SGT. WALRUS Live at Unknown Theater with Rochelle's FIRE DANCE!
ELEMENOPY live in-studio performance on FlashRock TV!
A lively and energetic rock duo described as "Simon and Garfunkel meets The Smashing Pumpkins", these two multi instrumentalists blend the subtlety of singer-songwriter intimacy and passion, with the aggression and fun spirit of rock star theatrics, to create an unexpectedly fresh and dynamic genre-bending sound. Their live performance has been called "vaudevillian," "intense," and "inspiring," and is like no two-person act you've ever seen before. Nick and Joel generate a completely unique and intense full band sound by rotating through a myriad of instruments onstage (including Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Bass, Drum Kit, Keyboard, Congas, Hand drums & other percussion, etc.) and by utilizing multiple effects and looping. New audiences are inevitably left shocked and dumbfounded after ELEMENOPY leaves the stage, consistently voicing their amazement that "all that sound came from just two guys!" And devoted fans always return to see "what they will do next," as Nick and Joel are never satisfied to play the same show twice and they always have something new and exciting to unveil.
Joel Rutkowski & Nick Liberatore are longtime friends from Syracuse, NY. Since the early 1990s they have played in a number of moderately successful East Coast bands and have pursued a variety of musical endeavors. In 2004 they moved to Los Angeles and formed a new project called ELEMENOPY with one simple mission statement: make the best music possible with any means available. With no boundaries of who would play what instrument when or sing what song or even what genre would define them, they began writing and performing music in any way that the moment inspired, trading off between a range of instruments, making whatever collection of sounds would best be in service to a particular song. The result is music that is exciting and engaging, yet honest and unassuming. Their songs are characterized by passionate high energy fused with a strong knack for catchy melodies and colorful harmonies, as well as a flair for lyricism that is steeped as much in poetry and emotion as it is in sly wit and clever articulation.
Originally Joel and Nick conceived forming the traditional rock band by adding more members. However, as they continued performing as a two-man acoustic group, they attempted to realize the lush full band sound they envisioned for their songs by any means possible. Their once minimal stage setup quickly gave way to the addition of a full drum kit, percussion, keyboard, multiple effects and looping, all done just by the two of them. The spectacle of these unique performances generated a highly enthusiastic crowd response. Nick and Joel therefore decided to embrace and perfect this style of showmanship, the result being a stage show that is just as exciting as the songs themselves.
In 2005, ELEMENOPY released their first official EP, Sgt. Walrus's Westward Journey (Independent). The six songs reflect the full-band sound and energy that is ever-evolving and expanding live. Extensive Los Angeles performances and touring followed to rave reviews. In 2007 they earned a prestigious residency at "the coolest venue in LA"--Unknown Theater in Hollywood (www.unknowntheater.com www.myspace.com/thursdayswithelemenopy) playing the first and third Thursday and last Saturday of every month which is still going strong today. Joel and Nick not only host and play on these nights, but also book the other performers. They strive to bring in not only other great musical talents to the theater, but painters, poets, comedians and all other open-minded expressionists. Summer 2008 brought them back into the studio to record their first full-length CD. Working with Katy J at Bowl Noodle Hot Studios in Desert Hot Springs, ELEMENOPY is now in the process of wrapping up a brand new 13 track record to be called "The Sound That Thursday Built" (In tribute to their residency and all the tremendous support from Unknown Theater and their fans) Featuring guest spots from some of LA's most amazing talents, and songs that range from huge explosive epics to intimate confessional ballads, they truly live up to their motto: "Ef The Genre Police"!
Many bands claim to be "original", but ELEMENOPY actually does embody the word. A group that really needs to be seen and heard to believe. With any luck, they will be given the chance to bring their mind-blowing performances to places all over the world soon! Come see ELEMENOPY and spread the word that Rock and/or Roll is still fresh, innovative and alive!!
