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Mclusky
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Mclusky (often stylized as mclusky), originally known as Best, are a British post-hardcore band formed in Cardiff in 1996. The group originally consisted of Andrew Falkous (vocals, guitar), originally from Newcastle upon Tyne,[1] Geraint Bevan (bass) and Matthew Harding (drums); the latter two were replaced by Jonathan Chapple and Jack Egglestone in 1997 and late 2003 respectively. The band released three studio albums before splitting in 2005, reconvening in 2014 – without Chapple – under the monikers 'mclusky' and mclusky*, before ultimately dropping the asterisk.

Key Information

History

[edit]

According to the band, they originally formed in 1996 when Falkous and Harding met at the Blackwood Miners Institute, a venue in their home town. The pair met Chapple a short time afterwards at the Reading Festival when they caught him urinating on their tent late in the night.

More realistically it has been suggested that Falkous and Harding met when working together at Anglian Windows, a small double-glazing call centre in Cardiff. They discussed their musical ambitions after a conversation about Reading Festival, Falkous gave Harding a tape of songs he had written on his own, and shortly after they formed a band called Best after early Beatles drummer Pete Best. The original bass player for Best was Geraint Bevan, Harding's old musical comrade from The Derelicts.

Best existed in this form for almost a year before Bevan left to concentrate on his acting career, but not before Best had played a show with a band called 'Myrtle', which featured the bass guitarist Jon Chapple.

Shortly after the departure of Bevan, the remaining two members managed to convince Chapple to join the band; this was based on the strength of the three track demo Best had recently finished at 'Ocean Studios' in Cardiff (this cassette – which was sold by the band themselves – was the unofficial debut, entitled the Benedict EP).

Best signed to London label Seriously Groovy and released their official debut record, the 3-track single "Huwuno".

The band changed its name to Mclusky in 1999, releasing their first album My Pain and Sadness is More Sad and Painful Than Yours in 2000 on the Fuzzbox imprint before drawing international attention with their critically praised second album Mclusky Do Dallas in 2002. In 2004 they released their third album The Difference Between Me and You Is That I'm Not on Fire to positive reviews.

They worked frequently with recording engineer Steve Albini.

Breakup

[edit]

The band called it quits on 7 January 2005, with Falkous making the following announcement on the band's website three days later:

The three piece rock band known as mclusky have disbanded, as of Friday 7 January 2005. The reason for this parting is private, though probably not as entertaining as you'd imagine. Personally, I would like to thank all the people, places and times that occurred on or near us. I'm grateful for the love and to a lesser degree, the hate. There'll be more music soon, from all of us.[citation needed]

Little was said of the reasons behind Mclusky's split, but it later emerged that tensions had arisen between Falkous and Chapple. The root of these tensions can be traced back to an incident in 2004 when all of the band's equipment was stolen on the Arizona leg of their American tour (this equipment – worth over £5000 – was never recovered).[citation needed]

New bands and reunion

[edit]

A compilation of the band's singles, Mcluskyism, came out in February 2006; a limited-edition version came with two additional CDs of B-sides (labelled as B-sides and C-sides), rarities and live recordings from their final headline performance at the University of London Union (The band would make one further live appearance on 01/12/04 supporting Shellac at the Scala in London). This compilation is, without doubt, the final chapter in Mclusky's nine-year saga, as Falkous informs in the Mcluskyism liner notes, "that's it, then. No farewell tour... no premature deaths (at time of writing), no live DVDs..."

The first Mclusky member to release material after the band's demise was Chapple, with his outfit Shooting at Unarmed Men – Chapple had dabbled with the band as a side project to Mclusky in the years prior, and wasted little time in making it his first priority after Mclusky disbanded. The band released two albums before Chapple emigrated to Australia in 2006. He has since revived the band in Australia with a new lineup, and released another album with the Australian lineup. Shooting at Unarmed Men disbanded shortly after the release of With The Youthful Energy of a Zealot. Chapple played drums with Melbourne band Poor People until 2012, and played bass and provided backing vocals for the six-piece outfit Harmony, which also featured Tom Lyngcoln of The Nation Blue.

