Homunculus
By Annabel Lukins (annabel.lukins@mtv.com)

By strict definition, a homunculus is: "A magical, winged incarnation sprung from the cucurbits of wizards. Six inches in height, this mischievous, muscle-bound dwarf symbolizes a region of the brain crucial to the function of human memory." By musical reality, Homunculus is a quintet who found each other in Bloomington, IN beginning in 1995. And since then it has been a whirlwind of experiences where, according to guitarist/vocalist Kevin Shima, "the vibe and the music has carried us through."

That vibe generates from the connection of five unique members with individual influences and musical personalities who, together, create a smoother, seamless whole. Harmonies between keyboardist/vocalist Ben Doepke, and Shima are simply angelic, express ing warmth and comfort. Also, the interaction of Jason Barney on percussion and Chris Ellison on drums with the strings is perfect. On another side, they can be found rapping and getting a bit hard sounding, which makes for a more compelling live performance. One can even catch a bit of a lounge act if you're lucky. Watching Shima make eye contact with his audience members is tantalizing. You feel like you're listening to old friends, even if it's the first time you've seen them. The band seem s familiar, even to the new listener, welcoming anyone and everyone into their world of happiness with their inherently easy-going nature.

At one point during a show, while watching Doepke, you would think you were looking at a David Byrne look-alike. "I have been listening to David Byrne since I was six years old," Doepke says. "I am fond of his honesty, eclecticism and embracing nature of evolution." In addition to the Talking Heads, bands like the Beatle s, Frank Zappa, Phish, and the Meters have influenced Homunculus. Why? "We're a pop/rock band but more," Shima says. "How can you put these bands in specific categories? They are all as far out as we are."

The group attracts such a diverse audience, that it is hard to classify them. "I see middle school kids, college kids and even 40-50 year olds," Shima says. "What does our audience have in common?" They love music, that's for sure. Their tunes are catchy, friendly, and fun to sing along to. Homunculus has been segued in to the jam band scene. They don't jam excessively, but they still fit in. "I am happy to be embraced by the jam band circle because they are open-minded and allow us to be whatever t he hell we want to be," Doepke says.

Since they all live together in Cincinnati, except for bassist Adam Schoen who joined the band in September 1999, they better be permitted freedom of expression. Their close friendship has allowed the band to connect more while playing. Although they currently live in the mid-west and consider themselves a bit of a minority, they are truly an American Rock Band, raised from New Jersey to Indiana to Ohio. "Eventually we want to be playing all over the world," Shima says. "But we'll take theaters as a dream show until then."

They did get a shot on the second stage of the H.O.R.D.E. tour in 1998 in Indianapolis by winning a battle of the bands contest. Although they played well, the circumstances following the performance were a nightmare. "We went three minutes overtime," Shima says, "and learned a very important lesson - don't play longer than you are supposed to." According to Homunculus road manager Mark Milholland, the festival's side stage manager was angry with the band, claiming that his manager was yelling him bec a use he was getting yelled at by his manager, with whom John Popper was angry about the whole event being off for a whopping three minutes. Things have changed over the years. At a recent gig at New York City's Lion's Den, the band had almost 10 minutes to spare when they walked off stage, leaving the audience screaming for more.

Homunculus has experienced other changes, including its members. Even though Shima, Doepke and Ellison are the only three remaining founding fathers, they have come to terms with the fact that not everything involving the band is within their control, a realization that allows them to admit that their egos have been affected by the changes. "The most important part of being in a band," Shima says, "is that not everything is set in stone. So, we have to make the most of our time at that moment." Living in the moment is a great philosophy for the band. It's also very humble.

Staying focused on the present is part of the band's outlook while working on their third studio album, which will be released in late April, early May on Vivi Records. Homunculus looks at its recorded works as natural progressions, flowing out of one an other. Their first self-titled album, was a vision to obtain experience in the studio, playing around with lyrics, sounds, basically getting more adjusted to each other. The sounds are upbeat, funky, a little jazzy, definitely groovy, with delicate ballads and is very enjoyable. The band may not think it's a great piece of work. However, to a fan who is not emotionally attached to the progression of their recordings, the compellation is good. Their second release, entitled "The Pulse of Directed Devotion," was a much more focused effort. The ballads are enchanting and deeper. The lyrics are simple, yet polished. The musical compos ition is tighter. The song selection is creative. "The second album is a darker album," Shima says. "Our goal is not to think. Music was meant to be experienced. If you think too much, the sounds are too contrived. We want to be a musical terminal, allowing the force to flow freely out of us. That is what Part 3 will represent."

Homunculus also wants to be a terminal by which fans' voices can flow, as fans are a part of the creation too. Suggestions for the third album can be made on their website, www.homunculture.com. Everyone has his or her part in the circle of music. Some play, some manage, some listen, some write and most DANCE! The band put out a great live show from the Wetlands last year. Manager Jorge Hernandez is offering a copy of the cd to the first 100 live music addicts for a mere $2.00, the cost o f shipping. Email him as soon as possible: vivirecord@aol.com to be one of the lucky 100!