What's He Building in There?
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2006 in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada |
| Defunct | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Waterloo, Ontario , Canada |
| Products | Music albums, music videos |
What's He Building in There? was a Canadian band rooted in the avant-garde metal scene, originating in 2006 from Waterloo, Ontario. Their sound was an eclectic fusion of funk, avant-garde metal, and progressive rock influences. Taking their name from a track by Tom Waits off the album Mule Variations, they became recognized for live performances that featured striking and unconventional costumes. Their initial album was characterized as "a challenging masterpiece," delivering an immersive sonic journey.
History
The group was established by drummer Liam Epps, vocalist Chris Schroeder, bassist Hal Jaques, along with guitarists David Halk and Chris Cookson; most members had previously played together in the now-defunct band Abacus. Their debut, self-titled album came out in May 2007 via Year of the Sun Records and was distributed across the United States through The End Records. They attracted attention with an avant-garde music video for "Avian Taxi," shot at Canada's largest indoor playground and showcasing a variety of costumes; this video debuted on Heavy.com.
Following extensive touring, both Halk and Cookson departed to focus on academic pursuits; Halk later reappeared under the moniker Hollywood Halk but did not release new recordings. In 2008, Mason Tikl joined on guitar and Aiden Stevenson on bass, while Jaques transitioned to guitar duties. The band developed new songs and completed a tour across western Canada in July of that year.
Stevenson exited the lineup in September 2008; subsequently, the band toured eastern Canada before relocating their base to Montreal. By early 2009, they solidified a four-member formation with Jaques returning to bass and Tikl remaining as the sole guitarist. They then embarked on a nationwide Canadian tour named "Is That Eh?" alongside We, the Undersigned.
Toward the end of 2009, they performed throughout eastern Canada including Newfoundland and took part in recording sessions for MTV's Metal vs. Metal series. In June 2010, Year Of The Sun Records partnered with Relapse Records to enhance US distribution of their album.
The band has since ceased activity, with members moving on to other musical endeavors.
Discography
- 2007: What's He Building in There? (Year of the Sun Records)
Videography
- 2007: Avian Taxi
External links
- What's He Building in There? official website
- WHBIT on Year of the Sun Records