After Falkous had conducted a handful of interviews discussing the then-fresh Mclusky breakup, he and Egglestone were not heard from publicly for a number of months. Almost immediately, rumours began to swell that the pair were collaborating with some members of also-defunct Cardiff noise-core act Jarcrew (the project, which received no official title for eighteen months, was jokingly referred to as "Jarclusky") – however, the full extent of the collaboration was not known until Falkous created an unassuming MySpace page for the group under the name Future of the Left, complete with unpolished recordings of the band's first songs. The outfit have since incorporated members of now-defunct British punk rock act Million Dead, and have (after several years of resistance from Falkous) started including Mclusky tracks in their live sets.

In 2014, Falkous announced a benefit gig to help save venue Le Pub in Newport on November 8, 2014, with a lineup consisting of Jarcrew and a set of mclusky songs played by Falkous and Jack Egglestone, joined by Future of the Left bassist Julia Ruzicka and Damien Sayell, vocalist of Bristol band The St. Pierre Snake Invasion. This lineup has been referred to by Falco as 'mclusky' (with inverted commas) and announced a second concert at Clwb Ifor Bach on November 15, 2014 upon the quick sale of all tickets for the Newport event. Since, they have played another 'closing venue' benefit gig, in London at the soon-to-close Buffalo Bar. The following year, mclusky were announced alongside Future of the Left in the lineup of British music festival 2000trees.

Then known as Mclusky* (the asterisk in reference to missing members), the band reformed to play The Garage in London on 3 December 2015 to raise money for cancer research[2] with Rat the Magnificent (featuring Ian Catskilkin of Art Brut). The band have continued to play since, with Sayell ultimately being brought in as bassist as well as a vocalist. In July 2020, Falkous announced plans to record a new Mclusky album. The asterisk was ultimately dropped, confirming the return to the official moniker.

In April 2022, the band announced a commemorative 20-year anniversary tour of Mclusky Do Dallas.[3][4] This tour, along with the band's Australian dates, was later postponed to early 2024 due to a health issue for Falkous.[5][6]

In September 2023, the band released a four-track EP – their first new music in 19 years – entitled "Unpopular Parts of a Pig". Its title track, as well as the second track "The Digger You Deep", were said at the time to be lifted from the band's fourth studio album.[7] This was ultimately confirmed in February 2025, when the band formally announced the album, The World Is Still Here and So Are We. It was released on 9 May 2025 via Mike Patton's Ipecac Recordings. A new single, "Way of the Exploding Dickhead", was also released.[8]

Members

[edit]
Current line-up
  • Andrew Falkous – vocals, guitar (1996–2005, 2014–present)
  • Jack Egglestone – drums (2003–2005, 2014–present)
  • Damien Sayell – vocals (2014–present), bass (2018–present)
Former members
  • Geraint Bevan – bass (1996–1997)
  • Matthew Harding – drums (1996–2003)
  • John Chapple – bass, vocals (1997–2005)
  • Julia Ruzicka – bass (2014–2018)
Timeline

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]

Compilations

[edit]

Live releases

[edit]
  • Gateway Band (2020)

Official single/EP releases

[edit]
  • 1999 – "Huwuno" (as Best)
  • 2000 – "Joy"
  • 2000 – "Rice Is Nice"
  • 2001 – "Whoyouknow"
  • 2001 – "Lightsabre Cocksucking Blues"
  • 2002 – "To Hell with Good Intentions"
  • 2002 – "Alan Is a Cowboy Killer"
  • 2003 – "There Ain't No Fool in Ferguson"/"1956 and All That"
  • 2003 – "Undress for Success" (the first song played 3 times in one show by Colin Murray)
  • 2004 – "That Man Will Not Hang"
  • 2004 – "She Will Only Bring You Happiness"
  • 2023 – "Unpopular Parts of a Pig"/"The Digger You Deep"
  • 2025 – "Way of the Exploding Dickhead"
  • 2026 - "I Sure Am Getting Sick of This Bowling Alley"

Demos

[edit]
  • 1997 – "Benedict EP" (as Best)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mclusky

