False Prophets
‘Our aim is to disarm the mechanics of oppression through persistent ‘making and doing’ of words and music in an invocation of the ancient magic which empowers humankind through the massing of voices in sacred speech/song.’ With this impressive philosophy in mind, the False Prophets, comprising Stephan Ielpi (vocals), Debra De Salvo (guitar/vocals), Steven Taylor (guitar/vocals), Nick Marden (bass/vocals) and Billy Atwell III (drums/vocals)—burst into life in the early '80s as part of the famed US hardcore scene which also spawned Black Flag and Hüsker Dü. Their hypothesis was intelligence, intellect and knowledge as opposed to the horror show shock tactics used by so many US punk acts. This approach led to a contract with Jello Biafra's Alternative Tentacles Records in 1986, from which sprang FALSE PROPHETSand IMPLOSION. These albums showed a willingness to experiment and break away from pure punk thrash-outs. INVISIBLE PEOPLE, on Konkurrel, saw them start the new decade in style, an innovative fusion of hardcore punk, Latin rhythms, hard rock and polemic sculpted into a uniquely compelling record. They continued their quest for equality and freedom through the '80s with this theory as their cornerstone: ‘All music, particularly rock, is ecstatic activity, and ecstasy itself is revolutionary.’