Emperor Penguin

by Heather Phares
Chicago's goofy, funky electronic duo Emperor Penguin consists of DJ Lazlo Minimart and keyboardist Melvoin Stanke. Their love of antique analogue synths, found sounds and electro-funk culminated in the release of their debut album Shatter the Illusion of Integrity, Yeah in early 1999 on My Pal God Records. Emperor Penguin wasted no time in following up the album with a limited-edition single on Box Factory, E.D.G.A.R., and their second full-length Extreme Gaming just a few months later. Their third album Mysterious Pony, the title of which was decided by voters on their label's website, arrived early the next year. Their rapid pace showed no signs of abating; they began 2001 with the four-song Damn EP, which featured the Emperor Penguin Live Expedition Squadron (bassist/guitarist Jack Flapjack, keyboardist Nord 2000 and drummer Ferrari) on two tracks.