Can a band minus a bassist still be heavy?

Bass V · #1 08-25-2009, 02:36 PM

Here's a band that is attempting the near impossible www.myspace.com/chilicoldblood
I think the low end/bass chores are handled by the steel guitarist as they get a good Sabbathy feel.
Still, a Geezer inspired bass player would take it to yet another level. How they managed it on stage is yet to be determined.

Any other examples of bassless bands that go for the very 'eavy?

NKBassman · #2 08-25-2009, 02:46 PM

There is a band in Winnipeg that played for years without a bassist called Electro Quarterstaff, and I think they pulled it off quite well.

They added a bassist a year or two ago however, and though I was turned off by the idea at first, I now think it does sound better.

http://www.myspace.com/electroquarterstaff

lavmonga · #3 08-25-2009, 02:52 PM

"...And Justice For All" is pretty heavy and there is next to 0 audible bass on it.

**Captain Bob** · #4 08-25-2009, 02:54 PM

What about The Doors? Obviously, several studio bassists on recordings, such as Jerry Scheff,....but none for live performances.

bigtexashonk · #5 08-25-2009, 02:56 PM

I would say the Black Keys and the White Stripes are pretty heavy without a bass.

NWB · #6 08-25-2009, 03:00 PM

I think it can be done, to a certain extent, in hard rock and metal. I don't particularly like it, but it's doable.

Consider funk or reggae without bass though....

makanudo · #7 08-25-2009, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lavmonga

"...And Justice For All" is pretty heavy and there is next to 0 audible bass on it.

There is some bass but barely audible, and i dont htink AJFA sounds any heavier than previous albums

father of fires · #8 08-25-2009, 03:09 PM

These guys are one of my favorite local bands in Baltimore. I'm playing with them on Thursday. They own.

http://www.myspace.com/isthmusband

I think they still had a bass player on these recordings (they fired him shortly after). But, they sound the same live 'cause use baritones and such.

()smoke() · #9 08-25-2009, 03:15 PM

pig destroyer pretty much answers your question

Getaway Driver · #10 08-25-2009, 03:15 PM

I was at a "hardcore" show several years ago watching a band without a bassist. Vocals, Guitar, and Drums. The guitarist jumped off stage and punched me for not dancing. Maybe things would have been different if they had a bassist. ...or didn't suck.

blendermassacre · #11 08-25-2009, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ()smoke()

pig destroyer pretty much answers your question

+1000

Duncorama · #12 08-25-2009, 03:57 PM

LORDS!
Veeeeeeeery good band from the uk.
www.myspace.com/lords

Greevus · #13 08-25-2009, 10:56 PM

No, what you speak of is impossible.

D.A.R.K. · #14 08-25-2009, 11:00 PM

sunn o)))
http://www.myspace.com/thegrimmrobe

kb9wyz · #15 08-25-2009, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lavmonga

"...And Justice For All" is pretty heavy and there is next to 0 audible bass on it.

There is a bootleg copy of "...And Justice For All" floating around that someone remastered. Very unofficial, but the bass is much more audible. I hope the guy did it got an award, he deserves it.

polydeathsphere · #16 08-25-2009, 11:04 PM

I saw Ion Dissonance live without their bassist and they were heavy as a balls of lead. However they do have a bassist and he is awesome and bass rules so no one should be without a bass player

JimmyM · #17 08-26-2009, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Getaway Driver

I was at a "hardcore" show several years ago watching a band without a bassist. Vocals, Guitar, and Drums. The guitarist jumped off stage and punched me for not dancing.

Just a warning to other musicians out there, if you come down offstage and punch me, I'm going to hit you in the head with a bottle. And if I think you can kick my ass, I'll do it while you're not looking.

Nurb · #18 08-26-2009, 02:37 AM

The Kills sound really heavy live. I think that the guitarist uses two different amps.

PeaceSells775 · #19 08-26-2009, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Just a warning to other musicians out there, if you come down offstage and punch me, I'm going to hit you in the head with a bottle. And if I think you can kick my ass, I'll do it while you're not looking.

Agreed.

queevil · #20 08-26-2009, 10:14 PM

It depends on what you consider heavy. I cut my teeth on my fair share of metal and hardcore music but in my mind heaviness doesn't really equal screaming and loud guitars alone. To me heaviness in music is about the music conveying an emotion or feeling to the listener and doing it well. I can't help but get a feeling of utter dread and despair when listening to ebony tears by cathedral and although I love the bass I don't think that it was all that necessary to evoke those feelings in me. It's also the reason that I think that Mazzy Star was far heavier than say Papa Roach or Lincoln Park.