1984-85 - Tim Freeborn, Kenny, Andrew, Ditch Dog (aka Glen Poirier), and Dave
1986-87 - Tim Freeborn, Ditch Dog, Paul Morris, Myke Canzi, and Chris Black
1989 - Tim Freeborn, Paul Morris, Myke Canzi, Chris Black, and Dave Walsh (ex of No Mind)
1990-91 - Tim Freeborn, Paul Morris, Myke Canzi, Chris Black, and Daragh Hayes
Influences
Jerry's Kids, Suburban Mutilation, DRI, Stompin Tom, Descendents...
Sons of Ishmael, Toronto's all-boy band, emerged in 1985 from the town of Meaford, Ontario (population 4400) as a reaction to small-town decadence. In June of that year the band released a 13-song 7" entitled Hayseed Hardcore which gained them notoriety and rave reviews in such magazines as Thrasher and MaximumRocknRoll. The first pressing sold out in 3-months.
The line-up has since fluctuated and, as of June 1990, comprised Chris Black (ex of Charlie Browns Wang) on drums; Myke Canzi from Rhodesia (ex of Burning Rectal Itch) on guitar; Tim Freeborn from Meaford (ex of Angry Thalidomide Babies) on vocals and triangle; Paul Morris from Athens, Ontario (ex of Disorderly Fashion) on guitar and vocals; and Daragh Hayes from Galway, Ireland (ex of Count Floyd) on bass.
In the aftermath of a highly successful road trip to Newport, Kentucky in 1987, during which the band played in a club where the remains of a Jimi Hendrix bowel movement (circa 1968) stimulate the senses still, two Sons of Ishmael tracks appeared on the Over The Top compilation LP Apathy Never!. This in turn led to a record deal for the band who then tantalized their audience with a track on the Toronto 7" compilation Progress?!?.
June of 1987 saw the Sons embark on a 64-day tour of the U.S. and Canada taking them through as many as 30 states and 5 provinces, some of which they even played in. They received very positive responses from their frantic live shows in all cities but Sault Ste. Marie where rednecks (in obligatory pickup truck) chased them out of town.
Following the tour their debut album, Pariah Martyr Demands A Sacrifice, was released on Over The Top Records in the U.S. and Manic Ears Records in the U.K. receiving reviews everywhere. Thereafter, the band retired to its practise space and spent 1988 working the formulation of a third chord.
Unfortunately Sons of Ishmael disbanded on June 10, 1988 in response to Freeborn's decision to pursue knowledge (at Trent University) rather than a lucrative career in music.
A year later, inspired by The Who's reunion tour, they regrouped to reveal to the world their new post-hardcore eclecticism. Upon returning from their cancellation plagued one date tour of the U.S. the band released the self-produced 10 song 7 EP, Sons of Ishmael Sing Generic Crap, recorded in May 1988 and long forgotten in the vaults of Reaction Studios. The record showcased the bands newer sound which draws on a wider scope of influences. Says guitarist Myke Canzi, "We're influenced by BTO - we listen to them and know how not to sound".
1990 saw the band complete a 52-date tour to seven different countries in Europe. While they were nearly thrown out of Bremen, Germany, the reaction was highly favourable in other cities. The tour coincided with the release of Sing Generic Crap on the German label, Sellout Activities.
At Marquee Studios in Reutlingen, Germany, the band recorded 13-songs which showcased an even wider scope of influences, diabolically juxtaposing such styles as Celtic, country, and even lounge music to their more familiar construction-site-core sound. Mimsy With The Borogoves was released a year later on Sellout Activities on 10" vinyl.
The public unveiling of that elusive third chord is imminent.
PS The band disbanded for good after returning from their 1991 European tour. Their final shows were in Toronto at the Rivoli (opening for Hole), Montreal, and Ottawa.
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I saw you guys play in Grand Haven Michigan in 1990 with a band I was roading for called Ivy League. When you guys started playing you scared me and I loved it. After the show you stayed at the same house as we did and you were really nice guys. I went out and got everything I could find by you guys. Hayseed Hardcore is still one of my favorite HC records of all time. Thanks guys.
Here are a couple of photos from a set you guys played for a benefit show at Christie Pits. i think there was seven or eight people there. We missed most of your set because we were trying to find parking. We caught the last two songs. And the film got overexposed. But it is better then nothing.
This is a show I put on for you guys when you got back from your US tour. One of the conditions, probably the only condition, of doing the show was that Flecks of Drool play.
I am really looking forward to seeing these videos, you were one of the bands back in my time that I missed out on trading any video by. Scarce to see as the proverbial shaven yak. You still ARE one of my fave bands too by the way.
You guys helped me out in hard and good times. Thx for making one of the best underrated punk bands ever! And yes, I still have your records and still play them. They sound as fresh as when they came out. I used to know Carl that put out your lp on over the top records! I haven't seen him around lately. Thx for the add on......
Thanks for the add! Creetings from Finland! AMAZING TAILS "Daydreams for Adults" and "Happy Hour Unhappy Days" CD's available on SP-Records: http://www. sp-records. com
Greetings from the Northernmost forests of Montana. Fantastic music, I wish you continued success! Support the underground, and we'll support you. As above, so below...... Zebulon
Yo! A.Hardcore. I can't reply to your email 'cause we're not 'friends'. And we can't be friends 'cause I don't know your last fucking name! Holy crap, you work for the CIA or something? Anyway, no more Hayseed Hardcore's. Sorry. Try ebay.
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