Baltimore's experimental bands

Videohippos

Members: Kevin O'Meara and Jim Triplett

The music: Like an honest-to-goodness rock band taking on some Dan Deacon songs, Videohippos brings the guitars and quirky noises and detached vocals that one would expect from lo-fi and injects a good dose of spazz. Videohippos can write a classic indie rock song (see "Kool Shades") with just enough major chord changes to mark the riffs as catchy—even if they morph at random. 

The visuals: As with most good Wham City sprouts, Videohippos makes frequent use of mixed media. Where Deacon uses light shows, Videohippos is often seen playing to a backdrop of collaged video shots. Also good indicators of Wham roots are the various keyboards, drum machines and other electronic players on full display on the records. Live, these electronic arts serve as a backdrop for real drum kits and dynamic electric guitars, and, of course, the video content. 

Level of experimentation: 4.5, just enough to suggest Wham City origins

Web site: www.myspace.com/videohippos