In an email, guitarist/vocalist Johnny Bailey described Rigorous Proof’s genre as “hypnagogic rock.” The description is very fitting; their dreamy, modern psychedelia stylings evoke some of the washed-out soundscapes of early Floyd, with the alternative and pop-rock stylings more akin to ’70s hit-makers T.Rex. Rigorous Proof’s effects-heavy rock edge has resulted in some absolute bangers, like the sunshiney “AK47” and the blistering “Long Road Out of Reno.” Rigorous Proof is set to perform at 7 p.m., Friday, May 9, at Cypress, performing their brand-new album in full before heading into the studio to record it. For more information, visit www.rigorousproof.com.
What was the concert you attended?
The Rolling Stones was my first concert. My folks waited until I was about 7 or 8, and for something legendary just so that I could sound cool in case I ever got interviewed.
What was the first album you owned?
The first I remember purchasing with my own money was Weird Al, Running With Scissors, on CD. Still own it!
What bands are you listening to right now?
The Mars Volta! Big Mars Volta kick right now.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
Maroon 5. Someone pack them up and send them off; we don’t need them anymore.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Television. I drove for five hours to see them on their last tour, only to get there late, for the very last song. I’d love to see them in New York at CBGB’s on a Tuesday with nobody in the crowd paying attention but me.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
U2. I’m a fan. I think The Edge is a fantastic guitarist, just like Ringo is a great drummer, and I’m done with the slandering.
What’s your favorite music venue?
Cypress or the Holland Project, depending on the band. The intimacy of those venues is palpable.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“I love you, but I’m afraid to love you,” Jeff Buckley, “So Real.”
What band or artist changed your life? How?
The Mars Volta instantly made half of what I knew about recorded music obsolete. Frances the Mute pushed the parameters of what an album could be, from finite to infinite, for me. They make movies for your ears.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
Syd Barrett, “Have you got it yet?”
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Close to the Edge,” Yes.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
MC5, Kick Out the Jams.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
Listen to “Tetragrammaton” by The Mars Volta, and then tell me what time signature it’s in. Been wondering for ages.