This Kinetic Sculpture Plays Rock Music Using Actual Rocks

Artist Neil Mendoza’s latest project gives new meaning to the term “rock and roll." Called "Rock Band," the kinetic sound sculpture consists of a four-piece ensemble of electromechanical instruments, which make music using actual rocks.

In the video above, you can watch Rock Band perform The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” by firing tiny rocks at aluminum keys; slapping rocks with fake leather; and buzzing an electromagnetic coil against pieces of marble, among other activities. (For more technical details on how Mendoza created the project, check out his Instructables tutorial, which explains his design process.)

As for the rest of Mendoza's oeuvre, it's equally quirky: Last year, the artist made a "Hamster Powered Hamster Drawing Machine," which uses a pet rodent's exercise wheel to power a larger sketching contraption (one that draws pictures of hamsters, naturally). And two years ago, Mendoza fashioned an "Electric Knife Orchestra," comprised of 16 knives and a meat cleaver, that plays the Bee Gees' hit "Stayin' Alive."

[h/t The Kids Should See This]

Banner image: Vimeo