Search - Startled Insects :: Curse of the Pheromones

1der Fully Weird

Robert Carlberg | Seattle | 07/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Startled Insects was a studio project of three multi-instrumentalists/producers, Bob Locke, Tim Norfolk and Richard Grassby-Lewis 1984-1991. During their short lifetime [before evolving into the megasuccessful soundtrack 'band' The Insects], they released this disc and "Lifepulse," a BBC-TV soundtrack on Island. They also self-released two EPs and a collaboration with African singer Biggie Tembo (all now available on CDR from Grassby-Lewis's 2ndSight Records).



The music is best described as instrumental rock with odd instruments (steel drums, strings, drums, bass, and decidedly non-commercial-sounding synthesizers). Reference points might include the soundtrack work of Thomas Newman ('American Beauty') or keyboardist Wally Badarou. As is the case with other studio musicians putting out albums that please themselves, they had absolutely no idea how to market the music so it never reached a market beyond a small coterie of admirers, and Startled Insects have remained undeservedly obscure ever since.



Nevertheless their music remains some of the most imaginative and refreshing ever produced -- worth seeking out!"

Fun, smart, unusual

D. Sonnier | Walnut Creek, CA USA | 08/27/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm surprised to see the disc offered on Amazon! A buddy turned me on to these guys about 20 years ago, since we both like complex and unusual music, but nothing too far afield from good old pop and rock.



I agree with the idea that they're underrecognized, but that makes sense. This isn't your standard ranch stash. If you like bands like Group 87 or Bill Bruford's Earthworks, then this is right up your alley.



Strong recommendation!"