Playbill

It's a choice bands in America are forced to make in the quest for stardom: get on the radio or take it on the road. For groups such as Los Angeles-based Static X, radio isn't really an option. Even though commercial radio's "heavy band" quota has been filled by Korn and Limp Bizkit, Static X doesn't really fit there. The quartet's debut, Wisconsin Death Trip, is heavy, so much unlike the posing of Orgy, et al. Static X is part of a new breed of metal heads, unafraid to deny the influence of hip-hop and dance music on rock. They may love KISS, but they also have a couple Ministry records in their closets. Leader, namesake and big hair owner (see picture) Wayne Static and bandmates Koichi Fukuda, Tony Campos and Ken Jay aren't stereotypical headbangers. They're international citizens from a Goth background. Bands on the Chicago record label Wax Trax! such as Die Warzau and Skinny Puppy have always blended aggressive attitudes with techno beats, and since both Static and Jay grew up in that vicinity, it makes sense that this Chi-town techno-metal sound seeped into their brains. Wisconsin Death Trip is crunchy and punchy, but very in-your-face. It's not good driving music. It makes the idea of smashing into other people tempting. Now that's a recommendation. (David Simutis)

Static cling: The Goth-rockers of Static X make you wanna dance and punch somebody at the same time.

Related Content

• 30 Seconds With Wayne Static
  January 26, 2012
• Wayne Static
  January 26, 2012
• Out Today: Beyonce's 4 Is Square, Limp Bizkit Chokes The Cobra
  June 28, 2011
• "Comeback" Albums Nobody Is Really Asking For
  April 12, 2011
• In Ten Years, Will Indie Be Remembered Like Nu-Metal?
  February 8, 2012

More About

• Wayne Static
• Ken Jay
• David Simutis
• Tony Campos
• Radio

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Music Newsletter: Keep your thumb on the local music scene with music features, additional online music listings and show picks. We'll also send special ticket offers and music promotions available only to our Music Newsletter subscribers.

Privacy Policy Cancel Continue

Studio X performs Thursday, September 9, at Instant Karma. 1617 Richmond Avenue. Call (713)629-3700.