Forbidden Colours from; Galway Active; 1985 – 1986 Style; tbc Line up; Vocals; Sean Purcell (feb 1986) Guitar; Frank Dolan Bass; Kevin McVicker Drums; Paul Totman
Keyboards; Andrew McFarlane
The band was operating for about 8 months before Sean Purcell joined on vocals, Paul had previously been in Manic Depression. Paul was just what the band needed, he provided a much stronger vocal element to their music.
First Demo Tape
Forbidden Colour recorded a 3 track demo tape in February 1986 at Lab Studio’s Linton Lane Dublin.
Tracks State Of The Art, Subtle Differences & Departure Time Again are all better than the average demo tracks. The second track is perhaps the weakest, but State Of The Art could stand beside anything being offered by better known Irish bands at the moment.
Photo from the City Tribune Feb 1986
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:
“Mud on a Colon” (1986) This was their debut EP, which introduced their unique sound to the world.
“Quirk Out” (1986) This EP included “Buffalo,” which gained attention for its quirky lyrics and unusual rhythms.
Albums:
“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:
“Buffalo” Perhaps their most famous song, “Buffalo” is known for its nonsensical lyrics (“How much is the fish?”) and distinctive bassline.
“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.
