McCarthy is probably remembered more for their left-wing politics than their jangly sound. Formed in Barking, Essex, England, in 1985, McCarthy consisted of Malcolm Eden (vocals, guitar), Tim Gane (guitar), John Williamson (bass), and Gary Baker (drums). Gane was originally a drummer, but Eden taught him how to play a number of chords on a guitar. Both musicians were influenced by British punk groups such as the Sex Pistols, the Clash, and the Buzzcocks, and they covered their songs in small gigs. By the time Eden completed his studies at a university, his Marxist beliefs had grown deeper, reflected in his lyrics for McCarthy. In 1987, McCarthy released their debut LP I Am a Wallet. The album was virtually ignored by U.K. radio programmers, except for legendary British DJ John Peel. Because of Eden's political views, the band was often lumped in with less pop-oriented acts like Billy Bragg and the Redskins, comparisons that upset the group. The band's second album, The Enraged Will Inherit the Earth, appeared in 1989. However, after the group recorded their third full-length, 1990's Banking, Violence and the Inner Life Today, Eden felt there was no need to continue; he believed that McCarthy's creativity peaked with that LP. Moreover, he was burned out from touring. Consequently, the group split up and Gane formed Stereolab with his girlfriend Laetitia Sadier, who also sang on McCarthy's last album. Eden released material with Herzfeld.
Take 4 of the best up-and-coming live bands – each a capable headliner in their own right (NO ropey filler acts or cover bands!) and intersperse with genre traversing, decade hopping recorded music ranging from Cutting Edge to Indie Classic Anthem to Guilty Pleasure from 9pm until late for only £4 and you have a SICK night out!
"STRAWHOUSES is all about that feeling that we're living blissfully unaware that we're on unsteady ground.
Their musical influences are diverse; from the melody kings of Radiohead, REM and U2, to the tribal beats of Killing Joke, to the darkest moments of Joy Division and The Smiths. "
"FAKE UNION is a project that strives to make thoughtful music. Making songs that are edgy and uncomfortable is what they are good at. So they keep doing it, with smiles on their faces and fists in the air!"
Hey guys! After a year and a half we are back charging full steam ahead with the release of our latest album "Songs For The Road Towards The End Of The World" this past May 31, 2009. Unlike our two previous releases this was a long duration album (LP) featuring 12 all created by Pete Drown. Mike Mellow participated in the album by co-producing it and creating the art. The first single is called "Ciento Once Grados" (111 Degrees) and we have a brief video/slideshow teaser for it on our page.
We want to invite you to download our free album and share with us your feedback. All you have to do is click on the Cover art either on this message or by visiting our myspace page. There you can also download our previous two EP's if you don't have them already.
So, that being said, I hope you download it, I hope you enjoy it, and I hope you let us know. Thanks again. Micro out...
