In the world of music, you may recognize the band Devo for their distinctive red plastic hats and jumpsuits, as well as their memorable hit “Whip It.” But a new Netflix documentary sheds light on the complexities of this Ohio-based group, suggesting they might be more significant than many realize. The documentary, simply titled “Devo,” premiered recently, highlighting their misunderstood legacy.
Gerald Casale, one of the band’s co-founders, shared that Devo often felt marginalized: “We were trivialized and pigeonholed,” he explained. This documentary offers a platform for the band to discuss their artistic motivations and the deeper societal concerns that influenced their work.
Directed by Chris Smith, the film pulls from archival footage and interviews, capturing the band’s journey from their early days to their rise and eventual decline. It features testimonials from notable fans such as David Bowie and Iggy Pop.
The band first introduced their unique sound to the public in 1977 with an energetic version of the Rolling Stones’ “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction,” gaining attention on “Saturday Night Live.” Over the years, their distinctive style involved unconventional performances and striking visuals, such as their quirky outfits reminiscent of “Ghostbusters.”
Their debut album, produced by Brian Eno, “Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!,” was released in 1978, but it was the 1980 album “Freedom of Choice” that brought them substantial success, thanks in part to “Whip It,” just as their record label was about to drop them.
Yet beneath the bizarre costumes lay profound artistic ideas. Devo’s name is derived from the concept of “devolution,” expressing their belief that society was regressing rather than progressing. Casale reflected on this notion, lamenting a world that seemed far removed from the hopeful visions of the 1950s and 60s.
The band’s beginnings were marked by tragedy; Casale and bandmate Mark Mothersbaugh experienced the Kent State shootings, which profoundly influenced their anti-establishment stance. They mixed high art with popular culture, drawing inspiration from movements such as Dadaism and figures like Andy Warhol.
Visually, Devo’s music videos contained layers of political commentary. For instance, their upbeat “Beautiful World” featured stark images of violence and unrest, while “Freedom of Choice” warned against conformism.
Interestingly, “Whip It” was inspired by the dense postmodern novel “Gravity’s Rainbow” by Thomas Pynchon. The accompanying video showcased elements of satire, criticizing the hard-edged mindset of the Reagan era.
Despite their clever insights, the band’s message often went unheard, overshadowed by audiences seeking lighter topics. Casale recounts, “Nobody wanted to hear us talking about the duality of human nature and the dangers of groupthink.”
Devo’s presence serves as a reminder of the importance of questioning the status quo in a world often driven by commercial interests. Their influence can still be felt today, as they are credited with inspiring newer artists who challenge societal norms.
Even after their peak years, the band continued to make their mark in various creative fields. Casale has directed music videos and advertisements, while Mothersbaugh composed for various films and popular children’s shows.
In recent performances, Casale has noticed a mixed audience of older fans and younger generations who have used technology to engage with their work. Devo is gearing up for a co-headlining tour later this year with the B-52’s, aptly named the Cosmic De-Evolution Tour.
Though often categorized as New Wave or electronic music pioneers, Casale insists they embrace a true punk ethos: questioning authority while remaining committed to their vision. This conviction elevates Devo beyond mere novelty, making them a fascinating exploration of music’s role in reflecting and critiquing society.
