Gay Beast is a noisy band.

I don’t necessarily mean that in a bad way; I mean it more in a Death From Above/technology gone haywire kind of way.

When I first listened to Gay Beasts’ album, Second Wave, I felt like it was very abrasive. However, to my surprise, when I looked down at my feet, they were tapping away.

By the time I listened to the 30-minute album a second time, it was really starting to grow on me.

Gay Beast incorporates sporadic drums, beeps, arcade sounds, and various screeches to form a fascinating song. They also use the lead singer’s voice more like an instrument than a focus, throughout the album. This technique contributes to the band’s unique sound and unpredictability.

One doesn’t know quite what to expect from any given track, and little is given away from their short, seemingly random titles. I think my favourite title off the album is “Eexxxpppaaannndddiiinnnggg;” so clever. The track is on the band’s MySpace page; I suggest you check it out.

Gay Beast have been together since 2005; the band has its origins in Minnesota. Second Wave, released May 26 of this year, is their first album with record label Skin Graft, and their first full-length LP.

The title of the album refers to the second-wave of feminism; a post-war movement that focused on societal inequalities, sexuality, and a change of traditional female roles. Like the second-wave of feminism, Gay Beast aims to challenge sexual stereotypes with their music. I suppose most could assume this by the band’s name.

As soon as I saw the band’s name, I wanted this review. I don’t know what I was expecting…but they are definitely not what I was expecting. Gay Beast is a very different kind of music, but I like it. I enjoy album more, each time I listen to it. It’s something that’s worth learning to love.

For more Gay Beast,
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/gaybeast

By Cashlyn Teggart