(le) poisson rouge

Future Rock is electronic sensory overload. The trio has steadily been touring the US, electrifying audiences and developing a dedicated following during their journey. Their legendary late night performances at festivals and after-parties have quickly confirmed their status at the top of the live electronic scene. Coupled with an explosive light show, FR certifies an unparalleled multi-sense experience. The Chicago-based trio exhibits an uncommon grasp of minimalist, yet visceral, rock. Skillfully manipulating live loops, synthesizers, filters and an electronic drum kit, the trio succeeds in creating a larger-than-life sound that sends crowds into frenzies.

Mickey Kellerman and Felix Moreno utilize a myriad of synthesizers, electronics, and instruments to compose and arrange their instrumental music. The audience can rarely identify the origin of each sound. "I love that look of confusion... when the audience sees me play my bass and they have no idea what's coming out," says Moreno. Drummer Darren Heitz finishes FR's sound by blending acoustic and electronic drum timbres with live sampling/looping run through his synthesizers.

I suppose it is not uncommon for a band to be a product of their environment, but Shout Out Out Out Out is certainly a group as rich in paradox and contrast as the 780 area code. Edmonton is about as remote man outpost of a major city as you'll find anywhere in Canada, yet close to a million people choose to live there. Why would anyone choose to live there? Why would anyone choose to base a band there? Maybe it's because it takes a band like Shout Out Out Out Out to embrace their surroundings and use these harsh realities as motivation to actually do something, and to realize that if you're going to try to do something in Edmonton, there is no point in doing it halfway.

And so it goes, Shout Out Out Out Out emerged from the frozen north as an all-rhythm section, high-kicking, collection of local rock stalwarts, diving headfirst into the world of electronic music. A formidable force and a live spectacle from the get-go, with two drummers, four bass players, and an entirely appropriate mountain of analog synthesizers. Like in every band's not-so-secret dream, local support grew to national buzz, national acclaim grew to international buzz, and the upward momentum just keeps pushing on.

Through it all, Shout Out Out Out Out have maintained the juxtaposition involved in being an Edmonton band. Sure, this is dance music and really, it's a damn good time. Lyrically though, darker themes are explored, connecting those who listen closely enough to decipher the vocoded laments (we're talking Kraftwerk here, not T-Pain) with themes of disillusionment, debt, and inner struggle. Not unlike making the best of living in a geographically isolated permafrost city, Shout Out Out Out Out use dance music to help themselves and their listeners lighten the load of a heavier existence.

Shout Out Out Out Out is: Nik Kozub, Jason Troock, Lyle Bell, Will Zimmerman, Clint Frazier, and Gravy.