The
Screamers
possessed a sound and stage presence that almost defied
description. Utilizing synthesizers and rhythm machines
instead of guitars, the band's aggressive audio terrorism
was highlighted by the artful theatrics, dark humor,
and stage persona of their vocalist, Tomata du Plenty.
Gear composed most of the songs for the band, and
at times his innovations took everyone by surprise.
He would program the synthesizers to play themselves,
and then the entire band would walk off the stage
- leaving the audience alone in the concert hall with
the droning machines. L.A.'s Slash magazine (the premiere
punk publication of the time), quoted Gear as having
said,
"There
is a definite need for Screamers music today. Anxiety,
frustration and rage must be worked on constantly,
underscored. Brought out in the open and positively
resolved. This is what the Screamers do, our music
does this, in fact that is the purpose of the group."
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