Racebannon

Racebannon is an American noise punk band from Indianapolis, 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. [ [http://www.smother.net/interviews/racebannon.php Interview with Racebannon] . "Smother Magazine".] 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 bands debut album, "First There Was The Emptiness". The group's name comes from Dr. Quest's bodyguard in the cartoon show "Johnny Quest". [ [http://www.epitonic.com/index.jsp?refer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.epitonic.com%2Fartists%2Fracebannon.html Racebannon] at Epitonic] 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).Kurt Morris, [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:h9ftxqy0ld0e~T1 Racebannon] at Allmusic] 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". 2002's "Satan's Kickin' Yr Dick In", was a concept album revolving around a Faustian bargain and was also produced by Mogis. 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. [ [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:f9fyxqealdfe Review of "Satan's Kickin' Yr Dick In"] . Allmusic] The group performed at SXSW in 2003. [ [http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Content?oid=14537 Satan's Kickin'] . "The Stranger", June 5-11, 2003.] Their most recent album, "Acid or Blood", appeared in 2008 on Southern Records. [ [http://www.prefixmag.com/reviews/racebannon/acid-or-blood/20521/ Review of "Acid or Blood"] . Prefix Magazine, August 12, 2008.] [ [http://www.thrashhits.com/2008/07/album-racebannon-acid-or-blood/ Reivew of "Acid or Blood"] . Thrash Hits, July 31, 2008.] Another album, entitled "Six Sick Sisters", and a 12" remix of a Merzbow track have also been named as future releases. [ [http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/142335-racebannon-return-with-album-tour-merzbow-remix Racebannon Return with Album, Tour, Merzbow Remix] . Pitchfork Media, August 7, 2008.]

Members

*Michael Anderson - vocals
*James Bauman - guitar
*Chris Saligoe - bass
*Brad Williams - drums

Past Additional Members

*Dave Britts
*Chris Williams
*Nate Spainhower
*Mike Bell

Discography

*"First There Was The Emptiness" LP (Level Plane, 2000; re-released to CD, Secretly Canadian, 2005) [ [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:hxfexqesldte Review of "First There Was the Emptiness"] , Allmusic]
*"In the Grips of the Light" CD/LP (Secretly Canadian, 2002)
*"Satan's Kickin' Yr Dick In" CD/LP (Secretly Canadian, 2002)
*"Near and Far, Vol. 2" CD/LP (Backroad Records, 2002)
*"The Inevitable: Singles and Rarities 1997-2005" CD (Alone Records, 2005)
*"Acid or Blood" CD/LP (Southern Records, 2008)

References