Klovis Gaynor & the Urinal Cakes: A Bold, Disruptive Take On Queer Punk
Klovis Gaynor & The Urinal Cakes, the bold project from New York queer musician Klovis Gaynor and his bandmates Brayden Baird, Dane Bundschuh, Josh Hausman, and Larah Helayne, is an innovative musical venture worth keeping an eye on.
Since forming in 2023, the group has carved out a particular niche for themselves, presenting their music that is a chaotic yet deliberate mix of vulnerability and defiance. Their songs raise issues of fear, lust, love, and liberation.
With their debut album, “SAVE ME 4 THE SPANK BANK,” scheduled for release on March 14, the band is set to challenge societal norms and redefine the boundaries of punk and queer expression. Their latest single, “MYSOPHILIAC,” is a bold manifesto of liberation—a fearless celebration of the messy, the taboo, and the unapologetic. It defies shame, diving headfirst into the raw exploration of desire, identity, and the unexpected beauty hidden within the so-called “imperfections” of human existence.
From the get-go, “MYSOPHILIAC” takes you by surprise and refuses to let go. The song opens with a mix of distorted guitars and thumping piano chords that set the stage for Klovis Gaynor’s visceral vocal performance. His voice oscillates between a guttural growl and a falsetto that represents a point between chaos and catharsis.
Lyrically, “MYSOPHILIAC” is a masterclass in honesty. Taking inspiration from the Marquis de Sade’s 120 Days of Sodom and the queer pissing game magazine Water Boys, Gaynor creates a narrative that is both personal and universal. The song’s title, derived from the Greek words for “dirt” and “love,” serves as a rallying cry for those who have been marginalized or shamed for their desires.
Musically, the song is a frenetic mix of punk, noise rock, and avant-garde experimentation. The band’s instrumentation is relentless, with Brayden Baird’s searing guitar riffs and Josh Hausman’s thundering drums melding together to create a chaotic yet controlled sound. Dane Bundschuh’s basslines provide a throbbing undercurrent, while Larah Helayne’s contributions add layers of texture and depth. Together, they create a sound that is both abrasive and oddly melodic.
What sets “MYSOPHILIAC” apart is that amidst the noise and fury, there are flashes of tenderness—a delicate piano melody, a haunting vocal harmony—that remind us of the humanity that lies at the heart of the song. It is this mix of brutality and vulnerability that makes the song so compelling.
The song challenges listeners to confront their own shadows, embrace the parts of themselves they have been taught to hide, and explore discomfort. It is a song that demands to be felt, a sonic journey that challenges, provokes, and ultimately liberates. It is a relief for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.
Photo by JennyAliceWatts