Biography
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Years Active
1990 – present (34 years)
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Founded In
San Francisco, California, United States
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Members
- Andrew O'Doughaill
- Caroleen Beatty
- Cynthia Wigginton
- Greg Snyder
- MarKo P. Soapbox
Formed in 1987, this band initially combined an interest in Celtic & political folk music with anarcho edged punk rock, and were known for raucous beer soaked performances and supporting leftist causes. They created a hybrid sound they called "Sham Rock", that was not unlike current band Flogging Molly's approach with similar instrumentation. Their building live reputation earned them a slot supporting their main influence The Pogues in 1987, and they first appeared with two songs on Subterranean Records' "Devouring Our Roots: San Francisco's New Folk Uprising" CD/LP compilation in 1989 alongside other local acts like Penelope Houston & The Muskrats.
After raspy co-lead vocalist Lil' Mike left in 1989, the band somewhat softened their rakish approach when delivering 1990's debut Frothing Green for Rough Trade subsidiary Heyday Records. After this juncture most vocals were delivered by Caroleen Beatty, who sang the Woody Guthrie-esque lyrical stylings of fellow singer & guitarist/songwriter Marko Sakmann.
Several more album (and line up shifts) followed as the band continued over the years. Mandolinist Jeremy Bunn (formerly of Honor Role & X-Tal) and drummer Andrew Bunn exited to be replaced in the early 1990's by Theo Denaxis formerly of A Subtle Plague. Original violinist Cindy Wigginton left after the 1st LP, and the group had two more violinists in Shannon McGuire & towards the mid 1990's Morgan Fichter who'd also played previously with Harm Farm, Camper Van Beethoven, Jane's Addiction, and Natalie Merchant.
1991 saw a 7" of Danny Boy with a b-side version of "Sweet Talker" w/ songwriter Gary Floyd of Sister Double Happiness joining Caroleen on vocals. After distributor Rough Trade dissolved into bankruptcy and their debut album fell out of print, they began releasing material on the tiny Spirit Music Industries label. These releases included "Don't Forget! - A Benefit For American Peace Test", The "Roll Over" 10" vinyl collection and 1993's "Wallow" LP/CD. The band also contributed to numerous compilations including notably the ltd edition 7" collection Mission Box alongside friends Steelpole Bathtub, Jawbreaker & J Church, and several projects related to Komotion International, a collective studio, label & performance space in San Francisco they were affiliated with.
In 1995 they added guitarist Sunshine Haire and European Normal records label issued older recordings & covers for the ltd edition "Squeeze Your Inner Child" rarities collection. Their last release was 1996's "Land Of No Surprises" also on Normal.
Band members that continued to release music afterwards included bassist Greg Snyder who joined poltical punk groups Strawman & Shotwell. Violinist Cynthia Wigginton contributed to recordings by Alejandro Escovedo, X-Tal and her own project Bermuda Triangle Service.
Caroleen Beatty put out two albums with her band Waycross, and contributed to recordings with Jon Langford, J Church, Mushroom as well as a solo album and a Brian Eno tribute disc made with fellow Waycross member Doug Hilsinger.
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