Geek Hardcore

Geek Hardcore or for short "Geekcore" at the most basic level is an experimental Hardcore Punk sub-genre with strong Progressive Rock influences. Many Geekcore bands are the later work of former Post-Hardcore musicians. (see Notable Bands for examples) The Progressive Rock influence is so strong that it creates a different, new sound that lessens the emphasis on heavy steady bass lines, shouted vocals and breakdowns; and focuses more on a very atmospheric attack of instruments and soulful but intense vocalization.

Characteristics
Geekcore bands like Post-Hardcore often tend to give energetic live performances but Geekcore band's are noticeably less aggressive in both their performance and musical style compared to their related Hardcore genres. The lyrics remain very emotional but are expressed in a more mature retrospective vocalization. Geekcore musically is similar to first wave Emo and Post-Hardcore in many ways. Most Geekcore vocalists sing in falsetto, examples being: Cedric Bixler-Zavala of The Mars Volta, John Gourley of Portugal. The Man and Anthony Green of Circa Survive. Bands’ also tend to experiment with different or odd instruments as is the progressive/experimental nature of the genre. The only constant characteristics of Geek Hardcore are: Punk Rock, Experimental and Progressive Rock style, quick tempo and heavy use of guitars, drums and synthesizers to create a very full sound.

History
In the early to mid 90's At the Drive-In is formed and as their interests and musical skill evolves they eventually grew apart and break up in 2001. The band breaks in two and each half forms a new band. Jim Ward, Tony Hajjar and Paul Hinojos formed Sparta and Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar A. Rodriguez Lopez formed The Mars Volta, but before At the Drive-In broke up they released the best example of Geekcore, the epic album "Relationship of Command". In 2003, The Mars Volta's debut full length album "De-loused in the Comatorium" in released. In 2004, Circa Survive and Portugal. The Man are formed. In 2007, a Post-Hardcore fan named Tibbalz coins the genre after seeing the similarities in the music he listened too and the bands' distinctness when compared to other Post-Hardcore bands. Geekcore was chosen for the name because Geek is a term for an intelligent social reject who's a little out there. It's also inspired by Cedric and Omar's love for Scifi movies.

Notable Bands
Notable Geekcore bands include: Portugal. The Man, Circa Survive, late At the Drive-In and early The Mars Volta. Examples of former Post-Hardcore musicians in bands that could easily be considered Geekcore would be: The Mars Volta (Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar A. Rodriguez-Lopez of At the Drive-In) and Portugal. The Man (John Gourley and Zach Carothers of Anatomy of a Ghost).

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