SGL: in a league all of their own...

Super Geek League: In a league of their own
Posted by Jaimie Fife on 2/16/10 • Categorized as February 2010

On Feb. 27, Seattle-based group Super Geek League (SGL) will bombard the Majestic with elements of Mardi Gras, Halloween and traveling carnivals as they headline Boogie Universal’s event “Frontiers” featuring more than 100 performers.

“We believe that people pay money to be entertained and we go above and beyond the boundaries of art and science to create the most overwhelming show possible,” head-geek Commander Tomorrow said.

SGL prides themselves on over-the-top stage performances involving novel components that typical bands might never utilize, let alone at once. The band loves to whip-out out nutty items such as hazardous material suits, hot alien sex dancers, gnomes and other random, interactive props.

The last time SGL performed in Bellingham during the summer of 2009, the group’s performance received little to no publicity, according to Commander Tomorrow. The band went on stage at the Wild Buffalo with only a handful of concert-goers in the audience. However by the end of their set, more than 100 people were joining in the strange spectacle after folks at the show started phoning their friends.

One band member almost got into a brawl with someone in the crowd, but SGL ended up joining some amped-up locals for late-night breakfast instead. Some Bellinghamsters told SGL they changed their lives that night, said Commander Tomorrow and drummer Gil Chowder.

“Unless you’re lobotomized, it’s impossible to not enjoy yourselves [at our shows],” Gil Chowder said.

SGL’s music has been described as alternative thrash by Seattle Weekly, but the band maintains their sound varies a lot from song to song. Gil Chowder said the band explores genres on each end of the spectrum, including hip-hop, country, heavy rock and lullabies. No matter how you label Super Geek League’s music, screaming, heavy guitar riffs and dark elements are key aspects of their style.

The band is comprised of 16 members who draw inspiration from schizophrenia, Soundgarden, robotics, ACDC, cybernetics, spiritual raptures and contemplative dwarves.

Backing up Commander Tomorrow in Super Geek League, the following members with zany names seem to share the same odd, musical philosophy–frontman Vy Agra, P-word, Evad the Space Cougar, Knuckle, Sunshine Applebeard, Sheesh, Barry McCockner, Dog-Starver, Muff Pumper, Gale Force, Fuscia Foxx, Commander Photon, Megatron and General Steve-Dave.

Gil Chowder said he joined the band after spotting Commander Tomorrow’s ad requesting some truly unique individuals to join Super Geek League–a drummer, a stripping bum, a pillow-fighting roller skater, and a breakdancer–just to name a few.

The un-signed group released their latest album A Magic Castle Land in the fall of 2009 and, as Commander Tomorrow puts it, they are currently looking for a label to exploit them. SGL feels that the album represents the pinnacle of their recording career.

Lead guitarist Evad the Space Cougar said it can be difficult to recreate the album on stage with so much chaos happening.

Still, Super Geek League’s fan base continues to grow as more people encounter what the band hopes will be the craziest live show anyone has ever seen.

“SGL is about creating the most awe-inspiring live musical experience for human beings. We are the masters of chaotic engineering,” Commander Tomorrow said. “We make concerts fun again by doing whatever the f#!k comes to our collective hive minds.”

Although SGL clearly believes comedy has a role in the business of making music, the band is quite serious about entertainment. Super Geek League said they promise to blow your mind at the Frontiers show come Feb. 27. All they ask is that you bring your pillows for a pillow fight and purchase a hazmat suit at their merchandise booth.

For more information about SGL, visit supergeekleague.com.

Frontiers on Feb. 27

Boogie Universal’s flagship event FRONTIERS will take place on Feb. 27 at The Majestic. Featuring over 100 performers, including Super Geek League, March Fourth Marching Band, Splatinum, Michael Manahan, Geminitrix, Abby Normal, as well as a Bellingham Esctatic Dance Workshop by Johnilee, music by Discophile, Visuals by Evan Bridges and more. In addition, there will be the “Thriller” choreographed dance by 30 zombies and a Midnight Fashion Show and costume showcase (DJ’d by Discophile). Tickets costs $15 advance or at the door with a costume, $20 at the door without a costume, and $25 for a Patron Level ticket. (Even at the Patron level that only costs you 25 per performer. Tickets are on sale through www. brownpapertickets.com/event/94334. The event is for ages 18 and up, held from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. This event is 100 percent volunteer produced. If there are any profits they will go directly into creating more events.