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05-30-2005, 12:16 PM
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by Chris Barnes
May 4, 2004
 GORT is the sound of astral travel through the Oort cloud – a bass-less barrage of baritone guitar and heavy-handed percussion that could be the sound of dark matter… a compelling listen for any cosmic doom/bong hit blues fan. Hellride tracks down GORT drummer Brad Baker for a chat.
Hellride Music: I had no idea that GORT was a giant friggin' robot from a vintage cold war era Sci-Fi movie. Suddenly the sticker that comes with "The Arrival EP" makes sense. First things first, how did GORT come to be and second, why GORT as a band name? (aside from the fact it's a cool looking robot).
Brad Baker: GORT is the remains of a band that Frank (guitar) and I had prior called LAUNCHPAD. After our bass players departure the last material we were working on was a tune that Frank wrote, he called it GORT. He was suffering from insomnia one night and decided to watch some tube and came across "THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL" so he wrote this anthem at 3 AM and ever since then the name stuck so much so we named ourselves after a cult classic 1950's destructive robot.
Hellride Music: You have an EP out on Feedback Records called The Arrival EP. GORT definitely have a unique sound... for reference I hear some Sons of Otis mixed with Unearthly Trance. It's definitely a huge mountain of sound with a Cosmic tinge to it... like if you could hear dark matter, it'd be
GORT. How do you guys describe your sound and how did it evolve to what it
is on The Arrival EP?
Brad: Well, to be noted as a cross between SONS OF OTIS / UNEARTHLY TRANCE is an honor (both bands are bitchin'). Basically in a nutshell we are trying to find the common ground between SABBATH and DEVO. Both huge inspirations at the opposite ends of the spectrum. Essentially the end result thus far The Arrival EP
Hellride Music: Where did the artwork come from on the booklet anyway? It's awesome looking, vintage Sci Fi. Goes perfect with your guys' music.
Brad: a fantastic artist and friend JOSHUA BEEN. A talented individual all around and a fan of the vintage BMX, like us knobbers.
Hellride Music: The concept of going bassless - how did that come to be? Frank is tuned so low, I guess a bass would be overkill, but give me your version of why you are bassless? Or do bassplayers overall suck? Or is it because gigs pay so shitty anyways, you don't want to split the proceeds with another person?
Brad: We are bassless because we lost one and never looked for another bass player. Instead we introduced a baritone guitar, added more wattage and tuned way down. We are also waiting for more wattage from MATAMP to round out our sound.
Hellride Music: I assume you guys recorded The Arrival EP somewhere in LA... since I live not to far from you, I'm curious as to where you guys recorded? How did that go, by the way? Fun or a pain in the ass? Or Both?
Brad: We recorded at WetandDry in Los Angeles. Behind the controls is a man by the name of Manny Nieto. It was a great experience working with him, one cool vato. Straight live tracks on 2" tape, some archaic shit, extremely raw.
Hellride Music: That’s the way it should be done… I’m not a huge fan of excess polish when it comes to the Heavy. LA doesn't have much in the way of stoner/doom/etc bands, but I don't get out much so I don't know. There's Sasquatch, Black Cobra (bad ass band right there!), Greg Anderson's numerous projects, but that's about it... is there anyone else out there I'm missing? Who do you guys enjoy playing with and where do you guys play usually?
Brad:  We have a blast doing shows w/ a trio from San Diego called ARCHONS. We go hand in hand with these cats. They blow minds, great guys too, funny as hell. Be on the look out for them.
Hellride Music: So where do you guys take this two man destruction band? What's next? What are your aspirations for GORT?
Brad: We are lining up shows for this summer, probably some Bay Area action and Arizona too. Our web site is near finished, then maybe this fall a split w/ ARCHONS possibly or a full length. Both goals we are planning to reach.
Hellride Music: That's a cool fuggin’ T-shirt you got there... who designed?
Brad: I had to dig deep for that shirt design, it's confidential info. Heeheeehaahaaaa
Hellride Music: Understood. Your secret is in good hands. Boring but necessary - what are you guys listening to? Anything we should?
Brad: I beg to differ Chris, this is the most important question. You should be proud. Frank told me to tell you: STONES / DNA / NATAS / NECROS / DEVO / HIGH ON FIRE / FUNKADELIC / MILES.....
Myself : HAWKWIND / OM / STEELY DAN / NOMEANSNO / DEVO (BOOTLEG 78' SOUNDBOARD) /MELVINS / SAMHAIN AND A SHIT LOAD OF CAL STATE LONG BEACH JAZZ.............
Hellride Music: Great list. Thanks fellas. You're good guys and your band rules. Any last words?
Brad:
Q: ARE WE NOT ROBOTS?
A: WE ARE GORT!
Thanks Chris, keep on truckin’! The world would be in limbo without Hellride… Cheers!
 Purchase The Arrival EP at the Hellride Music Superstore
Download a MP3 of Cryptic Saucer
Read the Hellride review of The Arrival EP
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