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Shellac (band)

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Shellac
Shellac performing live in Hamburg, Nov. 1, 2014
Shellac performing live in Hamburg, Nov. 1, 2014
Background information
OriginChicago, Illinois, USA
GenresPost-hardcore,[1][2] noise rock, math rock
Years active1992–present
LabelsTouch and Go, Drag City, Skin Graft
MembersTodd Trainer
Bob Weston
Steve Albini
WebsiteOfficial website

Shellac (sometimes referred to as Shellac of North America) is an American group composed of Steve Albini (guitar and vocals), Bob Weston (bass guitar and vocals) and Todd Trainer (drums and vocals). Although they have been classified as post-hardcore[1][2] they describe themselves as a "minimalist rock trio."

Biography

Shellac formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1992 as an informal collaboration between guitarist Steve Albini and drummer Todd Trainer. Former Naked Raygun bassist Camilo Gonzalez sat in on early rehearsals and played on one song on Shellac's first single before permanent bassist Bob Weston, formerly of Boston's Volcano Suns, joined.

Shellac has a distinctive, minimalist sound based on asymmetric time signatures, repetitive heavy rhythms, an angular guitar sound, and both Albini's and Weston's surreal, bitingly sarcastic lyrics. Songs typically do not have traditional verse/chorus/verse structure and the arrangements are sparse, to the point where some describe them as "amelodic". Shellac's signature sound is often associated with their enthusiasm for vintage Travis Bean guitars, a rare brand of aluminium-based instruments, and the Interfax "Harmonic Percolator" distortion pedal. Albini is also known to use copper plectrums and unusual guitar straps that fit around the waist rather than over the shoulder. The band prefers the intimacy of smaller clubs and live appearances are sporadic.

Both Weston and Albini are recording engineers. They prefer a sparse, analog recording sound with little or no overdubbing, and are meticulous about microphone placement and choice of equipment.

Shellac posing at Shibuya, Japan

Mid-set in many live performances Shellac take the time for one or more "question and answer" sessions, where members of the band respond in an off-the-cuff and at times jocular manner to questions shouted out by fans and hecklers alike. Notably, in 1997 they recorded an instrumental album known as The Futurist for modern dance troupe LaLaLa Human Steps. Unwilling to grant what the band considered a sub-par recording a wider audience, they pressed approximately 700 vinyl LP copies of the music and gave them away as gifts to friends. The front cover was a list of the recipients, with the relevant name encircled in order to personalize the copy, as well as to aid the band in making sure all the listed recipients received a copy (the band is still looking for people on the list to get their copy to them). Shellac also played a Halloween show as The Sex Pistols, featuring former Jesus Lizard and Scratch Acid singer David Yow as Johnny Rotten.

In 2002, the band curated the All Tomorrow's Parties festival in Camber Sands, England. Knowing that most of the audience had come specifically to see Shellac, the band went on first every morning as an incentive for the festival-goers to be up in time to see the other acts. Other acts included The Fall, Will Oldham, Nina Nastasia, Rachel's, Mission of Burma, Silkworm, Threnody Ensemble, Shipping News, High Dependency Unit, Arcwelder, The Breeders, David Lovering, Blonde Redhead, Wire, Zeni Geva, OXES, Flour, Smog, Cheap Trick, Danielson Famile, The Ex, and Dianogah. A CD of tracks from the bands performing at the festival was released on ATP Records.

To celebrate their 20th anniversary as a band, Shellac returned to ATP to curate once more in December 2012 with the line-up including Wire, Scrawl, Mission Of Burma, The Ex + Brass Unbound, Red Fang, Shannon Wright, The Membranes, Alix, Bear Claw, Helen Money, Dead Rider, Arcwelder, Neurosis, Mono, Melt Banana, Uzeda, Prinzhorn Dance School, Three Second Kiss, Buke and Gase, Oxbow, Nina Nastasia, Zeni Geva, Bottomless Pit, Pinebender, STNNNG and more.[3]

In April 2013, Albini stated that a fifth Shellac LP was "just about finished" although it had "no projected release date". It would "most likely" feature nine songs and be released on Touch and Go Records despite the considerable downsizing that the label has undergone.[4]

In November 2013, the band will play the final holiday camp edition of the All Tomorrow's Parties festival in Camber Sands, England. [5]

The band's fifth LP, "Dude Incredible," was released on September 16, 2014.

Discography

Main article: Shellac discography

Equipment

  • A detailed gear diagram of Steve Albini's 2000 Shellac guitar rig was available.[6]
  • A detailed gear diagram of Bob Weston's 2000 Shellac bass rig was available.[7]

References

  1. ^ a b "Explore: Post-Hardcore (Top Artists)". Allmusic. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  2. ^ a b Terich, Jeff (April 24, 2007). "The 90-Minute Guide - Post-Hardcore". Treblezine. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  3. ^ "Nightmare Before Christmas curated by Shellac Of North America - All Tomorrow's Parties". Atpfestival.com. Retrieved 2013-10-26.
  4. ^ "Steve Albini says new Shellac LP is done". YouTube. Retrieved 2013-10-26.
  5. ^ "End Of An Era Part 2 curated by ATP & Loop - All Tomorrow's Parties". Atpfestival.com. Retrieved 2013-10-26.
  6. ^ "GuitarGeek: Steve Albini of Shellac". Archived from the original on 2013-06-21. Retrieved 2014-10-08.
  7. ^ "GuitarGeek: Bob Weston of Shellac". Archived from the original on 2013-08-17. Retrieved 2014-10-08.
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