The Workhorse Movement
The Workhorse Movement | |
|---|---|
 The Workhorse Movement in 2000 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Mount Pleasant, Michigan, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1994–2000 |
| Labels |
|
| Spinoffs | Dirty Americans |
| Past members |
|
The Workhorse Movement was an American alternative metal band from Mount Pleasant, Michigan.
History[edit]
The Workhorse Movement was formed in August 1994 by singer Myron (born Matt Kozuch-Rea), guitarist Freedom (Jeff Piper), bassist Jay Vondoloski, and drummer Joe Mackie, who were all attending Central Michigan University (CMU).[1][2][3] The band took its name from a section in Tom Wolfe's The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test (1968).[4] After performing several local shows, the band released their self-financed debut album, Dopamine, in 1995.[1] The band relocated to Detroit, Michigan soon after at the urging of Joe Mackie, so they could pursue the band seriously.[2] After touring with the likes of Sevendust, Skinlab and Vanilla Ice, The Workhorse Movement recruited a second vocalist, Cornbread (Chris Sparks), and signed with the local Detroit label Overcore Records. The label issued the band's only EP, Rhythm and Soul Cartel, in 1998.[2][5]
Following additional touring for the EP, the Workhorse Movement came to the attention of Roadrunner Records.[3] After signing to the label, the band replaced the recently departed Jay Vondoloski (who had moved back to CMU) with Grady (Jeff Wright).[2] The band's Roadrunner debut album, Sons of the Pioneers (2000), was recorded and produced by Overcore Records owner Scott Santos.[6][7] It was finished by October 1999.[8] Before the release of the album, the Workhorse Movement were featured on British music magazine Kerrang!'s "Hot 100" list for 2000.[3] Leading up to the album's release, the band toured the United States with Kittie, Sevendust and Fishbone.[8] Although the album garnered little attention in the United States, Sons of the Pioneers was well received by the British music press, and appeared on the best-of year lists for Kerrang!, Metal Hammer and Rock Sound.[9][10][11][12] The band gained further attention in the United Kingdom while touring as a supporting act for Pitchshifter.[12]
In late December 2000, Myron announced that The Workhorse Movement had disbanded, citing a lack of promotional and touring support from Roadrunner in the United States and their lack of enthusiasm for a third album.[12][13][14][15] The band performed their last show on December 23, 2000, at the Harpos Concert Theatre in Detroit.[12] Myron, Freedom and Pete soon joined up with drummer Jeremiah Pillbean to form the Dirty Americans in April 2001.[13][16]
Musical style and influences[edit]
The Workhorse Movement have been described as alternative metal,[6] rap metal,[6][17] funk rock[18] and stoner rock.[19][20] Kerrang! described the band's sound as "stoner rap".[18] The band was heavily influenced by the works of The Doors, Santana and Black Sabbath.[3]
Band members[edit]
Final lineup
- Myron – vocals (1994–2000)
- Cornbread – vocals (1995–2000)
- Freedom – guitar (1994–2000)
- Pete Bever – bass (1999–2000)
- Joe Mackie – drums (1994–2000)
Former members
- Jay Vondoloski – bass (1994–1997)
- Grady – bass (1997–1999)
Timeline
Discography[edit]
Studio Albums
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Dopamine |
|
| Sons of the Pioneers |
|
EPs
- Rhythm and Soul Cartel (1998)
Singles
- "Keep the Sabbath Dream Alive" (2000) (UK Singles Chart: #196)[21]
References[edit]
- ^ a b "The Workhorse Movement Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
- ^ a b c d "History". www.workhorsemovement.com. Archived from the original on October 17, 2000. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
- ^ a b c d Rees, Paul (January 8, 2000). "Noise 2000: The Workhorse Movement". Kerrang!. No. 783. EMAP. p. 15.
- ^ "Interview with The Workhorse Movement". theprp.com. October 9, 2000. Archived from the original on April 17, 2001. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
- ^ The Workhorse Movement - Rhythm & Soul Cartel Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic, retrieved May 3, 2023
- ^ a b c d The Workhorse Movement - Sons of the Pioneers Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic, retrieved May 3, 2023
- ^ Ewing, Jerry (July 2000). "Future Classics: The Workhorse Movement". Classic Rock. No. 16. UK: Future plc. p. 21. ISSN 1464-7834.
- ^ a b "What". www.workhorsemovement.com. Archived from the original on October 17, 2000. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
- ^ "Kerrang! Albums of the Year 2000". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on January 16, 2017. Retrieved February 25, 2023.Original print: Everly, Dave (December 23, 2000). "The Hot List | Kerrang! Critics' Albums of 2000". Kerrang!. EMAP. pp. 62–63.
- ^ "Rocklist.net...Metal Hammer Albums The Year". www.rocklistmusic.co.uk. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
- ^ "Rocklist.net...Steve Parker...Rocksound lists." www.rocklistmusic.co.uk. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
- ^ a b c d Rees, Paul, ed. (January 13, 2001). "Workhorse Split". Kerrang!. No. 835. EMAP. pp. 6–7.
- ^ a b Blabbermouth (June 7, 2001). "Archive News Jun 07, 2001". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
- ^ "The Workhorse Movement | Roadrunner UK Website". roadrunnerrecords.co.uk. Archived from the original on February 24, 2001. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
- ^ Ingham, Chris, ed. (February 2001). "Workhorse Movement R.I.P". Metal Hammer. No. 83. UK: Future plc. p. 7.
- ^ Blabbermouth (April 11, 2001). "Archive News Apr 11, 2001 - update 2". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
- ^ NME (September 12, 2005). "Sons Of The Pioneers". NME. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
- ^ a b Mörat (June 3, 2000). "Albums". Kerrang!. No. 804. EMAP. p. 47. ISSN 0262-6624.
- ^ Sokal, Roman (September 1, 2000). "Workhorse Movement: Sons of the Pioneers". Exclaim!. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
- ^ updated, Stephen Hilllast (September 21, 2016). "10 obscure Roadrunner Records albums that should have been massive". louder. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
- ^ Zywietz, Tobias. "Chart Log UK: Kristine W – Tammy Wynette". zobbel.de. Tobias Zywietz. Archived from the original on March 24, 2016. Retrieved February 8, 2013.