Formed in early 2003
West L.A. California
Inspired
by everything from homeless rants to 80's film scores, Sputnik Monroe has
escaped to the cosmos and returned with a different energy for the happily
controlled capitalist robots. In 2005 they met with producer Ryan Hadlock(Blonde
Redhead, The Blackheart Procession) to record 10 songs in ten days. The result
is Sputnik Monroe's, first full-legnth self-released album, "Wake the
Sleeping Giant" 2006. Individually....
vocals
and vintage keyboards:
Kevin Netzley
Kevin’s vocal influences range from Fugazi and At the Drive In to Brian
Wilson. Lyrically, he’s influenced by current events, relating the nature
and news of the world to his personal life and emotions. Kevin lets loose onstage
with lyrics as dynamic and complicated as the timing of the rhythm section.
During the darker part of a set, Kevin manipulates his vintage keyboards to
generate pulses, filter sweeps and delayed coloration, adding to the intensity
and energy of Sputnik Monroe.
lead
guitar:
Noel Bass
His true love for the guitar is expressed through pedals and effects boxes.
Pitch shifters, delay pedals, filters, and ring modulators are just some of
the effects he uses to make a world of new sounds. His love for classical musicians
like Beethoven and Rachmaninoff, as well as contemporary artists such as Radiohead,
help take the band into a deeper level of beauty and chaotic unrest.
bass
guitar:
Patrick Doyle
Pat’s self-taught technique brings about a unique slapping style, drawing
influence from such bassists as Bill Laswell and Tony Levins. Without a second
guitarist to bring important harmonies, Pat constantly modifies his role as
a bassist and often adds coloration with effects boxes.
drums
and percussion:
Briar
The intensity of the band sits behind a drum kit, underneath a gray sweatshirt.
Briar’s aggressive style of playing can be compared to that of the late
John Bohnam, though modestly, he will never admit it. Each hit of the snare
reminds you this is the band you came to see. Mix that with the power and dynamics
of the band, and you have good reason to get up and move.
