Racebannon was an American noise punk band from Bloomington, Indiana. The band formed in September 1996, citing influences ranging from Antioch Arrow to the Melvins and stating that they were heavily influenced by hardcore, hip-hop, heavy metal, jazz, and the blues. The band's sound is noted for being odd and experimental, and the group has been dubbed as "noise rock" or "noise metal" by critics. Since their formation, the band has released numerous albums, extended plays, and splits through a variety of labels, such as Secretly Canadian and Level Plane.
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.Interview with Racebannon. Smother Magazine. They cobbled together a lineup from members of other Indianapolis hardcore punk bands and released their first 7-inch record in 1998. Many other 7-inches, split 7-inches, 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.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, [ 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.[ Review of Satan's Kickin' Yr Dick In]. Allmusic The group performed at SXSW in 2003.Satan's Kickin'. The Stranger, June 5–11, 2003. Acid or Blood, appeared in 2008 on Southern Records.Review of Acid or Blood. Prefix Magazine, August 12, 2008.Review of Acid or Blood. Thrash Hits, July 31, 2008. Another album, entitled Six Sik Sisters was released through Tizona Records in 2011.Racebannon Return with Album, Tour, Merzbow Remix . Pitchfork Media, August 7, 2008.
Members Members Mike Anderson - vocals (1996–2012) James Bauman - guitar (1996–2012) Alex T. Mann - bass (2011–2012) Karl Hoffstetter - drums (2011–2012)
Previous members Kaiton Slusher - bass (1996–1997) Chris "Sal" Saligoe - bass (1997–2011) Ian Pedersen - drums (1996–1997) Brad Williams - drums (1997–2011) Chris Williams - vocals (1998) Nate Spainhower - tapes & tables (2000–2001) Mike Bell (2001–2006) Dave Britts - noise DJ (2003) Michael Anderson - noise (2003)
Discography Studio albums First There Was the Emptiness (2000, Level Plane)[ Review of First There Was the Emptiness], Allmusic In the Grips of the Light (2002, Secretly Canadian) Satan's Kickin' Yr Dick In (2002, Secretly Canadian) IV: Acid or Blood (2008, Tizona) Six Sik Sisters (2011, Tizona)
Extended plays Racebannon Is the Most Complete Volume of the Motion of the Planets (1998, Witching Hour) Master Control Program (1998, The Great Vitamin Mystery) Clubber Lang (2002, Alone) Merzbannon (2009, Tizona) Wrap the Body (2010, Joyful Noise) Unwanted Sounds (2012, Auris Apothecary)
Splits split 7-inch with To Dream of Autumn (1998, Witching Hour/Troufion) split 7-inch with Knives and Greenwater (1998, Witching Hour) split 7-inch with The Disease (2001, Monotonstudio) split 7-inch with Zann and Anger Is Beautiful (2001, Modus Operandi/Adiago830) split 6" with Mara'akate (2001, Electric Human Project) Near and Far Volume 2 split CD/LP with Song of Zarathustra (2003, Level Plane/Backroad) Insound Tour Support Series No. 25 split CD with Helen of Trpy (2003, Insound) split 7-inch with Majhas (2005, Happy Couples Never Last)
Compilation albums [The Inevitable] Singles and Rarities 1997-2005 (2005, Alone)
Remix albums Remixed, Reinterpreted and Reconsidered (2013, self-released)
References
External links Official website Official Bandcamp page Official Facebook page Racebannon on Discogs