Stump

Forbidden Colour from; Galway Active; May 1984 – 1986
Style; Rock
Line up;
Vocals; Sean Purcell
Guitar; Rank Dolan
Bass; Kevin McVicker
Drums; Paul Totman Keyboards; Andrew McFarlane

In February 1986 Sean Purcell joined the band from Manic Depression, this gave the band a much stronger sound. Similar to an early U2.

3 Track Demo Tape

Late in 1985 Forbidden Colours recorded a 3 track demo tape at the Lab Studio in Dublin. The three tracks were State Of The Art (title track), Subtle Differences & Departure Time Again.

Galway “Live Aid” concert

In 1985 Forbidden Colours took part in a “Live Aid” style concert in Galway, also on the bill were, First Move, Lunatic Antics, Manic Depression, Public Execution, Shattered Ego, Bluegrass Wash Band & Vital statistix.

Despite their creativity and critical acclaim, Stump disbanded in 1988, citing financial difficulties and a lack of commercial success. However, their music has continued to have a dedicated following and is often celebrated for its originality.

Discography and Key Songs

EPs:

  1. “Mud on a Colon” (1986)
    This was their debut EP, which introduced their unique sound to the world.
  2. “Quirk Out” (1986)
    This EP included “Buffalo,” which gained attention for its quirky lyrics and unusual rhythms.

Albums:

  1. “A Fierce Pancake” (1988)
    Their only full-length album, released by Ensign Records. It received critical praise for its inventive approach and standout tracks like:
    • “Charlton Heston”: A playful, surreal song referencing the famous actor.
    • “Chaos”: A dynamic track with an offbeat structure.
    • “Bone”: Known for its irregular time signatures and eclectic instrumentation.

Singles:

  1. “Buffalo”
    Perhaps their most famous song, “Buffalo” is known for its nonsensical lyrics (“How much is the fish?”) and distinctive bassline.
  2. “Charlton Heston”
    This single from A Fierce Pancake highlighted their humorous take on pop culture.

Influence and Legacy

  • Post-Punk and Art Rock Scene: Stump contributed to the diversity of the post-punk scene with their unorthodox style, blending humor and avant-garde music.
  • Cult Following: While they never achieved mainstream success, Stump has maintained a loyal fanbase, and their music is still appreciated for its creativity and originality.
  • Influence on Other Artists: Their experimental approach has inspired other musicians in the art rock and alternative scenes.

Their brief but impactful career left a unique mark on the music industry, particularly within niche and alternative music circles.