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live at the Mean Fiddler, London circa 1988
Bio:
Dublin garage/trash band often compared to The Cramps and undoubtedly inspired by them and
the hugely influential Rockabilly Psychosis & The Garage Disease LP released by Big Beat Records
in 1984.
The band was formed in 1984 by three ex members of The Assembley (1981-83): Brian McGabhan,
Colm O'Kelly (ex Revolver) and Ray
Hartford (ex Fast Skirts, The Blackouts),
together with twin drummers Brian O'Kelly (ex Scatcat, Van Hool, brother of Colm) and
Gerry O'Boyle. Ray Hartford soon made way for Alan Taafe [AKA Alan Byrne?].
Early live shows consisted mostly of riotous cover versions. By 1985 they were writing original material and debuted
on vinyl on the Guru Weirdbrain and Live at the Underground sampler albums. They supported touring
bands and built a strong live reputation in Dublin. Alan Taafe left following an onstage fight and
was John Byrne (ex Autobop, AWOL, but now
a full time music journalist) became temporary bassist.
In 1986 the band made their TV debut on RTE (which show?) and appeared on Dave Fanning's show.
Ray Hartford returned on bass for a few months (Feb-Sept 86) before Alan Taafe rejoined.
They finally signed a deal with
Idol Records
in October 1986 (they also signed Guernica).
The deal was for three singles and one LP, though only two singles would materialise.
Both Idol EPs were produced by Daniel Figgis AKA Binttii of Princess Tinymeat.
The first of these "Bug Spud" was released in April 1987 and coincided with live gigs in the UK. It was well
received, as was the follow-up "Cargo Cult" LP in November.
Idol Records ran into trouble in 1988 and "Eyeball Soup", the Gorehounds third single, was shelved, together
with the planned debut LP. The label folded the same year. Valerie McGlynn (ex Lolitas) took over on bass in
June 1988 after Alan Taafe exited. The band then struck a deal with the New York based Big Chief label
(not an ideal situation for a Dublin band, even if it is co-run by irish DJ Stephen Roche) and their
debug LP finally came out in late 1989. "Semtex" collected all six tracks from the two Idol EPs
and added four new recordings produced by Niall O'Sullivan. Brian O'Kelly left, followed by
Gerry O'Boyle. Dave White (ex Modus Vivendi) became the bands sole drummer.
The band split sometime in 1990.
Gerry O'Boyle & Brian O'Kelly both worked in Base X Records in Dublin circa 1982-83 and later Comet Records. Brian O'Kelly is owner of Comet Records and regularly organises record fairs in Ireland.
Article from the Sunday Tribune dated 7.1.1990
Not to be confused with the US garage band from Portland, Oregon who released
the "Halloween Everywhere" LP.
Notes:
Six of the ten tracks had previously been released on the two Idol EPs.
The four new tracks were produced by the band and Niall O'Sullivan.
A sticker on the cover carried the following quotes:
"Irish trash/dog rock cultists with Jesus and Mary Chain
style hammering snare and nail scraping feedback..."--NME
"A truly awesome mix of choppy guitar lines, pounding bass
and twin drums."--KERRANG
"Five slavering monsters from the psychedelic jungle, their sound
combines tribal drumming, and controlled guitar feedback..."--HOT PRESS
We need your help to correct and/or complete this entry. If you can provide more information about this band, have scans, photos or any other memorabilia we can use, or spare copies of any releases, then please get in touch.