| I Spy | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Clump |
| Origin | Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Genres | Anarcho-punk, punk rock, hardcore punk |
| Years active | 1991–1996 |
| Labels | G7 Welcoming Committee |
| Associated acts | Propagandhi, Swallowing Shit |
| Website | www.myspace.com/ispyofficial |
| Past members | |
| Todd Kowalski Rary Rearo James Ash Sean Talarico |
|
I Spy was a Canadian hardcore punk band founded in Regina, Saskatchewan in 1991, relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1994, and disbanded in 1996.
Originally called Clump (alternately Klump), the band was composed of guitarists Todd Kowalski (known as "Todd the Rod") and "Rary", bassist Dave Guerrero (known as "Rearo"), and drummer James Ash (known as "Jimmy Juice Pig"). With a blend of childish humour and serious, radical left wing political subject matter, the band garnered a following in the Canadian punk rock scene behind several releases on Recess Records and extensive touring. They eventually formed a sibling-like relationship with fellow Winnipeg band Propagandhi, with whom they toured and released a split 10" record in 1994.
Rary left the band in 1995, reducing I Spy to a three-piece in their latter days. The final lineup found bassist Sean Talarico replacing Rearo, who moved back to Regina. G7 Welcoming Committee Records released the band's complete discography on a single CD, Perversity Is Spreading... It's About Time! This compilation includes, along with all proper studio versions, unreleased or obscure tracks and cover versions of songs by Diana Ross and Youth of Today. Kowalski joined Propagandhi in 1997 after the departure of bassist John K. Samson, who left to form The Weakerthans.
In 2002, the original four members reunited in Propagandhi singer Chris Hannah's basement studio to re-record their version of Diana Ross's "When We Grow Up" for the Somebody Needs a Timeout compilation album released by Campfire Records.
I Spy has also contributed songs to a number of compilation albums.