Crustaceans

Formed in 1994, the Crustaceans have persisted through an industry where splits happen routinely. Introduced by mutual contacts, the members shared a residence for several months before making their debut appearance on March 1, 1995, at the Orange & Brew on the University of Florida campus. Since that performance their eclectic style has filled rooms at the Hardback Cafe, Covered Dish, and High Note, along with open-air gatherings such as the Alachua Music Harvest. The band has also taken the stage in punk rock clubs across Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, and Pensacola, even though their music bears no relation to punk. Their stated influences—The Monkees, Metallica, Superchunk, and Guided By Voices—surface at various moments, yet the songs retain an unmistakable identity that belongs solely to the group. The musicians possess the skill and flexibility to fold nearly any genre into a single piece; by exchanging instruments during certain numbers they turn each show into a musical three-ring circus. While the standard configuration places Samantha Jones on bass, Karl Bullock on guitar, and Brian Sparks on drums, it is common to see Jones behind the kit, Sparks handling guitar, and Bullock on bass. The three also trade vocal duties, adding a distinctive character to the sound. Listeners never know exactly what the next set will contain, but the outcome is certain: the audience will rise and move to the rhythm.