!!! (Chk Chk Chk)

When it comes to unique and eclectic dance-punk music, few bands can match the energy and creativity of !!! (pronounced Chk Chk Chk). With their infectious grooves, wild performances, and innovative blend of disco-funk and hardcore punk, !!! has carved their own space in the music industry. Formed in Sacramento, California in 1995, !!! emerged from the merging of two bands, Black Liquorice and Popesmashers, who recognized the potential in combining their seemingly different musical styles.

At the heart of !!! is the charismatic frontman Nic Offer, whose aggressive vocals and ability to incorporate hardcore sounds into the band's music became a defining element of their distinctive sound. Alongside Offer, the band is comprised of Mario Andreoni on guitar, Dan Gorman on horns, percussion, and keys, Tyler Pope on bass and various electronic devices, and Allan Wilson on horns, percussion, and keys. While Shannon Funchess and Paul Quattrone are also active members, they are primarily seen participating in tours.

The band's name, !!!, was inspired by a South African comedy film called "The Gods Must Be Crazy," where the clicking sounds of the Bushmen's language were represented as "!" in the movie's subtitles. The three exclamation marks may be pronounced as any monosyllabic sound, such as Pow Pow Pow or Uh Uh Uh. Nevertheless, the band commonly refers to themselves as Chk Chk Chk and it appears as their official name on their website and original Myspace page.

!!! released their self-titled debut album in 2000 on Gold Standard Laboratories, establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the dance-punk scene. Their sophomore album, "Louden Up Now," released in 2004, received critical acclaim and was hailed as a "modern-day agit-pop indie dance-rock classic" by AllMusic.

The band continued to experiment and evolve with each subsequent release. In 2007, they released their third album, "Myth Takes," featuring drummer Jerry Fuchs, which showcased their ability to blend genres and incorporate elements of disco, funk, and punk into their music. In 2010, they released "Strange Weather, Isn’t It?" on Warp Records, receiving generally favorable reviews but with some critics feeling that it didn't quite match up to their earlier work.

Their fifth album, released in 2013, titled "Thr!!!er," paid homage to Michael Jackson's iconic album "Thriller" and was well-received by both fans and critics. !!! showcased their versatility once again with their sixth album, "As If," released in 2015, which was described as one of the most enjoyable and schizophrenic dance albums of the year.

In 2017, !!! released their seventh album, "Shake the Shudder," featuring a mix of dance and pop-infused tracks that encouraged listeners to let go of their worries and dance. While the reviews for the album were mixed to positive, it further solidified !!!'s reputation for pushing boundaries and staying true to their distinctive sound.

Throughout their career, !!! (Chk Chk Chk) has consistently defied expectations, crafting music that is impossible to resist moving to. Their unique blend of disco-funk and hardcore punk, coupled with their high-energy performances, has made them one of the most exciting and dynamic bands in the dance-punk genre. With each release, they continue to challenge conventions and keep their listeners on their toes, making them an essential part of the music landscape.

Discography of !!! (Chk Chk Chk)

Here is a breakdown of !!!'s discography:

- 2000: Debut self-titled album released on Gold Standard Laboratories.

- 2003: Single "Me and Giuliani Down By the School Yard" released, blending house beats, sinewy basslines, psychedelic guitars, and catchy lyrics.

- 2004: Second studio album "Louden Up Now" released, receiving positive reviews and hailed as an indie dance-rock classic.

- 2005: EP released, covering songs by The Magnetic Fields and Nate Dogg.

- 2007: Third album "Myth Takes" released, featuring drummer Jerry Fuchs.

- 2010: Fourth album "Strange Weather, Isn’t It?" released, receiving generally favorable reviews.

- 2013: Fifth album "Thr!!!er" released, paying homage to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and receiving positive reviews.

- 2015: Sixth album "As If" released, described as one of the most enjoyable and schizophrenic dance albums of the year.

- 2017: Seventh album "Shake the Shudder" released, containing a mix of dance and pop-infused tracks.

With each release, !!! (Chk Chk Chk) continues to push the boundaries of their genre, delivering infectious and innovative music that captures the hearts and minds of their audience.