Racebannon

Racebannon is an American noise punk band from Bloomington, Indiana.

History

Racebannon was formed in Indianapolis in 1996 by Michael Anderson and James Bauman. The group cites The Melvins, Melt Banana, and Ice Nine as early influences.[1] They cobbled together a lineup from members of other Indianapolis hardcore punk bands and released their first 7" record in 1998. Many other 7"'s, split 7"'s, and compilation appearances followed, as well as the band's debut album, First There Was The Emptiness. The group's name comes from Dr. Quest's bodyguard in the Jonny Quest franchise.[2] Among the group's unusual sonic attributes is the use of DJ scratching, but as a conduit for noise rather than a rhythmic accompaniment (as in hip hop).[3] After moving to Bloomington, Indiana, they signed with Secretly Canadian, who released their full-length In the Grips of the Light. The album was recorded with Mike Mogis of Lullaby for the Working Class, and resulted in their winning praise from Alternative Press.[3] 2002's Satan's Kickin' Yr Dick In, was a concept album revolving around a Faustian bargain and was also produced by Mogis.[3] Over the course of the album (sometimes considered a rock opera), the protagonist, Rodney, sells his soul to Satan in exchange for the chance to become a drag queen rock star.[4] The group performed at SXSW in 2003.[5] Their most recent album, Acid or Blood, appeared in 2008 on Southern Records.[6][7] Another album, entitled Six Sik Sisters, and a 12" remix of a Merzbow track have also been named as future releases.[8]

Members

Past Additional Members

Discography

This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

References

  1. Interview with Racebannon. Smother Magazine.
  2. Racebannon at Epitonic
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Kurt Morris, Racebannon at Allmusic
  4. Review of Satan's Kickin' Yr Dick In. Allmusic
  5. Satan's Kickin'. The Stranger, June 5–11, 2003.
  6. Review of Acid or Blood. Prefix Magazine, August 12, 2008.
  7. Reivew of Acid or Blood. Thrash Hits, July 31, 2008.
  8. Racebannon Return with Album, Tour, Merzbow Remix. Pitchfork Media, August 7, 2008.
  9. Review of First There Was the Emptiness, Allmusic