Marino Spencer is the creative entity behind the chimp mask and the singular performer in the one-primate industrial band Simian Breed. He also writes and produces everything himself. He describes the music, which mixes several different genres and styles, as “heavy electro-industrial music based out of the radioactive Indigenous lands of New Mexico.” His 2021 album singularity sounds like it could have dropped in the ‘90s during what Spencer calls “the heyday of musical crossover and experimentation.” Spencer’s intelligent, socially relevant lyrics focus on topics such as Native issues, self-reflection and the necessity for using logic and reason to navigate a world full of deception. Simian Breed’s distorted guitar riffs and vocals paired with crisp electronic drums and synths take you on an odd trip through different stages in the evolution of industrial music.
Will you describe your sound for us?
The best way to describe Simian Breed is heavy electronic music. It’s a mix of industrial, metal, dance and alternative sounds. In the post-modern age where everything’s been done twice over, blending genres is one way to find your own sound.
What are your favorite venues to play and why?
I’m grateful Albuquerque has so many amazing venues! I really like Longhair Records, InsideOut, The Launchpad, Ren’s Den, Black Wall Gallery and JUNO. All these venues cater to different sounds, so it’s a different show each week. One night you could be at a hardcore beatdown show, and the next night will be a hip-hop show or a dance night. I really like the mix of different genres.
What are your lyrics about?
The lyrics range from being angry with society to overcoming shortcomings within yourself. Basically holding up a mirror to everyone and everything and asking, “What’s wrong with you?”
What bands or genres inspire your music?
Buddy Holly! My mom and aunts listened to a lot of oldies when I was a kid, and that’s where I was first exposed to music. As an older kid, I discovered metal through my sisters and cousins. In my teenage years, I got into alternative and electronic music, which broadened my horizons. As I got older, I appreciated other forms of music such as jazz, hip-hop, country, classical and pop. Primus, Scorn, Excision, Nine Inch Nails and Fear Factory are some bands that directly influence my music.
What is the best show you have ever played and why?
I’ve played a lot of great shows, but I think my best show is still yet to come.
What is the best show you have seen and why?
Right now, probably Ministry at the Sunshine Theatre in 2003. It was the first time I saw Ministry, and pretty much everyone I knew at the time was at that show. A blend of old and new friends coming together over some intense industrial metal!
Simian Breed is available on major platforms such as Spotify, Soundcloud and AppleMusic. Check out the track “Deceptor” here.
You can preview and purchase Simian Breed’s music including the album singularity on bandcamp here.
You can also check out Spencer’s other heavy industrial band Destructive Mechanism here.