Emperor Penguin

Forming a goofy, funky electronic duo out of Chicago, Emperor Penguin brings together DJ Lazlo Minimart and keyboardist Melvoin Stanke. Antique analogue synths, found sounds, and electro-funk shaped their first effort, the album Shatter the Illusion of Integrity, Yeah, which surfaced in early 1999 through My Pal God Records. Shortly afterward the pair issued the limited-edition single E.D.G.A.R. on Box Factory and then, within months, delivered their second album, Extreme Gaming. Early the following year came their third release, Mysterious Pony, whose title fans selected via the label’s website poll. Momentum continued unchecked into 2001, when the four-song Damn EP appeared, enlisting bassist/guitarist Jack Flapjack, keyboardist Nord 2000, and drummer Ferrari—collectively known as the Emperor Penguin Live Expedition Squadron—on two of its tracks.