Group

DEVO

new wave/rock band

From: Akron, United States
Since: 1972–present
Rating: ★ 4.2 (5 votes)
Releases: 124

new wave
post-punk
art punk
synth-pop
punk
electronic
experimental rock
geek rock

About

Devo is an American new wave band from Akron, Ohio, formed in 1973. Their classic line-up consisted of two sets of brothers, the Mothersbaughs (vocalist Mark and lead guitarist Bob) and the Casales (bassist Gerald and rhythm guitarist Bob), along with drummer Alan Myers. While the band is best known for their 1980 single "Whip It," their only top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, they continue to have a loyal following.

Devo's music and visual presentation (including stage shows and costumes) mingle kitsch science fiction themes, deadpan surrealist humor and mordantly satirical social commentary. The band's namesake, the tongue-in-cheek social theory of "de-evolution", was an integral concept in their early work, which was marked by experimental and dissonant art punk that merged rock music with electronics. Their output in the 1980s embraced synth-pop and a more mainstream, less conceptual style, though the band's satirical and quirky humor remained intact. Their music has proven influential on subsequent movements, particularly on new wave, industrial, and alternative rock artists, as well as an internet microgenre originally known as "devo-core". Devo (most enthusiastically Gerald Casale) was also a pioneer of the music video format.

From Devo on Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.