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Centipede materialized in the fall of '96 as a trio consisting of two guitarists and a drummer. This project incorporated ambient, multi-layered guitar textures atop syncopated rhythmic patterns. The concept was to explore and push dynamics, and to infuse free-form improv with traditional pop/punk and metal styles. Due to musical differences, one of the original guitarists left the fledgling project to pursue a more pop and less "avant metal" approach. However, a strong musical partnership remained between axe-boy Alex Yeung (a.k.a. Illex) and drummer Bill Mowery (a.k.a. BBB(TripleB).) This pairing sealed the core of Centipede, and together they crafted seven complex, odd and dynamic songs. Although Centipede planned to play out as a duo, they meanwhile scanned the Bay Area for a third member to fuel their diabolical scheme to subliminally influence and ultimately control the minds of impressionable teen radio listeners. Enter Ray Mawhinney (a.k.a. Mawhineum Falcon.) With this strapping young bassist/keyboardist from San Diego came his well - versed background in pop, jazz, and alterna musical stylings. But it was actually his mastery of Judo, and his consuming fashion sense which really secured his position in the band. Yes, Ray has been known to rock out "David Bowie style," in which some interesting metamorphoses occur. Ray now also lends his songwriting and vocal talents to Centipede. The music of Centipede has been described as: "A King Crimson/Pink Floyd/Primus/early Genesis hybrid." It stresses progressive arrangements, intense dynamics, and very thematic composition. Centipede's influences range from Black Sabbath to Peter Gabriel, and the outcome is something very unique. Less improvised and more structured than in earlier days, the Centipede sound has an interesting, quirky complexity. Perfect music for the short attention span! So, with their current configuration, Centipede are hard at work writing new material, and playing shows in the Bay Area. They have a new 4-song demo coming out soon, and also plan to record an EP later this year; the working title of which is rumored to be "Die like a Goat Martyr at a Lamb Sale." Centipede are looking forward to more performing in The Bay Area, eventually touring, and ultimately vaporizing the entire planet with their anti-matter rayguns.
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