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from Grokipedia
Mclusky (stylized as mclusky since reunion) is a Welsh and band formed in in 1996, originally under the name Best, known for their energetic punk influences, biting satirical lyrics, and chaotic live shows. The band was founded by on guitar and vocals, with original members Jonathan Chapple on bass and vocals and on drums; they changed their name to Mclusky in 1999 and gained a in the scene for their angular riffs and intelligent, humorous songwriting. The current lineup consists of Falkous, bassist and vocalist Damien Sayell (who joined in 2019), and drummer Jack Egglestone (who joined in 2003). During their initial run from 1999 to 2005, Mclusky released three critically acclaimed albums: My Pain and Sadness is More Sad and Painful Than Yours (2000), (2002), and The Difference Between Me and You is That I’m Not on Fire (2004), which showcased their raw energy and thematic focus on absurdity and social critique. After disbanding in 2005, the members pursued other projects, including Future of the Left led by Falkous, but the band began reunion performances in and resumed more consistently from 2019. In 2025, Mclusky released their fourth studio album, The World Is Still Here and So Are We, their first in 20 years via , featuring tracks that blend their signature intensity with groovy, hypnotic elements. The reunion has been marked by extensive touring, including a North American tour, their first in the region since the early , reaffirming their status as enduring figures in the punk and landscapes.

History

Formation and early career (1996–2000)

Mclusky were formed in , , in 1996 as the band Best by on vocals and guitar, Geraint Bevan on bass, and on drums. Falkous, originally from and based in Cardiff at the time, met Harding while both were employed at a local call center. The group quickly immersed themselves in the city's DIY music scene, performing early gigs in small venues despite feeling overlooked by the dominant local punk and indie circles. From the outset, their sound drew from and traditions, with influences including and , emphasizing raw energy and angular riffs over polished production. In 1997, bassist Geraint Bevan departed the band and was replaced by Jonathan Chapple, a former member of the Cardiff group Myrtle; this change solidified the core lineup as they honed their chaotic, high-tension style through consistent local performances. The band's first official release came in 1999 with the single Huwuno on the label Seriously Groovy Music, marking their entry into the underground circuit and earning them a reputation as a promising act among niche audiences. Later that year, they rebranded as mclusky, setting the stage for their debut full-length the following year.

Rise to prominence (2001–2004)

Following favorable reviews of their independent releases, mclusky signed with the imprint Too Pure in 2001, marking a significant step toward wider exposure. This deal facilitated their first full-length album on the label, , recorded in with renowned producer and released in April 2002. The album captured the band's signature blend of irony and frustration through tracks like "To Hell with Good Intentions," a blistering single that highlighted their angular riffs and sardonic lyrics about personal and societal absurdities. Critics praised its raw energy, with noting how Albini's production made the band sound "viciously loud and tight beyond comprehension." Building on this momentum, mclusky released their second studio album, The Difference Between Me and You Is That I'm Not on Fire, in May 2004, again engineered by Albini in . Known for its polished yet chaotic production—drawing from Albini's work with acts like the —the record earned acclaim for refining the band's noisy sound while amplifying their witty, self-deprecating themes. Standout single "She Will Only Bring You Happiness" exemplified this evolution, blending frantic instrumentation with humorous commentary on relationships and failure. lauded the album's intensity, describing it as a "ring of truth" captured in a confined, explosive space. During this period, mclusky toured extensively across the , , and , solidifying their reputation as a dynamic live act. They supported prominent bands and appeared at key festivals, including in 2004, where their high-octane performances drew crowds alongside acts like . The band's growing international recognition was further boosted by four sessions recorded for 1's program between 2000 and 2003, which showcased their unfiltered aggression and earned them a devoted following in the scene. and consistently highlighted their raw energy and lyrical wit, positioning mclusky as a critical favorite amid the early 2000s post-hardcore resurgence.

Breakup and post-Mclusky projects (2005–2020)

