Creature With The Atom Brain

Creature With The Atom Brain

Creature With The Atom Brain is an alternative and psychedelic rock band from Antwerp, Belgium. The group is active from 2003 to 2015 and includes Dave Schroyen, Aldo Struyf, Jan Wygers, Michiel Van Cleuvenbergen, Jean-Philippe De Gheest and Damien Vanderhasselt.

Background

The band forms around Aldo Struyf, who also plays keyboard in Millionaire. The line-up listed in the group’s recordings includes Struyf on guitar, keys and vocals, Schroyen on drums, Wygers on bass and Van Cleuvenbergen on guitar. The band’s name comes from the Roky Erickson and the Aliens song “Creature with the Atom Brain”, which itself takes its title from the 1955 film of the same name.

Sound and influences

Creature With The Atom Brain is associated with stoner rock, noise rock and alternative rock, and is described as making stripped-back, fuzzy rock and roll with a strong sense of oddness. Struyf cites Roky Erickson, the 13th Floor Elevators and Erickson’s wider body of work as key influences on the band’s sound.

Recordings and collaborations

After two 12-inch EPs on Conspiracy Records, the band releases its first album, I am the Golden Gate Bridge, as a full-length release in 2008. The album features guest vocals from Tim Vanhamel, Struyf’s Millionaire bandmate, and from Mark Lanegan. Struyf also plays keyboards and tours with Lanegan for the Bubblegum album.

Live work

The band tours in support of I am the Golden Gate Bridge. Its live activity includes shows in support of Masters of Reality and selected support dates with The Jesus and Mary Chain.