Electro Hippies

Last updated

Electro Hippies
Origin St Helens/Wigan, England
Genres
Years active1985–1989
Labels Peaceville
Necrosis
Past members Jeffrey Walker
Simon
Bruno (Brian Rylance)
Andy Barnard
Kate
Phil
Dom Murphy
Whitey

Electro Hippies were an English thrashcore band formed in St Helens/Wigan, England, in 1985.

Though they were short-lived and underground through their career, their music influenced many future crust, hardcore punk, and grindcore bands. The band relied heavily on low bass end sounds to create their low-fi, primitively produced music. They also incorporated elements of heavy metal and have been described as "proto-grindcore". [3] The band strongly embraced the D.I.Y. (do it yourself) ethic which was very common among many early crust punk bands. The band's lyrics spoke heavily about animal rights and vegetarianism. A recurring lyrical theme on each LP targeted the McDonald's corporation, evidenced by the lyrics to "Run Ronald" and "Scum".

The band were supported by John Peel for whom they recorded a radio session in 1987, released as an EP by Strange Fruit Records the same year. [4] [5]

The Electro Hippies included Jeff Walker (guitar, vocals) in their ranks. He later joined extreme metal band Carcass. When Walker joined Carcass full-time, Simon (drums) and Andy (guitar) took over vocal duties. Eventually, the band split up in 1989, playing one last gig and releasing the show as their final album.

Discography

Chart placings shown are from the UK Indie Chart. [6]

During their short career, they also appeared on many compilations, such as A Vile Peace , Digging in Water , the Peel sessions sampler, and Vile Vibes .

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References

  1. Glasper, Ian (2009). Trapped in a Scene: UK Hardcore 1985-89. p. 309.
  2. Von Havoc, Felix (1 January 1984). "Rise of Crust". Profane Existence. Archived from the original on 15 June 2008. Retrieved 16 June 2008.
  3. York, William "The Only Good Punk Review", Allmusic , Macrovision Corporation, retrieved 19 December 2009
  4. Strong, Martin C. (2001) The Great Metal Discography, 2nd edn., MOJO Books, ISBN   1-84195-185-4, p. 181
  5. The Electro Hippies 1987 Peel Session, Keeping It Peel, BBC, retrieved 19 December 2009
  6. Lazell, Barry (1997). Indie Hits 1980-1999. Cherry Red Books. ISBN   0-9517206-9-4.