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Masterminded by Sleepytime Gorilla Museum's former percussionist Moe Staiano, Surplus 1980 is a whip-smart, progressive post-punk art rock band from Oakland, CA. Surplus 1980 takes cues from the angular punk bands of the 1980s, fusing a fierce, muscular attack with experimental out-jazz and elements of progressive rock. A hallmark of Surplus 1980's music is the inclusion of timbres outside of the typical rock band realm, including orchestral instruments such as violin and oboe, as well as unusual sounds like glockenspiel or toy piano. These unexpected sounds add a unique texture to the music that sets Surplus 1980 apart. Coupled with Staiano's playful and introspective lyrics, Surplus 1980's music updates the post-punk aesthetic with their own kind of maximal minimalism.

They have recorded a collaboration with current and past members of Surplus 1980 with vocal/lyric contributions from G.W. Sok under the name Surplus 1980 Collectiv Ensembl With G.W. Sok (which they have released one album in 2019), showing that Surplus 1980 is interested in branching out and exploring other avenues of music mediums.

They completed a new album, Illusion of Consistency, recorded remotely throughout the pandemic in 2020/2021, released at the end of 2023. They have a new line-up with Moe and Melne remaining with three new members.