Buzzov-en
Revelling in their own musical and aesthetic ugliness, Buzzov.en formed from the ashes of Sewer Puppet in the early '90s. Based in North Carolina, and featuring Kirk Fisher (vocals/guitar), Brian Hill (bass) and Ashley Williamson (drums), they played anywhere that would have them, until by 1991 they had raised the money for a studio recording of their first demo tape, BUTTRASH. One of the songs from that demo, Wound, was released as a single by a friend setting up his own label. However, the cassette also ended up in the hands of John Yates, founder of San Francisco imprint Allied Recordings. Sending the group back to the studio, he had them record the WOUND EP (though this time it did not include the song of similar title). On the back of this, and east coast gigs where the music was largely distinguished by its savagery and, particularly, volume, Buzzov.en embarked on building a cult audience. They completed their debut album in San Francisco with Billy Anderson (who had previously lent his production expertise to projects by Steel Pole Bath Tub, Melvins and others). After experimenting with a second guitarist the group made Buddy Apostolis a permanent fixture, and hit the road for some 200 gigs inside a year. A show at 1993's CMJ Music Convention led to them signing to Roadrunner through Monte Conner, and the following year saw them back in the studio with Billy Anderson, recording their second ‘studio’ album in just nine days (the first, however, had only taken three). Content to play anytime, anywhere, Buzzov.en, with their astonishing GG Allin-inspired stage displays, have yet to capture that capability on record, but are getting closer all the time.