The Montauk Project was a rumored series of secret government experiments at Camp Hero in Montauk, Long Island in the early 1980s. The intent, conspiracy theorists argue, was to create a weapon that could induce schizophrenia with the touch of a button.
While there’s no proof the experiments took place, that hasn’t stopped musicians such as William Orbit and Shadows Fall from recording songs inspired by the controversy. But for Chicago trio the Montauk Project, its “X-Files”-worthy name has a different meaning.
“To me the Montauk Project is a way of erasing our old band from the memories of all the people who have ever heard us,” says bassist Robert Demakis, who previously joined with Rickey Piscopo (guitar/vocals) and Mike Doyle (drums) in the metal-influenced Save Me Walter. “This is a new band. This is what we really want to do. This is more of who we are.”
Taking its cues from instrumental acts such as Explosions in the Sky, the trio create psychedelic landscapes that shift like sand drifts. It’s by design, says Demakis, noting the vocals are always the last element added. On the band’s self-released debut EP, “Trees Against Skies,” Piscopo’s singing functions as another instrument in the mix.
“We’ve talked about doing [an instrumental album],” says Demakis. “There is one instrumental song we have now, but it wasn’t done in time for the CD.”
Demakis began playing the bass in high school, picking up the instrument so he could jam with his uncles at family get-togethers. (“I figured since they all played guitar I could play with them if I learned bass,” adds Demakis.) Shortly afterward he began playing with Piscopo and Doyle, friends since grade school. Since adopting its new nom de rock last year, the band has become even more of a focus; Demakis even dropped out Northern Illinois University after his sophomore year to pursue music.
Headlights
The members of the Headlights proudly call themselves road warriors. In 2006 the band played 161 shows and celebrated the New Year by launching a three-month world tour that them to Amsterdam, Paris and London. The extensive touring has been a boon to the band’s musicianship as it prepares to record its sophomore LP.
“For the longest time we talked about wanting to be on the road and really get out and do this,” singer/keyboardist Erin Fein said. “We get a lot of information from being on the road because you’re exposed to a lot of music and a lot of different environments.”
As the group makes a long-overdue return to its hometown, it will be interesting to see how its infectious, indie-pop sound has developed.
The Montauk Project
Instruments sing, vocals provide backup
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Clearwater Theater, 96 W. Main St., West Dundee
Price: $6; 847-836-8820
Headlights
Back from Europe with infectious indie-pop
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave.
Price: $8-10; 773-278-6600
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