Homunculus returns to Athens fresh off contest victory

by Chas J. Hartman
Assistant Entertainment Editor

The story of Homunculus is one that involves longevity, trust and success.

This is not a normal band by any stretch of the imagination but one that seems to overcome every challenge it faces.

First, Homunculus survived the transition from being a college band in Bloomington, Ind., to embarking on making a music career. That included a complete band relocation to Cincinnati and some extensive touring throughout the New England states. Next, they overcame the departure of their original bassist and hired an Ohio University graduate to fill his shoes.

In November, Homunculus defeated 153 bands from Cincinnati and Dayton to win a battle of the bands sponsored by radio station 97X in Cincinnati. Not only did they get to perform at the famed club Bogart's in the finals, but with their victory came free time in a recording studio and more radio exposure. Their performance in the finals seemed like something from another world, and the tightness of their songs obviously impressed the contest's judges.

"How many people have been up on that stage?" keyboardist/singer Ben Doepke said. "To be able to get up there and hang out in the same dressing room was great. I think we were totally, genuinely electrified by the experience."

Longtime followers of Homunculus might have recognized more stripped-down songs in the band's set list at Bogart's. Doepke said the band definitely is focusing on making songs more concise but remaining true to a philosophy about making music.

"I just think when you've been doing it (performing) and keep doing it, you find out what works and what doesn't," Doepke said. "You go back and listen to tapes and say 'that's inexcusable' and you don't do it again. We still like to stretch out and do stuff, but when we do stretch out songs it's the same philosophy."

Four extremely talented and versatile musicians join Doepke in Homunculus. They are drummer Christopher "Cupcake" Ellison, bassist/singer Adam Schoen, percussionist Jason Barney and guitarist/singer Kevin Tad Shima. Together, they've devised an interesting description for what exactly Homunculus is all about.

"We're a subversive, groove pop outfit, undermining the underlying principles of pop and elevating the elementary rudiments of groove," they concluded.

Basically, imagine Steely Dan, the Talking Heads and maybe even George Clinton sitting down for a jam session. Homunculus' music is full of melodic guitar, catchy keyboard lines, smooth drum fills and captivating vocals. If this kind of music doesn't lead to mad dancing in the audience, then something's wrong.

Aside from the band's hypnotic brand of groove rock, it's their longevity that's most impressive.

"If I really set myself to it, it all has to do with focus and purpose musically," Doepke said. "When we first started, maybe our heads weren't in the right places, but we met enough people that it reaffirmed our desire to do something that's real. You don't even think about 'should we keep doing it?'"

Schoen summarized perfectly why people should give Homunculus a chance.

"It (Homunculus' music) is very accessible to many different kinds of people," Schoen said.

In addition to touring this region of the United States in the next few months, Schoen's first album with the band, titled Words, is set to hit the streets in March.

Homunculus hits the stage at 10 p.m. tonight at the Union. There will be a cover charge.