Genres Experimental rock Labels Discorporate Genre Experimental rock | Years active 2004–2012 Active from 2004 Record label Ready Made Music | |
Past members Dan Sutherland
Doug Stuart
Ricardo Lagomasino
Kevin McHugh
Spencer Russell
Sam Kulik
Lauren Day
Sam Krulewitch
Bryan Cook
Matt Davis
Noah Hecht
Curt Howard Members Sam Kulik, Lauren Day, Spencer Russell Albums Fragments, So Embarrassing | ||
Capillary Action was an American avant-rock/experimental music group formed at Oberlin College in 2004 by Philadelphia native Jonathan Pfeffer, the group's sole constant member, and active until 2012.
Contents
Capillary Action's self-described “confrontational cubist-pop” was characterized by an unusual blend of acoustic timbres; complex, constantly shifting meter; and Pfeffer’s 12-tone and Philly soul-inspired baritone vocals. The lyrics often employed autobiographical themes to critique power structures. Pfeffer cites Tropicália, Dizzee Rascal, Tim Buckley, the Batman Forever soundtrack, Need New Body, Joe Matt, the Minutemen, Converge, Ornette Coleman, and Scott Walker as major influences.
The group performed extensively across North America and Europe alongside Joe Lally, The USA Is a Monster, The Max Levine Ensemble, Už jsme doma, Lightning Bolt, Dirty Projectors, Deerhoof, Les Claypool, Rhys Chatham, Shudder to Think, and Dos, among others.
In 2009, Boston Phoenix named Capillary Action the Best New Band from New York, likening the group to "Both Elvises in a serious Burt Bachawreck with the Mothers of Invention".[3]
In 2011, Capillary Action performed at Willisau, Incubate, Primavera, Pop Revo, and Rumor Festivals.
Discography
Songs
Sexy KoalaSo Embarrassing · 2008
Placebo or PanaceaSo Embarrassing · 2008
Self-ReleasedSo Embarrassing · 2008