Cosmic Psychos
Cosmic Psychos | |
---|---|
yob rock, grunge | |
Years active | 1982 | –present
Labels | Mr Spaceman, Survival, Amphetamine Reptile, City Slang, Shagpile, Shock, Timberyard, Pitshark, Missing Link |
Members | Ross Knight Dean Muller John "Mad Macka" McKeering |
Past members | Peter "Dirty" Jones Steve Morrow Neal Turton-Lane Bill Walsh Robbie Watts |
Cosmic Psychos is an Australian punk rock band which formed in 1982 as Spring Plains. Founding members included Ross Knight on bass guitar and vocals; Robbie Addington on guitar and vocals; and Steve Morrow on vocals. Australian rock music historian, Ian McFarlane, described their music as "arty kind of punk noise, somewhere between The Birthday Party and a more narcotic sounding Ramones". Late in 1984 the group was renamed as Cosmic Psychos. They issued their debut album, Down on the Farm, in December 1985. Several albums have followed and were backed by national tours and international tours to Europe and North America including festivals with Mudhoney, Nirvana, L7, Helmet and Motörhead. In 1990 Jones was replaced by Robbie Watts on guitar and vocals. By 2005 Walsh was replaced by Dean Muller (Hoss, Chris Russell's Chicken Walk) on drums. On 1 July 2006 Watts died of a heart attack, aged 47, and the band continued with John McKeering (ex-The Onyas) joining.
History
Cosmic Psychos developed from Spring Plains which formed in 1982 in Melbourne with a line-up of Peter Jones on guitar and vocals; Steve Morrow on lead vocals; Neal Turton-Lane on bass guitar; and Bill Walsh on drums and vocals.
By early 1985 the group were performing as Cosmic Psychos, which McFarlane felt used "equal parts
Cosmic Psychos signed to Survival Records and in December 1989 released, Go the Hack,
The group signed to
They followed with two studio albums on Arschlock/Shagpile distributed by Shock Records, Self Totalled (1995) and Oh What a Lovely Pie (August 1997), which appeared on Amphetamine in America.[1] For Self Totalled the band's members were given pseudonyms: "Fess Parker" on guitar, "Slapper Jackson" on bass guitar and lead vocals, and "Billy Arschlock" on drums and vocals; while their producer, Lindsay Gravina, was "Big Vinny" Gravina.[11][12] Kennedy described the work as "[p]erhaps the band's most full-realized album, Self-Totaled doesn't deviate from the band's formula of hard driving rhythms, fuzzed out guitars, humorously sneering vocals, and true-to-the-bone working man's attitude. In fact, it builds on that formula: The melodies show better craftsmanship, the band is tighter, and the engineering is perfect".[13] Associated singles were "Neighbours" (August 1994)[14] and "Whip Me" (June 1996).
The band had appeared at the 1995 Big Day Out tour and returned for the 1997 tour. Gravina also produced Oh What a Lovely Pie. Kennedy felt it was "the sound of a band at its creative end, trying, perhaps to keep a torch lit that would prefer to yield to the wind ... Not to say – even for a minute – that the band doesn't have its merits, or that this is a bad album ...but this one shows a once proud formula grown tired of its own reflection".[15] Also that year United Kingdom band, The Prodigy, covered a version of L7's track, "Fuel My Fire", which itself was based on the Cosmic Psychos' tune, "Lost Cause".[1] "Fuel My Fire" is credited to D Sparks (L7), Walsh, Knight and Jones.[16]
In 2001 the group issued a compilation album, 15 Years, a Million Beers, in both 2× CD and 2× LP formats on Dropkick Records. Also that year Knight was in a side-project, Dung, as "Standin Dung" on bass guitar and lead vocals; with Dean Muller (ex-Hoss) as "Kerry-Anne Dung" on drums; and Kieran Clancy as "Chairman Mao Tse Dung" on guitar and vocals.[17] They released their debut album, Who Flung, on Shock Records, which was produced by Gravina.[17] In 2006, Cosmic Psychos issued their first studio album for nine years, Off Ya Cruet, on Sydney's Timberyard Records with Gravina producing.[18] In late 2005 Walsh had been replaced by Knight's bandmate from Dung, Muller (ex-Voodoo Lust).[18] The opening track on the album is "Kill Bill", a bitter song about Walsh;[18] which was written by Knight.[19] i94Bar's The Barman found that "there's a consistently focused edge in what the Psychos do that makes them sound more than a little wired and seriously unhinged. When Ross Knight sings about sending a former drummer to meet his maker ("Kill Bill") by severing his head, you just know he means it".[18]
While on a tour promoting the album, Cosmic Psychos were in Bendigo for a gig, the following morning on 1 July 2006 Robbie "Rocket" Watts died in a friend's kitchen from a heroin overdose.[20][21] The group decided to continue with John "Mad Macka" McKeering (The Onyas) on guitar.[18] The Barman noted that McKeering "has slotted in a treat on guitar, mining the same stylistic ground but retaining his own sound".[18] On 9 June 2007 they released their next studio album, Dung Australia, with a cover of Buffalo's song "Skirtlifter".[22] In July that year they released Off Ya Cruet! on the European label, Pitshark Records with a different digipak cover. On 13 December 2008, Pitshark issued Dung Australia with a bonus unreleased track, "Anarchy in Boondall".
