The last time The Locust played Japan they took part in what would turn out to be At The Drive-In's first and final tour of the archipelago. Though it was the California foursome's second trip to this country, opening for the now defunct prog-emo group from "Hell Paso," Texas at Tokyo's Shibuya-AX in Jan. 2001 they faced an audience that wasn't familiar with them or their unique brand of hardcore punk.
The reaction could be described as stunned courtesy. The group, dressed in tight-fitting insectoid "uniforms," formed a line, including the drummer, across the front of the stage. The songs were chaotic and deafening, and most lasted less than 60 seconds. The music itself was dense and complex: speedy counterpoint riffs played with blinding precision, highlighted by Martian synthesizers and carcinogenic vocals.
The audience's response didn't escape the notice of Cedric Bixler-Zavala, At The Drive-In's manic vocalist. During ATDI's own set, he said, "The next time a band like The Locust comes, you should dance to them."