Mclusky officially disbanded on January 7, 2005, following the conclusion of their final tour, with the band issuing a brief statement that the reasons for the split were private. In subsequent interviews, frontman attributed the breakup primarily to exhaustion from relentless touring schedules, which had led to significant burnout among the members, compounded by long-simmering interpersonal tensions, particularly between himself and bassist Jon Chapple. Falkous also expressed a personal drive to explore fresh creative avenues beyond the band's established dynamic, viewing the dissolution as an opportunity to evolve musically. Immediately after the split, Falkous and drummer Jack Egglestone formed Future of the Left in , recruiting bassist Kelson Mathias from the band Jarcrew to complete the lineup. The new project retained elements of Mclusky's abrasive energy and lyrical wit while incorporating more structured arrangements and additional instrumentation, as evidenced by their debut album Curses, released in 2007 on Daydream Nation Records. Future of the Left issued several further albums through 2016, including Travels with Myself and Another (2008) and The Peace & Truce of Future of the Left (2016), maintaining a cult following in the and scenes. Meanwhile, Chapple channeled his energies into Shooting at Unarmed Men, a project he led on vocals and guitar alongside drummer Steve Morgan and bassist Simon Jarvis, which debuted with performances in shortly after the breakup and released material emphasizing experimental noise elements. Chapple later contributed to other outfits, including Poor People and , before relocating to in 2006. During the hiatus, Mclusky engaged in limited one-off activities, most notably a series of low-key performances in billed under variations like "mclusky*" or as charity warm-ups tied to Future of the Left obligations, featuring Falkous and Egglestone alongside rotating collaborators but excluding Chapple, with no indications of a permanent at the time. Mclusky's cultural footprint persisted through the period via archival releases and growing recognition, such as the 2006 compilation mcluskyism on Too Pure, which gathered B-sides, rarities, and outtakes to satisfy ongoing fan interest. Their influence rippled into subsequent acts, notably shaping the raw, politically charged intensity of bands like . Fan-driven efforts also sustained visibility, with bootlegs and digital reuploads circulating widely, underscoring the band's enduring appeal in underground circuits despite the absence of new material.

Reunion and recent developments (2019–present)

Mclusky announced their reunion in 2019, planning tours in and that were partially postponed due to health issues with frontman . In 2022, mclusky formally reunited for a series of shows marking the 20th anniversary of their album , beginning with performances at The Lexington in on May 20 and Clwb Ifor Bach in on September 8. The reunion was driven by frontman 's ongoing passion for the band's material, cultivated through his solo project Christian Fitness following a period of reduced activity with Future of the Left after their 2016 album. These initial gigs, which sold out quickly, reflected a surge in fan demand and Falkous's desire to revisit the group's chaotic energy without the constraints of past lineup tensions. The band's momentum led to the announcement of their first new album in 21 years on July 23, 2024, with recording sessions emphasizing a return to their raw post-hardcore roots while incorporating subtle evolutions. Titled the world is still here and so are we, the 10-track LP was released on May 9, 2025, through Ipecac Recordings, exploring themes of persistence amid societal absurdity through lyrics blending humor, critique, and defiance. Production delays from the initial timeline pushed the release from an earlier projected slot, but the album's rollout included teaser phrases like "go wonder at the night" in promotional materials, signaling the band's irreverent tone. Bassist Damien Sayell, a longtime fan who fronted Bristol noise rock outfit The St Pierre Snake Invasion, integrated into the core lineup in 2022, replacing interim players and bringing fresh energy from his admiration for mclusky's early work. This solidified trio—Falkous on guitar and vocals, Jack Egglestone on drums, and Sayell on bass—embarked on an extensive 2025 tour across the UK and Europe, including dates at Brudenell Social Club in Leeds, Electric Ballroom in London, and SWX in Bristol, alongside festival appearances like Les Nuits Botaniques in Brussels. In September 2025, mclusky announced a 2026 North American tour, their first since 2004, with stops in Denver, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., extending their revival momentum. Recent coverage has highlighted the band's matured sound, with sharper production and thematic depth while retaining their abrasive edge, as noted in a album review praising the critique of modern life's ugliness. The Guardian's live review from their May 2025 Leeds show described performances as "furious to hypnotically groovy," underscoring the trio's taut chemistry on new material. Additional interviews, such as Falkous's discussion with Echoes and Dust, emphasized the joy of reunion without nostalgia's weight.

