1) Banzai is a Brooklyn quartet formed in 2004. They play a fun and exciting variety of eclectic music, with influences such as (but not limited to) jazz, hip-hop, country, film music, electronic, funk, classical and pop, in addition to the myriad of styles heard in the underbelly of modern rock music. Banzai melds creativity with accessibility, while taking pride in their noted lack of stylistic definition. Readily switching genres mid-song may seem challenging to the ear, but Banzai establishes a logical flow that has made them a musical force to be reckoned with. They will be releasing a full-length follow-up to 2007’s “Please Enjoy” EP in September. Banzai originally existed under the name, “Defibrillator” when they formed around April 2004 with Lucian B. and Julian B. H. on drums and bass respectively (both now in Fiasco and Runtime Error). Lucian quit in early 2005 and was replaced by Jonathan (also in Fiasco), and a couple months after, Julian quit and was replaced by Max. The band didn’t meet over the following summer, but after the fall semester began, they went back on track with their new members. With this new line-up Defibrillator began build their following. At their first Knitting Factory gig in March 2006, Defibrillator announced an official name change to Banzai (name credit goes to Jonathan) because of countless spelling issues with the former name. At the beginning of 2007, Banzai tied for first at a Battle of the Bands at the Knitting Factory with Blondes Pass Out. Later in early summer, Banzai completed their first EP, Please Enjoy, and it is now on sale. On March 8th, 2008, Banzai won first again at the Knitting Factory battle. Banzai’s first full-length album, KABLOOIE (Here Comes the Fun) will be out in September of this year. Jonathan is also the guitarist for Fiasco|Jesse also plays guitar in Contrarions 2) Banzai is a Symphonic Prog band from Belgium.|They made one album and then disbanded after their record company went bankrupt. Their music features elaborate compositions with layered keyboards, melodic guitar solos reminiscent of Jan Akkerman’s, and high-pitched vocals that will immediately remind listeners of Jon Anderson. The band consisted of Peter Torfs on keyboards and vocals, John M.C. O. on guitars, Ludwig Kemat on percussion and alto sax, Evert Verhees on bass and vocals, and Erry Foix on drums and percussion. The cd version of their album “Hora Nata” contains everything the band has ever recorded: 5 lengthy pieces subdivided into smaller parts plus 6 bonus tracks that are slightly more accessible than the rest. This material is not very original by today’s standards but the musicianship is solid, featuring lots of Hammond organ and even a brass section. 3) Banzai is a pseudonym used by Kyle Ward. |
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