Triclops!

Originating in the Bay Area as a prog rock outfit tinged with punk influences, Triclops! first took shape through a partnership between Christian Beaulieu and Johnny Geek. During 2005, Beaulieu attended a performance by Geek alongside Oakland's Fleshies, grew captivated by the singer's distinctive vocal approach, and arranged several joint appearances with his own ensemble, Bottles and Skulls. Over drinks the pair hatched plans for a fresh endeavor featuring sounds their existing groups would reject, then spent more than a year jamming together. Once a demo began to coalesce, they assembled a rhythm section by impulsively inviting veteran San Fran underground bassist Larry Boothroyd after selecting drummer Phil Becker via a Craigslist posting. In August of 2006 the newly minted band entered the studio alongside engineer Phil Manley (Trans Am, Golden, Fucking Champs) to track and mix the Cafeteria Brutalia EP over two days, after which Chicago indie SickRoom issued the recording. Following shared bills with Acid Mothers Temple and Don Caballero, Triclops! secured touring opportunities with 400 Blows and David Yow's Qui. Their next effort, Out of Africa, was captured by Melvins engineer Kurt Schlegel at Lucky Cat and readied for an Alternative Tentacles release on March 25, 2008. In 2010, Triclops! released Helper on the Other Side.