In a summer full of reunions, few have been more anticipated than that of Erectus Monotone. An integral part of the Raleigh indie scene in the early ‘90s, EM recorded a hand-full of 7-inch records, and a full-length, mostly for Merge, before calling it quits in 1993. Brian Walsby has a great history of the band here.
They played together for the first time since at the xxMerge festival a few weekends ago. But if you were among the many who missed that show, you’ve got another chance this Thursday, Aug. 13, with Rocket Cottage and The Loners at Tir na Nog. This is also sort of a record-release party for Rocket Cottage, who will have a four-song 7-inch available for the first time at the show.
Erectus Monotone members Kevin Collins (guitar/vocals) and Jennifer Walker Barwick (bass) answered Five Questions for New Raleigh. Kevin also sings for Double Negative. Drummer Brian Quast (also in Polvo) also answered some of the questions. Guitarist/vocalist Andy Freeburn did not like the idea of answering “rock star questions,” so he sent in a drawing, which can be seen below.
1. Why did Erectus Monotone decide to reunite after all these years, and is this a real reunion, meaning, are you going to tour and record again?
Jennifer: Mac had asked if we might be interested in getting together to play XX Merge. It sounded like fun and if we were ever going to do something like that, this would be it. I’m still surprised we actually did it and pulled it off. As far as taking it any further, it’s not likely…with other band schedules, along with family/kids/work in the mix…that’s a lot to juggle.
Kevin: To have fun playing music with this particular mix of people again. To relive some of the good vibes and chemistry and hopefully do-over the ending with a little more grace.
2. What’s different about playing together now vs. in the past?
Jennifer: Everyone has changed in some way…you are just not the same person as you were 20 years ago. So in that sense it’s different. For me the biggest differences now are having more confidence and being less intimidated about voicing my opinion.
Kevin: One big difference is these days Jennifer shows up to practice with a whip, ready to inflict pain. So we’re slightly more expedient in learning songs and getting work done.
Brian: Well, I think I’m more aware now of the great musical chemistry these guys have.
3. What’s the best show you ever played?
Jennifer: Maybe XX Merge because it had been about 17 years since playing those songs and it was fun trying to learn them again…and Brian Quast is such an amazing drummer, how can you go wrong? Not sure it was our “best” but my memory is horrible.
Kevin: The one where we got through all the songs without falling apart. Actually, a bunch of shows stand out, for better or worse. Our first show with Mike Meadows, who was our second drummer, at the Fallout Shelter, was really good and I think surprised people, especially us. But then our first show without him, which was at Lounge Ax in Chicago, was great too because it was the night after he and Andy got into a brutal fistfight, so we ended up playing drummerless, and finishing the tour that way. Also I remember feeling good about a show at Maxwell’s, opening for Firehose, because as soon as we finish playing I see Mike Watt first in line at the stage to buy a t-shirt, waving a fist full of cash at me.
Brian: I saw the show with Mike Meadows at the Fallout Shelter, and it was amazing. I think my favorite show that I played with the band would be Danbury, CT, at TK’s Sports Bar. I remember feeling like we played well that night.
4. Any plans to jam with Polvo again?
Jennifer: Do you mean like hanging out and jamming? We did that once and it resulted in a hilarious song (not the intention) that got put on a split 7” with them.
Kevin: We’re one-quarter perpetually jamming since our drummer (Brian Quast) also drums in Polvo.
5. Ask yourself a question and answer it here.
Jennifer: What would your dream job be? Definitely a comedian…one that was funny and gets paid. I think I’d have to gain confidence talking into a microphone…and actually being funny and having talent would help too.
Kevin: What live act would you like to see? Jennifer at Charlie Goodnights!
Photo of Jennifer Walker Barwick and Kevin Collins at xxMerge by Ross Grady.
Click below to see Andy Freeburn’s response to the interview questions.
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