Handful of Zygotes

Spring 2009: vocalist Jake Russell tells guitarist Micah Bounds, "We need to start a hardcore band, write as much shit as possible and play a show in one month's time." The conversation takes place on a deck at Chris Cloud's, drinking beers and smoking too many cigarettes. Cloud, enthusiastic, says, "Robbie [Higgins] plays bass! And I can drum for you guys!" Thus, Gryphon Vomit was born. Because of second thoughts as to whether or not the band name was a good idea, as most of the band identity can often be characterized, Gryphon Vomit is quickly renamed Handfull of Zygotes through the genius of Cloud. And, yes, in spite of Higgins [drama] Cloud's [drama] because Higgins recently [drama] and Cloud [drama] Jake and Micah recently [drama] and Jake's seemingly broken-up [drama] and new [drama], we did meet our goal of not only writing as much as possible but playing three shows by the end of summer. Then Jake [moved two hours north to pursue a career in journalism...erm, drama] and the group disbanded, unsure of whether to call it quits or a hiatus. A year later, thanks to the enthusiasm of Chris Cloud and - thank God! - less drama, the band reformed with Cloud, Jake and Micah. Zygotes continued to write at a slow pace and played the occasional show as a three-piece. Then came Spring 2011 when Handfull of Zygotes welcomed Shelby Stradford and Tim Doering to the band. With the new additions and a fuller sound, the time came to change the band name. Much time and consideration was taken to ensure that the band name would accurately represent the new sound while still being respectful to the heritage of the band. Thus Handfull of Zygotes was renamed Handful of Zygotes. After playing many a show during the Summer of 2011, Tim Doering parted ways with Zygotes on good terms and remains an active musician in St. Louis. In search of a new bassist, HOZ naturally sought out Robert Higgins to fill the void. Due to past [drama]... after a few jams, a few talks and a few beers, Handful of Zygotes gladly welcomed back Robert Higgins to the band. Then we broke up again... You know: drama, moving, stages in life, creative differences... ...as bands do. Micah and Jake worked on a new song to say "goodbye" because our farewell show inadvertently ended with our worst song, "She's My Gusset." After posting it, they realized that even though they couldn't experience the antics of a live show, they could maybe continue the creative process by just working on and releasing new Handful of Zygotes songs. This led to work on what would become Zygotes' greatest let-down yet: "The Methodist Lab." This song amongst other things inspired the two to reunite the band. With Cloud now on guitar, Shelby on bass and the introduction of Matt Yates on drums, Zygotes was ready to take its low musical standards to a new generation of people who actually like us. And then... Near the close of 2014, Shelby Stradford left the band to pursue not only greater fulfillment in much better bands, but to become a Super Saiyan and help save the world. The vacancy he left would be filled by none other than the low frequency master that is Zak Hill. Having embraced the band for reasons still unclear, Zak was a welcome addition and is helping to clarify the vision that is Handful of Zygotes. (Edit) But then he got really busy and played one last awesome show with us. Our good friend Michael Miller stepped in to be Handful of Zygotes Bassist #5 To those people who do like us... {Hugs}. FUTURE HISTORY: Guest Vocalists: Tim Doering / JJ Blankenship - The Mad Magician - 9/16/2014 Past Members and Positions: Robert Higgens (Bass #1), Tim Doering (Bass #2), Shelby Stradford (Bass #3 and Guitar), Chris Cloud (Drums) Zak Hill (Bass #4) Handful of Zygotes can't Triforce ▲ ▲ ▲