distorted screaming.
The band plays with these tools throughout the release. Sometimes, a warped, gritty bass buzzes in the background while demonic voices whispers horrors on the periphery. At others, like on Nerfatata, the band creates a storm of what it probably sounds like from the inside of a crashing spaceship. By the end, they bring it full circle devolving back into pure tribal stomping and rhythm.
– punknews.org
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Download Burn the Navigator digitally.
