Steam Powered Giraffe

Steam Powered Giraffe describes itself as a “quirky act” combining “comedic sketches, improvised android banter, and original music fused with multimedia visuals, billowing steam effects, and robot pantomime.” It’s one of the most popular acts in the steampunk scene.

The band consists of three “robots”:

The Spine (David Michael Bennett) on vocals, guitars, bass, mandolin, keyboards
Rabbit (Isabella “Bunny” Bennett) on vocals, accordion, keytar, melodica, tambourine
Zer0 (Bryan Barbarin) on vocals and bass

They’re occasionally assisted by guest musicians. During concerts, they’re joined onstage by characters Walter Worker Chelsea and Walter Worker Camille, portrayed by Chelsea and Camille Penyak.

Location: San Diego

Major releases: 1896 (2020), Quintessential (2016), The Vice Quadrant: A Space Opera (2015), MK III (2013), The 2¢ Show (2012), Album One (2009)

Stories

Steam Powered Giraffe Schedules First Post-Pandemic Live Concert

Staff Report | Jun 29, 2023

The band will perform live and in-person on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024 at The Center Theater at California Center for the Arts in Escondido, California. It will be their first live concert since the start of the pandemic.

New Albums from Unwoman and Mr. B; SPG Crowdfunds Vinyl Release

Staff Report | Jun 7, 2023

Unwoman and Mr. B The Gentleman Rhymer are out with new albums, though in Unwoman’s case it’s a free pre-release version. Also: The Cog is Dead has a new single and Steam Powered Giraffe is crowdfunding a vinyl release of MK III.

Steampunk Bands Speak Out About Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Staff Report | Feb 27, 2022

Steampunk might be about imaginary worlds and pasts that never were, but sometimes reality intrudes. As Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, several top musical acts in the steampunk world have taken a stand.

New Music: Abney Park, Steam Powered Giraffe, and The Cog Is Dead

Staff Report | Sep 30, 2021

Three of the biggest names in steampunk music are out with new videos. Abney Park’s “Don’t Let Another Captain Captain Your Boat” is the first release from the band’s new album The Sub Aquatic Opera. The band is also planning a streaming concert.

Steam Powered Giraffe Is “Not Live and Not in Person” In New Concert Video

Staff Report | Jul 29, 2021

The 25-minute concert was recorded remotely in 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic. It’s available for $5, which also includes MP3 downloads.

‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ Gets the SPG Treatment in New Video

Staff Report | May 28, 2021

Steam Powered Giraffe has a soulful take on the lullaby. Bryan Barbarin handles lead vocals with guest performer Lacey Johnson on piano and backing vocals.

Steam Powered Giraffe Out With Sixth Studio Album, ‘1896’

Staff Report | Nov 13, 2020

The band has been previewing the album for the past year with singles and music videos. The two-disc package features 12 songs, 10 of which are reprised in acoustic versions.

Steam Powered Giraffe to Offer Online Alternative to Live Concert

Staff Report | Jul 12, 2019

The band will appear on stage August 3 in La Jolla, California. But even if you can’t make it to the show, you’ll have a chance to watch a high-definition video on their website.

Steam Powered Giraffe to Release ‘The 2¢ Show’ on Vinyl

Staff Report | Feb 22, 2019

The band is accepting pre-orders for a vinyl LP version of the album, which was originally released in 2012. The package will include two LPs in a gatefold jacket.

New Show for SPG: ‘The Echo Engine’

Staff Report | Jan 4, 2019

Steam Powered Giraffe will debut the live show at the California Center for the Arts Center Theater in Escondido, California. The band promises “new songs, old favorites, and a tantalizing plot” involving a mysterious device.

An Enchanted City in Upstate New York

Thousands are expected for Saturday’s Enchanted City Steampunk Fair in Troy, near Albany

Staff Report | Sep 10, 2018

Troy, New York will become a Victorian fantasyland as The Enchanted City V Steampunk Fair takes place this Saturday. Highlights include an Inventor’s Challenge and appearances by Frenchy and the Punk and Steam Powered Giraffe.