Members
Select a Cows band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
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About
Cows are a seminal noise rock band hailing from Minneapolis, known for their raw, unrestrained sound and chaotic performances. Formed in the mid-1980s, the group originally consisted of Shannon Selberg (vocals, trumpet), Thor Eisentrager (guitar), Kevin Rutmanis (bass), and Norm Rogers (drums). Their music is a visceral blend of post-hardcore and noise rock, characterized by abrasive guitar work and unpredictable stage antics. Despite their early label as "talentless," Cows carved out their own niche in the punk rock scene with a series of albums that maintained their aggressive, anti-commercial ethos.
How to Sound Like Cows
Capturing the Cows' sound requires embracing an aggressive and chaotic sonic character. Their music is defined by distorted, feedback-laden guitars and a rhythm section that drives with relentless intensity. For bass tones reminiscent of Kevin Rutmanis, gear such as the Boss ODB-3 Bass OverDrive imparts the gritty, overdriven edge crucial to their sound. The band’s live performances often featured blistering noise and unconventional soundscapes, with the DigiTech XP-300 Space Station contributing to the more experimental textures. To achieve the Cows' unpolished and frenetic vibe, musicians should focus on layering distortion, embracing dissonance, and maintaining an energetic, almost anarchic performance style.
Discography
Get the Cows Sound
Want to sound like Cows? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
