Urban Shocker Duo

Zeroid Hopper and Bentuibi Timely have been collaborating on original music projects since the early 1980's. Originally the duo formed "Ethiopia" and began playing their electro-punk-nu wave songs in venues throughout the Mid Ohio Valley. Their performances were defined by energetic stage presence, quirky lyrics and driving electronic beats via now vintage Roland and Korg sequencers. The music exuded the influences of Bowie, Devo, The Talking Heads ... with some AC/DC-esque power chords along the way.Eventually Ethiopia was laid to rest for a few years.

The two would team up again in the mid-1990's and Urban Shocker Duo was born. At that time the sound was reduced to bare essentials ... vocals, electric guitar and an Alesis drum machine. The Duo would rely on creating a show based upon high energy, stage presence and straight ahead rock and roll. Urban Shocker Duo was introduced to the public in June 1996 at the Brass Works in Parkersburg.

The Duo would become known for their high energy, audience involving shows. And nobody in the area could rock a crazier Halloween party ... as if the Duo were a couple of mad scientist inducing musical mayhem. Slowly the original Alesis sound was augmented with a Boss sequencer, adding a few backing sounds to the trademark "Shocker" sound.

As often happen, adulthood caught up with the Duo, and another hiatus started ... but in the Summer of 2013 the Duo reunited to play a charity fundraiser and since then has been writing new songs and tweaking a new style. Through the world of computers, Urban Shocker Duo has ventured in the world of modern electronica. The shows still provide a taste of the old school "Shocker" while introducing folks to a new groove-a-rific sound ... which embraces all the high energy and fun the duo has become know for!