Musical style and influences

Core characteristics

Mclusky's sound is rooted in and , characterized by dissonant guitars that create a wall of abrasive texture, frequent rapid tempo shifts that inject urgency and unpredictability, and Jack Egglestone's propulsive drumming that drives with relentless intensity. The band's instrumentation emphasizes a raw, high-volume assault, blending punk's directness with post-hardcore's angular complexity to produce tracks that alternate between frenetic blasts and taut grooves. Lyrically, Mclusky employs a sarcastic and absurd humor, often evident in song titles and content that explore themes of alienation, dysfunctional relationships, and subtle political commentary without overt preachiness. Examples include "Unpopular Parts of a Pig," which uses imagery to convey social discomfort, and "Random Celebrity Insult Generator," a satirical jab at fame and superficiality. This approach delivers barbed wit that critiques modern absurdities, as seen in lines targeting political moderates or interpersonal failures, maintaining a balance of irreverence and insight. Their live performances embody chaotic energy, with high-volume sets marked by Andrew Falkous's stage antics, including aggressive rants and audience confrontations that transform shows into intense, punk-inspired spectacles fostering deep fan loyalty. This raw intensity, often leaving audiences exhilarated yet overwhelmed, underscores comparisons to the unfiltered ethos of underground punk. In production, Mclusky's early work featured a raw, lo-fi aesthetic, evolving toward a more layered and feedback-heavy polish in their mid-period albums while retaining core abrasiveness. Their breakthrough album (2002), recorded with , exemplifies this shift with its viciously tight and loud sound, capturing live-room immediacy without over-polishing. Subsequent releases like The Difference Between Me and You Is That I'm Not on Fire (2004) incorporated additional vocal layering and controlled feedback, building on Albini's raw template for greater sonic depth.

Key influences and evolution

Mclusky's sound drew heavily from the and traditions, with primary influences including bands like , which informed their DIY ethics and political undertones in lyrics and band operations. The abrasive noise intensity of shaped their aggressive guitar work and chaotic energy, while the Pixies contributed dynamic song structures featuring quiet-loud contrasts and witty, satirical lyrics. In their early years from to 2000, Mclusky—initially formed as Best—began with raw, garage punk-inflected demos and EPs that gradually shifted toward a more angular style, influenced by contemporaries in the UK indie scene such as Bis and , emphasizing spiky riffs and humorous absurdity. This evolution was evident in their 2000 debut album My Pain and Sadness is More Sad and Painful Than Yours, which established a foundation of frenetic, lo-fi aggression before refining into fuller productions. During the mid-period from 2001 to 2004, the band's sound incorporated sharper metal edges through collaborations with producer , adding heavier riffs and raw intensity, alongside more accessible pop hooks that balanced their noise with melodic catchiness. This phase is showcased in their Session recordings, where tracks like "That Man Will Not Hang" were adapted with heightened dynamics and satirical bite, culminating in the playful yet experimental The Difference Between Me and You Is That I'm Not on Fire (2004). Following their reunion in 2019, Mclusky's sound underwent a mature refinement in their 2025 album The World Is Still Here and So Are We, featuring broader production techniques and subtle evolutions drawn from Andrew Falkous's experiences in side projects like Future of the Left, which introduced varied rhythmic complexities and thematic depth while retaining core abrasive elements. The result balances nostalgia with fresh interplay among the lineup, emphasizing experience over raw youth.

Members

Current members

The current lineup of Mclusky, reformed starting from their 2014 reunion activities, with the current lineup active since around 2018, consists of three core members who have driven the band's recent tours, live performances, and the 2025 album The World Is Still Here and So Are We. (vocals and guitar) is the band's founder and primary songwriter, originally from , who has provided post-reunion leadership and maintained the group's signature lyrical style characterized by sharp wit and . Jack Egglestone (drums) joined in 2003 and serves as a key element of the rhythm section, bringing technical prowess informed by his jazz training and experience in Falkous's subsequent project Future of the Left. Damien Sayell (bass and vocals), a longtime fan who first encountered the band in 2002 and joined in 2014 on bass and vocals, initially singing parts originally performed by Jonathan Chapple, infuses fresh energy into live shows and contributed to the recordings of the 2025 album.

