Serious technical chops coated in slick production creep their way into the intelligent and dramatic compositions on White Cowbell Oklahoma’s LP Bombadero. This might come as a surprise to those who know the band as the fireball (or maybe Fireball-fueled) live rock band known for their chainsaws, Sasquatch and nudity-tempered antics on stage—not to mention their flaming cowbell.

With a heavy dose of dingy, dirty southern-inspired rock, the Toronto nine-piece descends on the Mansion tonight to rampage attendees with the show captured on their latest release, Viva Live Locos: Alive At The Burg Herzberg Festival. Lead singer, guitarist and keyboardist Clem C. Clemens talked to the Journal about shape-shifting, sexual depravity and Bananarama.

1. Who are you?

Clem C. Clemsen.

2. You’re known for your insanely dynamic live show, how did it develop?

White Cowbell Oklahoma appreciate only the finest cuts of explosive rock ‘n’ roll. We started getting pissed off that so many douchey bands were failing the test—it’s a big responsibility being in our field. So we scientifically engineered a live show so formidable that it would satisfy even our über-discriminating rock ‘n’ roll needs. We’ve whittled it down from nine guitars and three drummers to three guitars and one drummer, but it’s even more powerfully concentrated now.

3. Is it difficult to harness your live energy and translate it into a recording?

Admittedly, it’s hard to fit the destructive power of a chainsaw and the random acts of sexual depravity often found on our stage into the little digital bytes required of a recorded album. But a little bit of brown sorcery can go a long way to inject the necessary magic. WCO’s latest release—Viva Live Locos—was recorded live at a European enormo-fest, so it captures that live energy like never before.

4. How do you keep your energy up on stage?

Mexican liquor, shapeshifting powers, deep tissue massage, cold-blooded know-how, spite.

5. Any pre-show rituals?

There are many rituals that White Cowbell Oklahoma engage in. Many the public can never see. Lots of self-flagellation and flatulation. Soothsaying and speaking in tongues. A shot or two of tequila helps too.

6. What does the Burg Herzberg gig mean to your band?

WCO’s 2006 Burg Herzberg Festival appearance—captured gloriously on the newly released Viva Live Locos disc—captured a definitive moment in the band’s history, where we began moving to greater heights of musical excellence and adventure. It was reflected in the much prog-rockier next studio album, Bombardero. Playing in Europe meant we started playing a lot more notes.

7. What has been the most rewarding part of releasing Viva Live Locos: Alive At The Burg Herzberg Festival?

We’re just happy to get the damned thing out finally. It was recorded in 2006 for German national TV broadcast—that hippy festival’s a big deal over there and somehow we managed to headline the first night. We blame the LSD they were on.

We acquired the tapes last year so we took it down to our mixing laboratory and made it pristine and shiny for our dear fans. We probably could have put it out sooner but we got all excited about writing Bombardero and had to put that out first.

8. Do you have a favourite track to play live?

I like the long ones. ‘Cause then we can all have a few drinks before they’re over. There’s a medley of “Shot A Gamblin Man” and Frank Zappa’s “Magic Fingers” on the new live album that’s about 15 minutes long. It’s pretty fun to play. Especially if there’s a tray of tequila or Jager nearby.

9. Favourite venue to play? To hear music played?

White Cowbell Oklahoma are quite fond of Paradiso in Amsterdam, for obvious reasons. Although the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto also has its sweaty, lurid, drunken appeal.

10. If you could headline a dream gig, who would be in the lineup? (dead or alive)

We’d probably want to get a bunch of really lame 1980s bands—like The Thompson Twins or Bananarama—which would only serve to make White Cowbell Oklahoma that much heavier and good.

11. What’s next for WCO?

White Cowbell Oklahoma will only settle for everything and everything only. After Friday you shall be our Stepford Wife forever, Kingston.

White Cowbell Oklahoma play The Mansion tonight with Spitfist and Meathook at 9 p.m. Tickets are $8 at the door.