When attached to the animals that bother to grow them, the tusk is sharp and stabby in their constitution. When dislodged by humans, a tusk is often carved into jewelry for the use of debutantes, or, alternatively, molded into the piano keys that a similarly narcissistic beast (commonly known as “the musician”) will play. “TUSKS” (in the singular) is the name of a rock and roll band from Toronto. Electricity enables these men to give melody to their strange thoughts, where mother fear their sons and courtrooms love their convicts. And what varieties of melodies can they conjure? Many! From “razzle-dazzle” to “pitter-patter”, TUSKS are highly musical practitioners of emotional ambidexterity, rhetorical whimsy, and sonic reciprocity. Among the men in TUSKS, there are no childhood friendships to speak of. All relationships were formed well after puberty, and are thus mature and collegial. Over years, members of the band have chugged and continue to chug under many musical outfits, including Kepler, Wooden Stars, I am Robot and Proud, Sea Snakes, Snailhouse, Clark/ Metal Kites, Hilotrons, and the Ben Gunning Band. Between them, they have opened for Madlib in Japan, sired a male baby, attended the 1993 World Public Speaking Championship (as an alternate), and obtained a Ph.D. in Philosophy.

04 Jul 2008 20:00 Irene’s Pub Ottawa, Ontario
05 Jul 2008 20:00 Kaffee 1870 Wakefield, Quebec
06 Jul 2008 20:00 Le Divan Orange Montreal, Quebec
19 Jul 2008 19:00 The Tranzac (Southern Cross Lounge) Toronto, Ontario

Their second album, aptly named Second Movement, was released in 2006. Samples of this album (along with their first album and some hip live tracks) can be found on their web site. Their live sets are one, continuous, seamless stream of raw, explosive dance tracks that sound, at times, like they could be straight off of a vinyl from my mom’s teenage 70’s disco/funk phase.

So go on, get funky with King Sunshine at an upcoming show!

April 11 — Live at the Mercury Lounge (OTTAWA )
DOORS 9PM
April 12 — Live at Le Divan Orange (MONTREAL)
DOORS 9PM / $10

Bambi Blue