The Nation of Ulysses
The Nation of Ulysses was a post-hardcore band from Washington, DC They existed from 1988 to 1992 and are one of the most famous bands on the Dischord Records label , along with Minor Threat and Fugazi .
history
Nation of Ulysses was founded in the spring of 1988 by singer Ian Svenonius, guitarist Steve Kroner, bassist Steve Gamboa and drummer James Canty under the name Ulysses . In 1989 the band was completed by Tim Green and renamed Nation of Ulysses . On July 1, 1991, they released their first album, 13-Point Program to Destroy America , which was produced by Ian MacKaye . A year later this was followed by Plays Pretty for Baby , which was released on Dischord Records just like the first.
style
The style of Nation of Ulysses can be described as a mixture of noise and hardcore punk , whereby influences other than style, such as jazz , make up a large part of the characteristic sound. A large part of the songs are accompanied by dissonant trumpet interludes, which were contributed both on the recordings and live by Ian Svenonius. The lyrics are strongly influenced by political allusions. For example, the title of her first album 13-Point Program to Destroy America is made up of both the Ten Point Program of the Black Panther Party and the pamphlet Red China's Secret Plan to Destroy America J. Edgar Hoovers . Nation of Ulysses were particularly known for their ecstatic and self-destructive performances, with Ian Svenonius regularly breaking bones. Live they usually performed in suits, which was later copied by many bands of the genre.
influence
Nation of Ulysses had a great influence on bands of the same genre, such as Refused , The (International) Noise Conspiracy , The Hives , At the Drive-In or Bikini Kill .
Discography
Studio albums
- 13-Point Program to Destroy America (Dischord)
- Plays Pretty for Baby (Dischord) (1992)
- The Embassy Tapes (Dischord) (2000)
Studio EPs
- Nation of Ulysses (Dischord) (1991)
- The Birth of the Ulysses Aesthetic (the synthesis of speed and transformation) (Dischord) (1992)