20 years of mothguts [Episode 213]

We had a chance to catch up with Mike Noordzy from Mothguts and Cody McCorry from We Used to Cut the Grass to talk about this upcoming show.  The two of them collaborated on two sound pieces that set the tone for our discussion.  While what they performed is not what they will be playing at the show, Mike and Cody are two truly inspired and creative people who represent the best of Asbury Park!

Mothguts 20th Anniversary Show & We Used to Cut the Grass
plus Mono Means One

https://apboardwalk.com/news/events/mothguts-we-used-to-cut-the-grass/

MOTHGUTS

Mothguts is a New Jersey–based instrumental quartet known for smashing together the worlds of death metal, free jazz, grunge, grindcore, noise, and sludge into a relentless sonic assault. Founded in 2005, the band has carved out a reputation for fearless experimentation, chaotic energy, and a sound that refuses to be contained by genre.

The lineup features Mike Noordzy on bass, Ben Ross on drums, Anthony Ware on alto saxophone, and Chris Welcome on guitar. Together, they’ve cultivated a brutal yet boundary-defying aesthetic, marked by blistering improvisation and crushing heaviness.

Now celebrating their 20th anniversary, Mothguts remains a singular force in the underground, revered for their uncompromising creativity and blistering live shows. Two decades in, the band continues to blur boundaries and challenge listeners with music that is as punishing as it is visionary.

WE USED TO CUT THE GRASS

We Used to Cut the Grass is a shapeshifting experimental ensemble led by composer/bassist Cody McCorry, most frequently appearing as a 10-piece band known for heavy brass and two tightly synchronized drum kits. Heavily inspired by the likes of Frank Zappa, John Zorn and Sun Ra, the band has roots in the blurred zone between progressive rock and jazz fusion, but has since stretched further into post-rock and experimental endeavors, reaching from orchestral/chamber works to absurdist sound collage. The group’s sophomore album, “We Used to Cut the Grass #2,” is the follow up to their similarly self-titled album released in 2022. It has been described by math rock periodical Fecking Bahamas as “a much needed joyride.” On the album and its composer, Prog Critique has this to say: “I don’t know if he’s a genius or a brilliant madman… [the album] surprises, it disorients, as much as it captivates… have we ever seen a band cover such a rich palette?”

MONO MEANS ONE

Mono Means One is a psychedelic prog trio and the brainchild of bassist and composer John Ferrara, best known as the bass player and co-founder of the acclaimed world fusion band “Consider the Source.” Mono Means One’s sound contains melancholic melodies, rich sonic textures with Drum ‘N’ Bass grooves and Mathrock sensibilities. Half composed and half improvised, the music is often dark, with moments of calm serenity and other times heavy, oscillating between chill grooves to almost unbearable intensity. Originally composed entirely on the bass guitar, John paired up with Rob Madore (Drums) and Isaac Young (Keys) to add intensely nuanced beats with futuristic colorful sonic textures. All three members produce a sound that is powerful and unique all to their own.

Ferrara has been dubbed the “Unsung Genius” of bass tapping by bass sensation Charles Berthoud, is a teacher at Scotts Bass Lessons, and has been featured in Bass Magazine, NoTreble, Bass Musician magazine among many other publications.

Doors 7:00 PM
Show 8:00 PM

21+ admitted

Asbury Park Vibes Podcast 

Available on Spotify, Apple, Google, iHeart, Audible, and Pandora

Hosted by Diane DiMemmo & Doug Dresher

Copyright 2020-2025 Asbury Park Vibes. All rights reserved.