Dumb and the Ugly were a truly iconic Australian avant-garde metal band. Forming in 1987, it consisted of Michael Sheridan (No, Max Q) on guitar; John Murphy (Whirlywirld, Orchestra of Skin and Bone, Max Q) on drums and synthesisers; and David Brown (Bucketrider, Candlesnuffer) on bass guitar and guitar.
Dumb and the Ugly originally released Atmospheres of Metal in CD format on the Dr Jim's label in 1992. Now, for it's 30th anniversary, Trash Cult Records together with Zenith Wa Records are extremely proud to present Atmospheres of Metal in a 12" Gatefold LP, completely remastered for vinyl, complete with an insert of information and images. This release is an integral piece of Australian musical history.
The seminal work of dark rock & ambience from 1992 includes the guest appearances of: vocalist - Mia Stone (Stone Circus), turntablist – Olly Olsen (Psy Harmonics), and vocalist - Jason Vassallo (Christ Bait).
A limited edition run of 200 copies only. Re-mastered for vinyl by Simon PolinskiI was a late teen and, like many my age, a regular visitor to all that Brunswick Street in Nth Fitzroy had to offer. Cheap rents and creative community made for a scene bubbling over with innovative and artistic purpose. Polyester books was a mainstay for the freaks and oddballs, a badge most perverts and bohemians confidently wore with pride. Polyester presented a space where you could easily waste the better part of half a day trying to choose from a shop choc full of rare and obscure bootleg VHS tapes, books and other underground oddities.Literally only a block further up the road, the same crowd of subversives would gather to drink and watch live music upon the soiled carpets of the Punters Club. The Punters Club was one of the great Melbourne pubs of the thriving 90’s scene...arguably the best. This is also where I first happened upon Dumb and the Ugly.Dumb and the Ugly’s live show, in my opinion, placed them among the top tier of the Melbourne music scene of the time. Although musically they had a different sound, their live show was equal to, or better than the more well-known bands, such as the bands around the Dog Meat or Au-go-go labels. Michael Sheridan, Dave Brown and John Murphy, playing together as Dumb and the Ugly, had already released a debut 12” mini album, as well as a 7” single on the now legendary ‘Dr Jim’s Records’ label by 1991. Also, by 1991, the entire music industry, including Dr Jim was moving toward CD releases in favour of the outdated vinyl format. By 1992, the trio of Brown, Murphy and Sheridan had recorded their new Long Player and were ready for its release. CD allowed for longer track time than they would have been able to squeeze onto a vinyl LP, which the trio used to their advantage, stretching out some of the droning noisier tracks into the 8 minute zone. The Dumb and the Ugly trio were long-time friends and came together out of an incredibly fertile musical scene. They recruited some friends to help out on the new recording including long-time friend and collaborator Ollie Olsen, as well as Christbait vocalist Jason Vassallo, and local renowned front-woman Mia Stone.Certainly, “Atmospheres of Metal” made its way into my top 10 Australian albums list, and still does. I spoke to Dave and Michael early in 2023, and the opportunity arose of doing a split label release of AOM. We knew that this was a no brainer. Atmospheres of Metal still holds its own even 30 years after its initial release and rightfully deserves a top-notch vinyl re-issue.If only we could so easily do the same thing for the early 90’s Brunswick Street scene…
Mick Derrick – TRASH CULT (Eaglehawk, 2023)
We are super excited to launch our very first release on Trash Cult Records: Affordable Repayments; Can't Win For Losing Some Days.
Took them long enough (well there was lockdown...), but moody punk rock outfit, Affordable Repayment’s first full album, “Can’t Win for Losing Some days” is set to be released early March 2023 via Trash Cult Records. To celebrate this, a string of shows will be announced so stay tuned.
A mash of old early post punk, an 80s, 90s cross over of indie rock with a hint of prog and stripped back psychedelia, the band employs simple formulas, wiry abrasiveness and leans to a sound vaguely reminiscent of Wipers meets early Sonic youth. Additionally tipping their hat to earlier sounding Hüsker Dü, B-52s, Wire, Pylon and Arcwelder.
Recorded at Sound Studios by Alex Bennett, the album was achieved via full analogue tape, 8 track, a recording that delivers a warmness and nostalgic quality of older style recordings which adds a level of colour and throws back to a more retro sound.
The band in this particular incarnation, consists of guitar, drums, bass, sax and synth. Wusty’s distinct guitar style focuses on building soundscapes and textures with rhythmic repetition. Harmonically complex riff structures and irregular chords create some interesting sonic elements- a prominent feature of Wusty’s ability to get the most out of a single guitar sound.
Providing rhythm, harmony and pulse, Liam’s drumming is purposely restrained, holding back to compliment the guitar tones, an offering of uncomplicated, precision drumming and fast fills from the human metronome. Similarly, driving, downstroke bass (by Prue) is warm, simple, stripped back and honest, relying on the organic tones of a custom-made valve amp for distortion.
Lending her immeasurable talent and punk sensibilities to this variation of the band, Jenny Diversion accentuates and enhances with turbulent saxophone and moody synth. Completing this recipe are brief, raspy, trenchant vocals with a lyrical content that is both indifferent and earnest, nonsensical and vulnerable, meaningful and meaningless.
Collectively this band achieves an album of simple structure and frenetic conclusions. Offering differing shades, a collection of contradictions with honest, repeated formulas that simultaneously reflect multiple feelings of nostalgia, moodiness, belligerence, absurdity and sublimeness.
Digital download available via bandcamp: https://trashcultrecords.bandcamp.com
Check out the video clip: https://youtu.be/x41J5QfrRvQ
