Disgust of Us are learning tolerance

Disgust of Us CD release party
Disgust of Us

 Oakland based Disgust of Us serve emotionally charged rock which is self described as "dark,  melodic and punky."  With a duality not often seen in bands,  Disgust of Us play both acoustic as a duo (Cheryl and Patrick) and as a full band with all four members - Cheryl, Patrick, Sam and Laura.  Four years ago Cheryl,  being band sick and reluctant to start a project,  started playing acoustically with Patrick and fresh inspiration abound they added drums and bass and formed Disgust of Us. Whether acoustic or full band their music is heartfelt and believable.  The acoustic version invoked the uneasiness of  witnessing a gut-spilling where you know you're seeing an open book and its believable the delivery would be the same whether in front of one or one thousand people. I was able to ask a few questions of them this week in preparation for their CD release party Friday night. 

S.C. - What are your thoughts on the current state of music in the Bay Area? Cheryl - "Sometimes I find bands that completely renew my faith in the future of the Bay Area, but they are few and far between the bands that are beating dead horse decades, all white-knuckled and complacent. I’m trying to get better at articulating myself musically, to get closer to the core of my nature, and to find out what that honestly sounds like. There are a lot of filthy gimmicks and stylistic distractions, and I think some artists never get past those."  

S.C. -  I've seen both the acoustic and full band versions,  how long have you been doing the acoustic sets?  Cheryl  - " It’s nerve-wracking yet fun. It’s a completely different experience to be exposed like that without a band to hide behind. We have played three performances acoustically so far, and just as suspected, our timing and our focus as a duo is steadily improving, which is very helpful when we play electric with Sam and Laura. I wanted to start playing out live with just guitars and mics because it’s a very convenient way to help evolve my confidence, which is still an issue for me even when I play with the band. We play a mix of old and current stuff, and also newly written material that the rest of the band has not yet learned. We throw in a cover sometimes.'

S.C. - Any other upcoming shows? Cheryl - "After the big release show on Nov. 6 at SUB-Mission, we are playing The Metro in December, which is an all ages venue in Oakland. We played our very first show there."

S.C. - Favorite bands and past bill mates? Cheryl - "Our friends The Paper Sons, Superfinos VTO, Raised by Robots, Pidgeon, The Mighty Russian Winter, Blue Tusk Red Water, Two Ton Boa, and many, many, many others."

S.C. - Any statements or rants? Cheryl - "Turn off the TV. It’s hard, but try. Someone tell me why we pay for something that imprisons us in our homes and allows corporations to create our fears and inadequacies and then prey on them. Turn it off! And kill the machine that says you are ugly, aging, impoverished, inefficient, worthless and unproductive. And turn off the people that tell you the same. Then do whatever the hell you want to do. With disgust for you, and disgust for them, comes Disgust  of Us".   

Disgust of Us - Photo - Shannon Corr

Also on this great bill are Moggs and Pigeon.  Friday,  November 6 at Sub Mission Art Space. 2183 Mission St. San Francisco.  All ages. 8$ 8 p.m.

Moggs - photo - Shannon Corr