History
Although considered one of early hardcore bands from the Washington, D.C. hardcore scene, Artificial Peace was the first hardcore band from Bethesda, Maryland[1]: just across the D.C. line. They formed in 1981 and broke up the following year, yet managed to play shows throughout the D.C. area as well as in New York City.[2] Brian Baker, the bass player for Minor Threat who later went on to play with Government Issue, Dag Nasty, Junkyard, and Bad Religion, called Artificial Peace, "absolutely a great forgotten band of that time."[3] While Ian MacKaye said of Artificial Peace, "their effect on the DC scene was significant and played a sure role in the evolution of the music." [4]
Artificial Peace recorded twice in the studio. The first time they recorded was in November 1981 at Don Zientara's Inner Ear Studios, considered one of the most influential recording spaces in America,[5] and were produced by Ian MacKaye. Three tracks from that session were on the Flex Your Head compilation album on Dischord Records. They later recorded a split 7' with The Exiled on The Fountain of Youth label. Various Artificial Peace bootlegs have also been released. None have been authorized and none were properly mixed or mastered.
After Artificial Peace broke up in 1982, Steve Polcari, Pete Murray and Mike Manos formed Marginal Man along with Andre Lee and Kenny Inouye.
Rob Moss later joined Government Issue and played on their 1983 U.S. tour.[6]
Band lineup
Artificial Peace was:
- Steve Polcari - Vocals
- Rob Moss - Bass
- Mike Manos - Drums
- Pete Murray - Guitar
Official discography[7]:
- Three tracks ("Artificial Peace," "Outside Looking In" and "Wasteland" on the Flex Your Head compilation album, Dischord Records, released January 1982
- Split 7" with The Exiled, Fountain of Youth Records, released 1982. Out of print.
- "Frustration" on the Bouncing Babies compilation album, Fountain of Youth Records, released 1984. Out of print.
- "Wastland" on 20 Years of Dischord. 3-Disc Box Set, released 2002
- Artificial Peace Complete Session, Nov '81. All 17 tracks from the first recording session. Dischord Records, released November 2010
Art
While the band designed most of its own flyers and posters, Pushead (Brian Schroeder) created highly stylized posters for the band. Pushead also created artwork for The Misfits and Metallica.[8]
Bands that played on the same bill with Artificial Peace include:
Black Flag, Bad Brains, Minor Threat, Government Issue, Faith, Void, D.O.A., Agent Orange, Iron Cross, Deadline, Youth Brigade, Black Market Baby, Scream, Double-O, Saccharine Trust, S.S. Decontrol, Gang Green, The Mob, Kraut, and many others.
Impostors:
A band from Anaheim, California called itself Artificial Peace in 2008.[9]
Further reading
editMore information about Artificial Peace can be found in:
- Andersen, Mark & Jenkins, Mark (2001), Dance of Days: Two Decades of Punk in the Nation's Capitol, New York, NY: Akashic Books, ISBN 1-888451-44-0.
- Connolly, Cynthia; Clague, Leslie & Cheslow, Sharon (1988), Banned in DC: Photos and Anecdotes From the DC Punk Underground 1979-85, Washington, DC: Sun Dog Propaganda, ISBN 978-0-9620944-0-8 .
- Blush, Steven & Petros, George (2001) American, George Hardcore: a Tribal History Feral House, ISBN-10: 0922915717
References
edit- ^ American Hardcore: a Tribal History]
- ^ Dischord Records biography for Artificial Peace
- ^ American Hardcore: a Tribal History
- ^ Liner notes: Artificial Peace "Complete Session November 81," Dischord Records number 167, Released 2010.
- ^ [Audio Pro International]
- ^ Dischord Records biography for Artificial Peace
- ^ [American Hardcore: a Tribal History]
- ^ Wikipedia on Pushead
- ^ Battle of the Bands Katella High School 01/25/08
Category:Dischord Records artists Category:Hardcore punk groups from Washington, D.C. Category:Musical groups established in 1980