In April 2011 Cosmic Psychos released a new studio album, Glorius Barsteds, which appeared on Missing Link Records in a 2× CD format. Mess+Noise's Patrick Emery felt "[t]hankfully, they're still on the same fuzz-laden straight-and-narrow road to the pub they've always been on ... The paradox of [their] simplistic formula is the astute social commentary that lies just beneath the rough-as-guts surface".[23] In 2012 the band was the subject of a proposed biographical documentary, Cosmic Psychos: Blokes You Can Trust, directed and produced by Matt Weston.[24][25] The film includes interviews with Knight and Walsh; and fans of the band including Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam), Butch Vig, Mudhoney and The Melvins.[26] In November 2012 one of the band's last performances at The Tote – the venue was subsequently closed down – was filmed and is to be released with the documentary as a bonus disc.[27] Madison Thomas reviewed the third performance at The Tote for Tone Deaf, "[t]he band plays relentlessly, barely stopping to catch their breath but making enough time for Knight to pound down a never ending supply of Pure Blonde sitting atop his amp ... Muller’s drums are viciously belted ... McKeering noodles away sludgily on 'Custom Credit' and battles on against foldback problems".[28]
Robbie "Rocket" Watts (1959–2006)
Robert John "Rocket" Watts (22 January 1959 – 1 July 2006) joined Cosmic Psychos in early 1990 as a replacement on lead guitar for Peter "Dirty" Jones.
Watts' first album with Cosmic Psychos was Blokes You Can Trust in 1991. McFarlane noted "[their] sound altered very little with the new addition".[1] Watts remained the band's sole lead guitarist until his death on 1 July 2006 of a heart attack, following a show in Bendigo, Victoria to promote Off Ya Cruet!. Watts was 47 years old, leaving four children.[21][30] Later that month a benefit gig was organised for Watts' families.[31] Acts appearing included Cockfight Shootout, Hoss, Ian Rilen and the Love Addicts, Mach Pelican, The Meanies, The Onyas, The Specimens and The Strays.[31] On 9 June 2007 Cosmic Psychos released their next studio album, Dung Australia, which was "Dedicated to the memory of Robbie 'Rocket' Watts 1959 - 2006" and included a cover of Buffalo's song "Skirtlifter", which had been recorded earlier with Watts supplying a guitar solo.[22]
Musical style
This section needs additional citations for verification. (September 2019) |
Known for their droning, fuzzed-out bass and wah-wah guitar with repetitive lyrics, the Cosmic Psychos have a simple sound that has remained relatively unchanged since they formed in 1982.
The Cosmic Psychos had a significant influence on the
Television appearances
The band appeared on the RMITV show Under Melbourne Tonight on 19 June 1996.[32]
Members
Current members
- Ross Knight – lead vocals, bass guitar (1982–present)
- Dean Muller – drums, backing and occasional lead vocals (2005–present)
- John McKeering – guitar, backing and occasional lead vocals (2006–present)
Former members
- Peter Jones – guitar, backing vocals (1982-1990)
- Steve Morrow – lead vocals (1982)
- Neal Turton-Lane – bass guitar (1982)
- Bill Walsh – drums, backing vocals (1982-2005)
- Robbie Watts – guitar, backing vocals (1990-2006; his death)
Timeline
Discography
Studio albums
Title | Details | Peak chart positions |
---|---|---|
AUS [33] | ||
Cosmic Psychos |
|
— |
Go the Hack |
|
— |
Blokes You Can Trust |
|
— |
Self Totalled |
|
— |
Oh What a Lovely Pie |
|
— |
Off Ya Cruet! |
|
— |
Dung Australia |
|
— |
Glorius Barsteds |
|
— |
Cum the Raw Prawn |
|
— |
Loudmouth Soup |
|
37 |
Mountain of Piss |
|
19 |
Live albums
Title | Details |
---|---|
Slave to the Crave: Live at the Palace, Melbourne |
|
Live at DB'S 2005 |
|
Hooray Fuck: Live at the Tote Hotel, Melbourne |
|
Compilation albums
Title | Details |
---|---|
15 Years, a Million Beers |
|
Extended plays
Title | Details |
---|---|
Down on the Farm |
|
Palomino Pizza |
|
Awards and nominations
AIR Awards
The Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector.
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
AIR Awards of 2011[34][35] | Glorious Basterds | Best Independent Hard Rock/Punk Album | Nominated |
ARIA Music Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2011 | Glorious Basterds | Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album | Nominated |
Music Victoria Awards
The Music Victoria Awards, are an annual awards night celebrating Victorian music. They commenced in 2005. (Awards between 2005 and 2012 are unknown)[36][37]
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2014 | themselves | Best Live Act | Nominated |
Best Regional Act | Won | ||
2015 | themselves | Best Regional Act | Won |
2017 | themselves | Best Regional Act | Won |
Further reading
- Blunt, Bob (2001). Blunt: A Biased history of Australian Rock. ISBN 0-9586647-5-7.
