The Upper Crust

Revenge For Imagined Slights

"This Boston quartet keeps coming up with great punch lines. On their fifth studio album in 14 years...[They expand their] AC/DC-style stompers and Ramones-y pogos to include funk-metal, opium-den psych, and jammy balladeering, they create songs that -- no joke -- would kick even if they didn't concern pederasty, oenophilia, and the dangers inherent to generations of inbreeding." - Doug Brod, Spin.com

More than just a band, The Upper Crust as a group is better described as a fully realized piece of performance art. And, at some level, a parody or rich rock stars. With powdered wigs, regal 18th century wardrobe, and dirty rock riffs their shows are full-on character performance complete with up-turned noses and frequent belittling of the bourgeois crowd. It's an infectious spectacle and it's all the work of Lord Bendover (guitar, vocals), Count Bassie (bass, vocals), Duc d'Istortion (guitars, vocals), and Jackie Kickassis (drums.) The Upper Crust are not only impressive musicians, but also great fun. They let their music go to that place where it rocks out, but also doesn't take anything too seriously.

Their latest release, Revenge For Imagined Slights, is available only as a digital download through the band's website, iTunes, and other online retailers. It's "Roque and Roll" as only The Upper Crust do - full of tongue-in-cheek stadium anthems and hilariously written songs like "Class Up the Ass" and "(You're So) Rococo." There are also some rare moments of reverb-heavy psychedelia and, of course, a continuous drip of heavy shredding.

The Upper Crust has performed live on Conan O'Brien (NBC) and on the Late, Late show with Craig Ferguson (CBS). They've also played All Tomorrow's Parties curated by Shellac (a group composed of Steve Albini, Bob Weston, and Todd Trainer) and opened a New Years Eve show for Aerosmith. Animated versions of the band members were created for the Cartoon Network show Codename: Kids Next Door and the band also has a featured song on the phenomenon known as Guitar Hero.