With the final line-up coming together in early 2004, Rhesus, a gang of feral South London twenty-somethings, have played a vital part in re-energising a flagging UK music scene. Thriving on the amphetamine rush of their immaculate collection of 45s (The Ruts, X-ray Spex, Wire, Buzzcocks, The New York Dolls) Rhesus make an explosive, intelligent and thoroughly British noise.

After a series of gigs rampaging across London, including sell-out shows at The 100 Club, The Metro (when Arran's drum kit self-destructed), The Paradise Bar (home of the New Cross scene) and just about everywhere in between, the band helped make £4K in a week for the Tsunami Appeal.

Spotted by Spinach Records who, knowing a good thing when they heard it, were desperate to sign them, the resulting deal was signed on the back page of Arran's dole book, in a Brixton pub.

'Art is Dead' b/w 'Too Weak' and 'Eat Your Own Young' was released by Spinach Records (WOOF 15) on 16th February, recorded at Supernova Studios and mixed at Chateaux Fruitbat, with distribution by Shellshock.

'Art is Dead' is a call to arms for the disenfranchised, a screaming anthem about taking control while you still can. The sheer energy of the track grabs you from the start - and kicks you out 3:09 minutes later wanting to start a riot.

Rhesus have been championed by the late John Peel, Steve Lamacq (Radio 1), John Kennedy (XFM) various European and Australian radio stations and been playlisted by artrocker magazine. Join the Rhesus Army now before they conscript you.

Press:-

"Rhesus are one of the most exciting bands in London! Something genuinely special - a band that could escape the backrooms of London pubs and change people's lives" - Joyzine

"Rhesus were absolutely phenomenal tonight. Capable of blowing the roof off the Ocean. A cracking little slice of angry punk rock" - Art Rocker

"Genuinely fantastic... A post-Sonic Youth Undertones, which is such a top idea we can't believe there aren't bands doing that every night. [Art is Dead]... has put such a hefty deposit down on the top ten that you can almost hear Fearne Cotton patronising them at the end of it. More" - Playlouder

"A brutal punch-up between art-punksters Wire and primordial Slits" - SoundsXP

"More snotty than the Others, more sleazy than The New York Dolls" - Channel 4

"we are expecting great things from Rhesus" - Wax music

"Rhesus: Top Of The Pops!" - Eddie Argos (Art Brut) - Radio 1, XFM, etc...

Rhesus are:-
Jim Rhesus: Vox, Guitar
Arran J Lovechild: Drums
Wayne Owens: Guitar, Vox
Aurora Sommer: Bass, Vox