Former members

Julia Ruzicka (bass) joined for the 2014 reunion shows and performed until 2018, contributing to early mclusky* performances. Previously of Future of the Left. Geraint Bevan was one of the co-founders of Mclusky, originally formed as Best in 1996, and served as the band's from its until 1997. During this early period, Bevan gigged with vocalist-guitarist Andy Falkous and drummer , contributing to the group's initial live performances before the to Mclusky in 1999. Bevan departed after approximately one year, marking the first lineup change as the band sought to solidify its sound. Following his exit, Bevan maintained a low profile in the music scene, with limited public activities documented in the years immediately after. Jonathan Chapple joined Mclusky on bass and vocals in 1997, replacing Bevan and becoming a core member through the band's most active years until its disbandment in 2005. He contributed to all three of the band's studio albums—My Pain and Sadness is More Sad and Painful Than Yours (2000), (2002), and The Difference Between Me and You Is That I'm Not on Fire (2004)—providing the driving bass lines and backing vocals that defined their style. Chapple's tenure spanned the group's rise to prominence, including extensive touring and recordings with producer . After the 2005 breakup, Chapple quickly formed the project Shooting at Unarmed Men with drummer Steve Morgan and bassist Simon Jarvis (later Simon Alexander), releasing material that echoed Mclusky's noisy, dual-vocal energy while incorporating elements like and Devo-inspired rhythms. The band's second album, Yes! !, arrived in 2006, but Chapple placed the project on hiatus shortly after and relocated to . Matthew Harding was Mclusky's original drummer, co-founding the band with Falkous in 1996 and performing from its formation as Best through 2003. Harding played on the band's first two and numerous early singles and EPs, helping establish their raw, energetic rhythm section during the late 1990s and early 2000s. His departure occurred in 2003 during the recording sessions for the third album at in , where he was fired amid tensions in the process; Jack Egglestone replaced him immediately and completed the tracks. In the immediate aftermath, Harding stepped away from the band, with no major public musical projects noted in the Welsh scene during that period.

Discography

Studio albums

Mclusky's debut studio album, My Pain and Sadness Is More Sad and Painful Than Yours, was independently released in 2000 on Fuzzbox Records in the UK, with subsequent reissues in 2003 on Too Pure across and the US via . The album comprises 17 tracks of raw , clocking in at around 43 minutes, and highlights include the frenetic opener "," the angular "Friends? Stoning Friends," and the chaotic "Rice Is Nice." Produced in a lo-fi style that captures the band's early garage origins, it received positive reception for its unpolished intensity and sardonic lyrics, with describing it as "thrilling and enticing through every track" despite some unevenness. The band's second album, , arrived in 2002 on Too Pure, marking their major label-adjacent breakthrough with 14 tracks emphasizing explosive dynamics. Recorded at in and engineered by , key tracks showcase the trio's vitriolic wit, such as the blistering "Lightsabre Cocksucking Blues," the anthemic "No New Wave No Fun," and the self-deprecating "Fuck This Band." lauded its "viciously loud and tight" sound, awarding it an 8.0 and highlighting how Albini's production amplified the band's chaotic energy without overpowering their songcraft. The album solidified Mclusky's in the indie scene, though it did not enter mainstream UK charts. mclusky's third and final pre-hiatus studio effort, The Difference Between Me and You Is That I'm Not on Fire, was released in on Too Pure, featuring 13 tracks that refine the band's abrasive style with sharper hooks and extended compositions. Again recorded with at , with demos handled by Chris McDonagh and Anthony Chapman, standout moments include the driving "Without MSG I Am Nothing," the euphoric yet biting "She Will Only Bring You Happiness," and the sprawling closer "Support Systems" at nearly eight minutes. gave it a 7.8, praising the "wittiness and caustic sarcasm" in Andy Falkous' delivery while noting a slight shift from prior rawness. Like its predecessor, it garnered strong indie acclaim but no significant chart presence. Following a two-decade hiatus, Mclusky reunited for their fourth studio , the world is still here and so are we, released on May 9, 2025, via in formats including CD, vinyl, and digital. Comprising 13 tracks produced by Anthony Chapman and the band itself, it explores themes of persistence and absurdity amid global turmoil, with highlights like the riff-heavy opener "Unpopular Parts of a ," the urgent "Cops and Coppers," and the explosive "Way of the Exploding Dickhead." The debuted at number 56 on the Update, its highest mainstream placement to date. Initial reviews celebrated its enduring relevance and vitality, with Everything Is Noise calling it "sharp, witty, and fun the whole way through" and Glide Magazine hailing it as a "brutally honest piece of modern punk."

