the Cargo Cult Revival

The Cargo Cult Revival is a four piece instrumental progressive rock band from Hartford, CT and has been described as a dynamic force of musical power, blending together a potent combination of hauntingly beautiful harmonic changes and off-time rhythmic virtuosity. Formed in 2006, the Cargo Cult Revival quickly became known for their unique instrumental style, featuring the unusual fusion of electric guitar, electric bass, drums and electric cello. As they create a spellbinding and dramatic soundtrack to an ethereal movie of the mind, their deceptively complicated music pays homage to their many influences, combining mathematical complexity and sheer precision.
The four members of the Cargo Cult Revival have combined decades of musical experience, and are a group of men driven by perfection and consummate professionalism. Performing with an ensemble unique to rock-and-roll music, drummer Matthew Futoma’s driving and inventive rhythmic overlays combine with the solid and oft-evolving bass lines from electric bassist Jesse Van Note. Their sonic framework interweaves and is enhanced by the counterpoint of electric guitarist Jeff Woods’ gritty, punk and rock-and-roll influenced guitar style, meshed with classically trained cellist Jeff Chen’s sweeping harmonies and evocative melodies.
Constantly evolving their sound, as they explore new concepts and techniques, and tempered by an extensive rehearsal and touring schedule, the Cargo Cult Revival’s live performances are always energetic and exciting. Their wide repertoire of influences has given them the ability to perform with many diverse styles of music from punk, hardcore, indie, progressive, and beyond.
Their first, self-produced, self-titled live album was produced in early 2007 at the Space Recording Studio in Poughkeepsie, NY. Featuring six of their original compositions, The Cargo Cult Revival’s unique sound is immediately evident in their evocatively titled songs; the epic Post-War Martini Hour and dark and brooding The El Paso Casket Co., to the bass-driven, heavier Bringing a Knife to a Gunfight and You Can’t Keep a Good Man Down, yet, at the same time, at odds with the haunting cello melodies evident in The Belltower Massacre and finale Henry Morgan’s Wake.
The band’s newest album project features an innovative 39-minute composition entitled Snake Charmer. Musically, Snake Charmer takes full advantage of the Cargo Cult Revival’s lush orchestration and hard-driving, rock-influenced edge. The composition features three, richly diverse sections, interwoven with an eerie, drone-driven melody and is a testament to the band’s musical ability as well as stamina. The Cargo Cult Revival will be heading back into the studio in December 2007 to produce this album.
As the Cargo Cult Revival continues to develop their unique sound, and forge their own path as a progressive rock force, their balance of elegance and complexity, tempered by the band’s maturity and professionalism is evident in the electric ambiance of their live performances.
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