Berserker IV Feature - Off-Ox

Off-Ox is the project of Aaron Tanner from Indiana (no relation to the Tanners from San Francisco). He describes this band as an "acute blend of grappling melody, angular weirdness, and explosive indie rock; unafraid to cross into new musical territory by not being entirely avant-garde or wholly conventional". What we can tell you is that their music is mostly instrumental and when you see Off-Ox hit the stage in the Vernors Room on Saturday night, it will be a different experience than you'll have in any of the other rooms that night. Give a couple of the band's tunes a listen below then read ahead to see what Aaron had to say in response to our questions.

HID- What two words best describe your band?
Off-Ox- "Tender titans."

HID- Why should people check out your set at Berserker?
Off-Ox- "Why wouldn’t you? In the words of Shawn Knight: 'Maybe the fact that (Aaron) has spent years working on artwork for Ween, all while living in a city whose proudest architectural accomplishment is the house used on Roseanne explains his unique musical output.'"

HID- What’s the best part about playing a fest like this?
Off-Ox- "For starters, getting to play with some seriously amazing bands we’ve loved for years! But also discovering great new acts we’ve never crossed paths with."

HID- Are you looking forward to checking out any of the other bands on the fest?
Off-Ox- "Of course! GWAR, OFF!, Weedeater, etc. Nerdy little high school Aaron would be so proud of old and achy 40-year-old Aaron."

HID- For those Berserker goers that might not have heard your band before, name one of your songs that they should definitely check out.
Off-Ox- "That’s easy! We only have 2 songs available at the moment. Currently recording our debut LP. If you’re into noise rock, check out Best Best Western. But if not, check out Torso with a View."

HID- The lineup for this year’s Berserker is pretty epic. If you could have any four bands headline a fest, who would you pick?
Off-Ox- "Butthole Surfers hands down. Easily my favorite band of all time. Plus Boredoms, Jandek, and Melvins."

HID- When you’re out on tour, what are three things that you must have with you?
Off-Ox- "A machete for when you sleep in the van, Cheez-its, and baby wipes."

HID- What else should people know before they check out your band at Berserker?
Off-Ox- "I’m also working on another band separate of Off-Ox with Spencer Seim (Hella) and Rob Crow (Pinback). Hoping to wrap up that record this year as well!"

Tickets for Berserker are available for $60 for the whole weekend or $40 per day. You can pick yours up in advance here or at the local businesses listed below. You can also enter to win a pair of weekend passes from Hip in Detroit and Berserker! Get details on how to enter the giveaway here.

~C