- Beteta, Manuel (2016). El año que matamos a Skippy: Un recorrido por el high-energy, punk, garage y power-pop australiano (in Spanish). ISBN 978-84-945330-6-8.
- ISBN 1-86448-768-2.
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r McFarlane, 'Cosmic Psychos' entry. Archived from the original Archived 30 September 2004 at the Wayback Machine on 15 June 2004. Retrieved 4 March 2013.
- ^ Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 5 March 2013.
- ^ Down on the Farm (Media notes). Cosmic Psychos. Mr Spaceman Records. 1985. MRSM 003.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - Australasian Performing Right Association(APRA). Retrieved 6 March 2013.
- ^ Cosmic Psychos (Media notes). Cosmic Psychos. Mr Spaceman Records. 1987. MRSM 08.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Donovan, Patrick (31 January 2008). "Every Thursday Is Australia Day for Radio Doyen". The Age. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 30 September 2013.
- ^ Go the Hack (Media notes). Cosmic Psychos. Survival Records. 1989. 465 782.1.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 6 March 2013.
- Australasian Performing Right Association(APRA). Retrieved 7 March 2013.
- ^ Blokes You Can Trust (Media notes). Cosmic Psychos. Survival Records. 1989. 469150 1.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ Self Totalled (Media notes). Cosmic Psychos. Shagpile Records. 1995. SHAGCD2025.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - Cowles Publishing Company(William Stacey Cowles). Retrieved 6 March 2013.
- Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 7 March 2013.
- ^ "New Release Summary – Product Available from : 29/08/94 > Singles (from The ARIA Report Issue No. 237)". Imgur.com (original document published by ARIA). Retrieved 21 April 2017.
- Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 7 March 2013.
- Australasian Performing Right Association(APRA). Retrieved 7 March 2013.
- ^ a b Who Flung (Media notes). Dung. Shock Records. 2001. DUNG001.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ a b c d e f The Barman. "Cosmic Psychos Reviewed". i94bar.
- Australasian Performing Right Association(APRA). Retrieved 7 March 2013.
- ^ "30 years and a million beers: Cosmic Psychos". ABC Radio National: Life Matters. ABC Radio National. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
- ^ a b Tijs, Andrew (4 July 2006). "Cosmic Psychos Guitarist Robbie Watts Dies". Undercover (Paul Cashmere, Roz Gorman). Retrieved 7 March 2013.
- ^ a b Dung Australia (Media notes). Cosmic Psychos. Timberyard Records. 2007. T4527.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - Sound Alliance. Retrieved 7 March 2013.
- ^ "Legendary Australian Punk Band, Cosmic Psychos, Subject of a New Documentary". East Village Radio. 9 July 2012. Archived from the original on 4 October 2012. Retrieved 8 March 2013.
- ^ Cashmere, Tim (2 July 2012). "Cosmic Psychos Doco to Crowdsource Funding". Noise11 (Paul Cashmere, Roz Gorman). Retrieved 8 March 2013.
- ^ Tijs, Andrew (9 August 2012). "Cosmic Psychos Documentary Hits Funding Target". Noise11 (Paul Cashmere, Roz Gorman). Retrieved 8 March 2013.
- ^ Bailey, Sally (20 September 2012). "Cosmic Psychos Are Back". Undercover (Paul Cashmere, Roz Gorman). Retrieved 8 March 2013.
- ^ Thomas, Madison (7 November 2012). "Cosmic Psychos November 4th 2012 @ The Tote". Tone Deaf (Nicholas Jones). Archived from the original on 10 April 2013. Retrieved 8 March 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f Daffey, Paul (20 September 2006). "Hard rock musician with 'triple grunge' option". The Age. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 8 March 2013.
- ^ Ziffer, Daniel (3 July 2006). "Grunge Loses Lead Player". The Age. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 7 March 2013.
- ^ a b Sharman, Richard. "Robbie Rocket Watts Benefit". Black Shadow Photography. Retrieved 8 March 2013.
- ^ "UMT list'96". Archived from the original on 16 January 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2014.
- ^ "Discography Cosmic Psychos". australian-charts.com. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- ^ "Independent Music Awards Nominees Announced". tonedeaf. 13 September 2011. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
- ^ "History Wins". Australian Independent Record Labels Association. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
- ^ "Previous Nominess". Music Victoria. Archived from the original on 19 September 2020. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
- ^ "Previous Winners". Music Victoria. Archived from the original on 31 July 2019. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
External links
- Official website
- Cosmic Psychos's channel on YouTube
- Cosmic Psychos on Facebook
- Cosmic Psychos on Bandcamp
- Cosmic Psychos at AllMusic
- Cosmic Psychos: Blokes You Can Trust (Documentary) at IMDb
- Cosmic Psychos on Myspace