BREAKING: Coach, girlfriend, 3 others given criminal summons after Destrehan forfeitures
October 30, 2013
‘Ghost the Musical’ blowing into Saenger
October 31, 2013
I’ve stated countless times in articles that the bands of Houma are some of the most creative and talented that you’ll find anywhere. I feel privileged that I get to back up that statement again.
This month I would like to introduce you to the music of a group of extremely talented and humble musicians. The band is Chaos of the Cosmos, and their music will send you on a trip that’s right out of this world.
The band is made up of Chris Landry and Chance Cenac on guitars and vocals, Justin Neal on bass, Chris Eaton on guitar, keyboards, and vocals, Jon Kelpsch on drums, and Ross Lapeyrouse on percussion. Together the guys make up one of the most original and exciting bands gigging in Houma today.
Chaos of the Cosmos are an example of one of my favorite types of music, and they do it right. I thirst for sounds that are a bit eerie, and Chaos are the only Houma band that has ever quenched my craving for weird, chilling, surf- rock music. The grooves put me in a world of sci-fi monsters, beachfront rhythms and beautiful dancing go go girls.
I meet the guys at one of their practices in the lovely home of Chris and Shannon Eaton. Instantly, I’m hypnotized by the music. It’s straight up science-fiction-inspired surf rock mixed with funky dark grooves. These guys are tight. They complement each other as if they have been playing together forever, and that’s because they have. Everyone in the band has jammed with each other since they were teenagers in high school. Now, with each one in his early 30s, all that time together has created an awe-inspiring sound that just begs to be heard.
I’m a witness as song after song is played to perfection, which only proves how solid these guys are with their material. This may just be a practice, but the band is killing it. Landry and Cenac’s vocals complement each other in a unique and interesting way. All the songs are accented perfectly and given an authentic sound by Lapeyrouse that is astounding. Neal lays down sick grooves for every song. Eaton plays the keys superbly, which takes the music to the next level. Kelpsch is excellent on drums and makes traditional surf rhythms his own with skill and flare. Together the guys are responsible for music that will burrow into the deepest portions of your brain and make a home there.
The band draws inspiration from artists such as the Ventures, the Beatles, Pink Floyd and sci-fi- and horror-movie scores. I urge everyone to go to the band’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/chaosofthecosmos) and check out some of their tunes.
Starfighter is a groovy rock song reminiscent of late ‘60s acid rock, featuring driving guitar and organ riffs. House of the Devil Dolls defines sci-fi surf rock, the catchy melodies and hypnotic music seem pulled right out of a delicious surf nightmare. Dr. X Ray Vs. Hypnotic Eye could be the concept and theme song for a great kids show – the song doesn’t just make you want to move, it makes your spirit want to move. Three Sheets to the Wind is just awesome, nasty, funky rock. Killer Wasp Queen is a jaunty up-tempo insect rock song with intricate organ runs and the minor chord in all the right places. Bombshell Beach is a groovy surf rock ballad that features Landry and Cenac hammering out wailing solos. This music is constructed brilliantly and is performed with beauty, ease and grace. It’s easy to see the chemistry that exists between everyone in the room. That chemistry has lead to some exceptional original music.
When performing live the band is a blast to watch. The shows are filled with energy and emotion that the crowd eats up.
The band is accompanied live by the Cosmic-a-Go Go dancers. The ladies add another level of fun and entertainment to the show. The dance troupe is made up of Shannon Eaton, Stacy Neal, Tina Hellmers, Jill Brunett, Lisa Cortez, Sarah Landry and Aimee Eschete. The ladies perform dances designed to get the audience involved in the music.
“Two years ago we were two girls dancing for two songs, and now it can be as many as seven girls dancing on seven songs,” Shannon Eaton said. “We would be doing this even if three of the girls weren’t married to band members. We practice once a week and would like to thank Jonathan Foret for providing the space.”
The ladies have their own Facebook page (www.facebook.com/cosmicagogo).
In the meantime, the band is working on a new album to be released in the early portions of 2014. I highly recommend that you go to the website or go to a show. Chaos will be performing at the Cajun Rollergirls’ bout on Nov. 16 at the Warren J. Harang Auditorium.
Chaos of the Cosmos is a band that is filled with originality. Do whatever you have to do to hear and experience these guys for yourself. You owe it to yourself to give this material a listen. Anyone can respect the musicianship that is woven into this tapestry of songs.
– alex@gumboguide.com
Chaos of the Cosmos vocalist Christopher Landry performs. The band has gained a special place in columnist Alex Martin’s heart, attributable to science fiction-inspired surf-rock sounds.