Compilation and live releases

Mclusky's only official , mcluskyism, was released in 2006 by Too Pure Records following the band's initial disbandment in 2005. This retrospective collection aggregates 12 tracks spanning their career up to that point, including singles like "To Hell with Good Intentions" and "She Will Only Bring You Happiness," B-sides such as "Joy" and "Rice Is Nice," and selections from their studio albums, providing a concise overview of their noisy sound and lyrical wit. A limited three-disc edition included additional rarities and live recordings, while a vinyl reissue appeared in 2015 for , underscoring its enduring appeal among fans. In terms of live releases, Mclusky issued a promotional titled Live at Reading 2004 shortly after the performance, capturing their set from the Reading Festival on August 28, 2004. The self-released recording features 13 tracks, including high-energy renditions of "Lightsabre Cocksucking Blues," "That Man Will Not Hang," and "Collagen Rock," reflecting the band's chaotic and intense stage presence during their final active year. Though limited in distribution as a promo item in a handwritten PVC sleeve, it has become a sought-after artifact for collectors. Post-reunion, Mclusky released Gateway Band (Live in and ) in 2021 via the independent label Prescriptions, documenting performances from late 2019 that marked an early phase of their return. The package combines a 21-track from their December 19 show at Clwb Ifor Bach in with a 37-track DVD from the December 6 gig at in , showcasing a full setlist of classics like "Undress for Success" and "Without MSG I Am Nothing" delivered with renewed vigor. Presented in a four-panel digipak, this release serves as an official document of their resurgence, blending audio and video to capture the raw energy of the intimate venues.

Singles and EPs

Mclusky's singles and EPs primarily served as promotional vehicles for their albums, featuring high-energy tracks often paired with provocative B-sides that highlighted the band's sardonic lyrics and chaotic sound. During their original 1999–2005 run, releases appeared on indie labels like Fuzzbox and Too Pure, typically in CD and 7" vinyl formats, with occasional indie chart entries reflecting their in the UK underground scene. Post-reunion efforts in 2023 and 2025 revived this format, tying into live activity and a new full-length album on . The band's earliest outputs were two EPs on Fuzzbox Records, which introduced their abrasive style and helped build buzz ahead of their debut . The "" EP, released in July 2000 as a , included the title track alongside three additional songs: "Rock Against Single Parents," "A1 Song," and a demo version of "Balbos Theme." Later that year, in September 2000, "Rice Is Nice" followed as another , featuring the titular opener, "Whiteliberalonwhiteliberalaction," and "What We've Learned." These EPs received limited airplay on indie radio but charted modestly on specialist lists, establishing Mclusky's reputation for short, explosive bursts of . Major singles from 2001 onward, issued via Too Pure, expanded on this formula with more polished production while retaining the band's visceral edge. "Whoyouknow / ," a 2001 CD maxi-single (catalog BOOB 008 ), paired the driving "Whoyouknow" with the raw "Love Song for a Mexican" as a double A-side. That same year, "Lightsabre Cocksucking Blues" emerged as a 7" and release, backed by "Tony's Smiling (In the Eyes of His )." "To Hell with Good Intentions," released in February 2002 on and 7" (catalog PURE 124CDS), became one of their most recognized tracks, peaking at number 39 on the UK Independent Singles Chart; its B-side, "Fail, Fail, Fail," underscored the album . Subsequent singles supported later albums with similar formats. "Alan Is a Cowboy Killer" (2002, Too Pure, CD/7") included the title track and B-side "When I Grow Up (I Wanna Be a Juror)," tying into mclusky Do Dallas. In 2003, "There Ain't No Fool in Ferguson / 1956 and All That" appeared as a double A-side CD single, while "Undress for Success" (September 2003, CD/7") reached number 86 on the UK Singles Chart, backed by "You Should Be Ashamed, Seamus." The 2004 single "That Man Will Not Hang" (Too Pure, CD) featured live recordings as B-sides, and "She Will Only Bring You Happiness" (September 2004, CD/7"), from The Difference Between Me and You Is That I'm Not on Fire, peaked at number 76 on the UK Singles Chart; it was accompanied by a music video directed by David Lodge, depicting the band's frenetic performance style, and B-sides "The Gift of Slight" and "Dave, Stop Killing Prostitutes." After reuniting in 2021, Mclusky self-released the EP Unpopular Parts of a Pig / The Digger You Deep in 2023 (digital and vinyl formats), comprising two tracks: the noisy opener "Unpopular Parts of a Pig" and the relentless "The Digger You Deep," serving as a teaser for new material. In 2025, ahead of their album the world is still here and so are we, they issued promotional singles including "way of the exploding dickhead" (February 2025, digital, with a video directed by Remy Lamont) and "people person" (March 2025, digital, also with a Lamont-directed video), both emphasizing the band's enduring punk-infused aggression.

