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Larval
Biography
Symphonic rock band and Knitting Factory artist Larval went through several personnel changes during its first few years, but nevertheless became more defined and cohesive with each incarnation, guided by lead guitarist and composer Bill Brovold. The first formation of Detroit area band Larval came together in late '96 and included Brovold, Erik Gustafson (of Blue Dog) and Beth Willusz on guitars, bassist Dean Western, drummer Will Osler, violinist Mary Alice and occasional saxophone from Johnny Evans. The debut recording came out in 1997 on John Zorn's Japanese label, Avant. Larval experienced major line-up changes when everyone but Brovold left the band; Gustafson returned to Blue Dog, and many of the other members formed a space rock band called Tars Tarkas. Brovold used this opportunity to renew Larval's sound, moving slightly away from its noise rock leanings toward a thickly layered classical/rock hybrid. He found other talented area musicians, some of whom were based out of Ann Arbor and affiliated with the music school there. This second line-up solidified by the release of Larval's second album, 2, in early '98 (this time on NY's Knitting Factory label) consisting of violinists Mike Smith and Jocelyn Vari, cellist Megan Morrill, guitarists Brovold and Toby Summerfield, reedists Colin Stetson and Stuart Bogie, bassist Troy Gregory (of Prong) and drummer Marco Smith.
Selected Discography