Isocracy (band)

Isocracy was a punk rock band from the United States Berkeley-area, formed in 1986. The band was one of the key bands in the MRR/Gilman Street project.

John Kiffmeyer (a.k.a. Al Sobrante), who later went on to form Green Day, was the drummer for the band. The other members were Lenny Johnson (guitar), Martin Brome (bass), and Jason Beebout (vocals), who went on to form Samiam. The group recorded an 11 song 7" vinyl titled "Bedtime for Isocracy", released in 1988 through Lookout! Records (L005). The band was later featured on the Lookout! Records' compilation, "The Thing That Ate Floyd". Additionally, Isocracy's EP tracks were rereleased on (L293) "Punk Rock 7"s Volume 1."

During their active years from 1986 through 1988, Isocracy was known for their wild performances where anything could happen. According to the book written about the Gilman St. Project, Isocracy was one of the main bands who brought a new sense of positive anarchy to the punk scene. During this time in the mid 1980s hardcore was the dominant musical style in the scene. Isocracy's live shows included playing in laundromats and covering the audience with garbage and shredded paper. In this regard, Isocracy bridged hardcore punk with performance art. Green Day benefited from Sobrante's contacts he had made in the scene prior to their formation.

References

* [http://www.924gilman.org/ 924 Gilman Street]
* [http://lookout.littletype.com/isocracy-lkb-grpcat.php Lookout Records.]
* [http://www.interpunk.com/item.cfm?Item=25622& (L293) review on interpunk.com]