From an atmosphere seemingly to dark to see Bamboo Crisis penetrates the obscurity with a dark but extremely dance-ble new album, entitled EPOCH, perfect for these "Desperate Days".
From All Music Guide
Biography by Jason Ankeny
Gothic industrial unit Bamboo Crisis is led by prolific Houston-based singer/programmer Ken Gerhard, whose other projects included the industrial Bozo Porno Circus and Flowers & Machines.
Debuting in 1994 with the 12-inch "Shapeshifter," Bamboo Crisis resurfaced the following year with two more 12-inches, "Cdculture" and "Aftermath," before issuing the full-length 51 Pegasi in 1996.
The accessible, worldbeat-tinged follow-up Konspirosphere appeared four years later, featuring guest appearances by KMFDM’s Mike Jensen and Christian Death’s Gitane Demone.
Featured review of Konspirosphere
from Columbus Alive - July 5, 2001:
Tenured underground heroes Bamboo Crisis have been around for over a decade purveying what they call EBM-Electronic Body Music. That it still stands up today in a genre keen on instant recycling shows an innovative streak that remains from the bands 1990 debut A Tale From The New World through their new release Konspirosphere.
Bamboo Crisis draws from a bevy of influences, but does so subtly enough so as to not be obvious, choosing to hit listeners with substance and style but sans a gratuitous BPM-fest.
Gothic moodiness is layered atop a ticking electronic heartbeat (Sentinel brilliantly melds Peter Murphy with Sisters of Mercy), occasional blasts of industrial-strength hubris (most pronounced on DNA, a track that could be a somewhat subdued Skinny Puppy) and some of the most melodic, accessible and soulful tunes from an electronic artist since Trent Reznor strapped in. To be sure, Let’s Play God is a long-lost Pretty Hate Machine descant, but with a modern edginess to the proceedings.
Konspirosphere is dance disc that’s not just for dancers, transcending the limiting genre with sonorous aplomb. ~Brian O’Neill
History
In 1990, Bamboo Crisis along with their manager Bobby Joe Rose formed ToneZone Records and released their self produced cassette; A Tale from the New World to rave reviews. The single Perfect received local airplay on mainstream radio station 96.5 The Edge.
This forever changed the Houston music landscape and sparked the formation of numerous electronic and gothic influenced bands. Once a bastion for Rockabilly, Country and Funk music, Houston’s club kids and scenesters started throwing special events featuring electronic, gothic and industrial EBM acts. These influences carry on through too today as Houston is the home of many talented electronic music based bands.
For more information about Bamboo Crisis, please visit ToneZone Records homepage.
To this day i still have the Record that i bought from Kirk G., years ago. The Shapeshifter 12''. It's awsome. With no scratches on it. Thanks Bamboo Crisis for fucking-up my mind.
To this day, i still have in my posession, the Shapeshifter "12" single/record, that Ken sold me, when both of us used to work at OfficeMax, on Richmond Ave., years ago. It still kicks major ass. Thanks Ken, for worping my mind, to the sounds of Bamboo Crisis.
Thnx for the add, love the music. I was woundering if possible you would be able to place the song "Killing Machine" on your mp3 player I kinda have had the urge to hear it again. Hellraiser.
Hey, it's been quite a while since we've posted a message to all of our friends. Sorry for the re-send to some of you due to a major date change. :)
** PLEASE NOTE the new date: Wednesday, May 23rd for the “Phase 0” EP release party at IVAR in Hollywood.**
NEW SONG
I have posted a new down tempo industrial song called "Mask" that you should check out. We're trying to get more feedback on it.
NEW MEMBER
We have a new member, Jeremiah Saint (Electric Bass) who makes his debut on the song "Mask".
iTunes
Our 5-track EP is now available on iTunes for only $3.99 USD or you can buy the actual CD direct from us via Paypal on MySpace.
HOLLYWOOD RELEASE PARTY @ IVAR **new date**
We're having a HUGE release party for our "Phase 0" EP @ HELL at the IVAR in Hollywood on Wednesday, May 23rd. Come out and meet us!! Lots of Phase Theory swag will be given away.
PHASE THEORY - LIVE IN CONCERT
We're hitting the stage with the full band in June 2007 in support of the Waking Man album.
Dates TBA...here is our booking contact: booking@phasetheory.com
Thanks everyone for your support. See you on the dance floor!
BJ!
I see you have the new material up...NICE.
What's been going on lately? Me, super busy with work, and "ruse". Check it out when you have time. Talk to you soon.
Kirk and I have a bet going. What is your favorite Phase Theory song on MySpace? If you have another favorite, tell us what it is! Hope all is well. -Jonathan
DAMN, Desperate days kicks all kinds of ass...
haha. For real though, If you want them not as hot, I can get the pre-masters to you.
I hope you guys had a happy kwanza and new year. Hope to hear from you soon.
Forever i've been wanting Isolation up too! Somebody to love would be cool also~ a blast from the way past.
And something new with Grayson!
Merry Christmas BC+