Let’s face it, some bands are just weird. Volcano, I’m Still
Excited is one such band. Heck, they named themselves Volcano, I’m
Still Excited for Pete’s sake–it’s quite obvious that these guys
are not aiming for airplay on The Point.

Still, that doesn’t mean that this band should not be at least
experienced.

One cannot talk about Volcano, I’m Still Excited without first
mentioning its keyboardist/vocalist, Mark Dupress. After an
unsuccessful career as a folk singer/songwriter, Dupress decided to
hone his composition abilities at the City College of New York
music school.

“It was more of an exposure,” Dupress said. “It was an exposure
to Philip Glass, to jazz, to classical music. I picked up on
concepts of working repetition, rounds and other different
arrangements.”

Shortly after finishing school, Dupress met up with his friends,
drummer John Robinette and guitarist Byron Westbrook (Westbrook was
later replaced by guitarist Montoro), in Austin, Texas, in 2002.
Thus started Volcano, I’m Still Excited. After self-releasing an EP
and touring extensively throughout the country, Volcano, I’m Still
Excited is finally releasing their eponymous debut on Polyvinyl
Records.

The album is a mix of esoteric lyrics, weaving organ and guitar
melodies and meandering drum parts. In other words, it is some
weird stuff.

This should come as no surprise, as Dupress cites experimental
music pioneer Philip Glass as one of his primary influences, along
with Jim O’Rourke (of Sonic Youth fame) and the Flaming Lips.
Dupress said he enjoys these bands’ “goofy aesthetic.” The band
members have their own take on their sound, though.

“[It’s] ironic, parts and fun and seriousness,” Dupress said.
Robinette compared the sound to a fine cuisine.

“Picket Land Vineyard blended with Chilean seabass, with a dash
of Bisquick,” Robinette said. “Reduce the wine to make a fine
Chilean seabass pancake.”

Sooner or later, everyone needs a break from the mainstream, if
for no other reason than to have something to drown out that
Britney Spears’ song.

For that purpose alone, Volcano, I’m Still Excited should be
checked out when they play at the Rocket Bar on Wednesday, Feb. 11.
It should be a night not soon forgotten.