That Fucking Tank was formed in 2004 for a one-off performance by friends-since-school Andy Abbott and James Islip who met over an owl. Andy plays a specially tuned baritone guitar through guitar and bass amplifiers, James plays a minimal drum kit. Their novel name, energetic performances and manish volume saw them play all over Europe and the UK with brain-mangling regularity, sharing stages and tours with bands including Hella, Q and not U, Lungfish, Oxes, Unsane, Kid Commando, GI Joe, Chevreuil, Grabba Grabba Tape, Poltergroom, US Maple, Neptune, Whitehouse, AIDS Wolf, Vialka, Nervous Kid, Don Caballero, The Fucking Champs, Hoover and the like. The e.p 'A Document of the First Set' and the album 'Day of Death by Bono Adrenalin Shock' (both Jealous records) capture this era.
Relentless touring, emigration from Leeds 6 and growing responsibilities outside of music saw the duo playing gigs at a more regular pace in 2007, and the entrance of old pal and Kill Yourself band-mate Giles Bailey who adds singing and physical-visual stimulation when possible. In 2008 That Fucking Tank fulfilled a teenage fantasy by playing on a bill with Metallica at Leeds and Reading Festivals.
The newest That Fucking Tank album gathers songs from the last two years of activity, with more extended grooves, progressive structures and pop hooks for Reef's Gary Stringer to sing along to. The album is called 'Tanknology' and will be released by Gringo records in March 2009
That Fucking Tank is a band that operates on DIY principles; booking gigs, recording records and making music in a way that contributes towards the creation of alternative spaces to the boring mechanisms of 'industry', and challenging the assumption that 'good' music has to be made 'professionally' (i.e as a job). Therefore if you use this myspace account to get in touch, offer gigs, request interviews and so on bear in mind that we will respond as best we can in our spare moments.
'Making a Meal for Beethoven' on Old Baby Sex Scene compilation
Obscene Baby Auction. 2004. SOLD OUT but available at gigs occasionally.
Document of the First Set ep recorded live in Cardigan Arms pub by Ben Gardener. Jealous Records. 2004. SOLD OUT but available at gigs occasionally.
'Andrew' and 'James' on split 7 inch with Grabba Grabba Tape. Gssh Gssh/OBA. 2005. SOLD OUT.
'Red' by King Crimson split 7 inch with Monster Killed by Laser. Run of the Mill records. 2005.
Day of Death by Bono Adrenalin Shock album recorded in a Welsh B+B by Robert Whiteley. Jealous Records/OBA. 2006. SOLD OUT but available at gigs occasionally.
Awesome Magnet (with Giles Bailey) picture disc 7inch with Euro tour DVD. On the Bone Records. 2007. FEW LEFT.
'Owl End' on Stench of Muscle compilation. Stench of Muscle. 2008.
Youtube Footage
Tank live in Leeds playing The Awesome Magnet with Giles Bailey singing Nov 07
23rd November @ 13th Note, Glasgow with D Abraham Turner 24th November @ Kraak Gallery, Manchester with A Middle Sex - £4 26th November @ Tap, The Water Works, Southend with Lost Harbours - FREE 27th November @ Cafe Oto, London with Chora - £5
Hey Andy (and James), enjoying the new tank stuff too. Thanks for the message on our page. Got a misty eyed when I saw your tour pics from last year, miss getting in the van and driving over Europe.
You putting on gigs at all? If so Coal Train would love to come down......
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