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
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