The Aristocrats are, quite simply, an instrumental group made up of guitarist Guthrie Govan (who recorded and toured with Asia), bassist Bryan Beller (of the Dethklok touring band), and drummer Marco Minnemann. With the July 16 release of their second album, Culture Clash, the band continues to build on their self-titled debut’s fusion of neo-prog rock and metal. Named after the transgressive vaudevillian joke of the same name, the band’s trademark habit of giving songs absurd titles also makes a return to provide the same comedic relief. These masters of wordless storytelling can be seen at the Highline Ballroom on Aug. 1, the North Star Bar in Philly on Aug. 2, and the New Jersey Proghouse in Dunellen on Aug. 3. Sure to please if you’re a fan of “Sweaty Knockers,” or the song’s namesake, for that matter.