References

  1. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/mclusky
  2. https://ipecac.com/artists/mclusky
  3. https://www.last.fm/music/Mclusky
  4. https://everythingisnoise.net/reviews/mclusky-the-world-is-still-here-and-so-are-we/
  5. https://glidemagazine.com/312784/after-twenty-years-mclusky-returns-with-brutally-honest-heavy-the-world-is-still-here-and-so-are-we-album-review/
  6. https://www.sputnikmusic.com/bands/mclusky/1324/
  7. http://post-trash.com/news/2024/7/31/andrew-falkous-on-the-magic-of-mcluskys-third-album-and-second-life-feature-interview
  8. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/may/26/mclusky-review-brudenell-social-club-leeds
  9. https://pitchfork.com/news/mclusky-announce-2026-north-american-tour/
  10. https://www.blackcatdc.com/shows/mclusky.html
  11. https://www.stereogum.com/2178349/mclusky-do-dallas-turns-20/reviews/the-anniversary/
  12. https://echoesanddust.com/2025/05/andrew-falco-falkous-from-mclusky/
  13. https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/5956-the-top-100-albums-of-2000-04-part-one/
  14. https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/interpreter/mclusky/384724
  15. https://www.discogs.com/release/16955163-Best-Huwuno
  16. https://www.discogs.com/artist/13176936-Best-14
  17. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/5185-mclusky-do-dallas/
  18. https://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/music/sites/mclusky/pages/biography.shtml
  19. https://www.setlist.fm/festival/2004/all-tomorrows-parties-2004-1-2bd6a00a.html
  20. https://peel.fandom.com/wiki/Mclusky
  21. http://drownedinsound.com/news/11008-mclusky-split
  22. https://www.treblezine.com/finding-the-right-balance-an-interview-with-mclusky/
  23. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/mar/17/i-dont-believe-in-half-conviction-andrew-falkous-on-the-return-of-mclusky
  24. https://www.smh.com.au/culture/music/welsh-rockers-mclusky-never-really-quit-not-for-long-anyway-20191212-p53jfm.html
  25. https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2016/may/31/cult-heroes-andrew-falco-falkous-mclusky-future-of-the-left
  26. https://thequietus.com/interviews/mclusky-andrew-falkous-interview-2025-chekovs-guns-the-world-is-still-here-and-so-are-we/
  27. https://joyzine.org/2024/10/14/now-then-mclusky-frontman-falco-on-the-reissue-of-their-2004-lp-the-difference-between-me-and-you-is-that-im-not-on-fire/
  28. https://triblive.com/aande/music/andy-falkous-interview-mclusky-guitarist-singer-on-pittsburgh-touring-reunion-and-new-album/
  29. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/dec/15/mclusky-review-witty-acerbic-brutal
  30. https://www.discogs.com/release/1097906-mclusky-mcluskyism
  31. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/mclusky/2022/the-lexington-london-england-43b77733.html
  32. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/mclusky/2022/clwb-ifor-bach-cardiff-wales-7bb0f600.html
  33. https://daily.bandcamp.com/features/muclusky-reunion-interview
  34. https://pitchfork.com/news/mclusky-sign-to-ipecac-for-new-album/
  35. https://mcluskymclusky.bandcamp.com/album/the-world-is-still-here-and-so-are-we
  36. https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/albums/mclusky-the-world-is-still-here-and-so-are-we-dont-miss-a-beat
  37. https://www.nme.com/news/music/mclusky-announce-details-of-reunion-album-i-know-mindblowing-3777205
  38. https://www.noizze.co.uk/how-i-infiltrated-the-rock-band-mclusky-damien-sayell-on-growing-up-with-and-ultimately-joining-mclusky/
  39. https://sun-13.com/2025/02/12/mclusky-announce-new-album-tour-dates/
  40. https://chaoszine.net/mclusky-unveil-european-headliner-tour-dates-for-autumn-2025/
  41. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/mclusky-the-world-is-still-here-and-so-are-we/
  42. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mclusky-mn0000402117
  43. https://genius.com/Mclusky-unpopular-parts-of-a-pig-lyrics
  44. https://genius.com/Mclusky-random-celebrity-insult-generator-lyrics
  45. https://tnmbp.com/2012/03/18/favorite-2000s-albums-10-mclusky-mclusky-do-dallas/
  46. https://www.angelfire.com/indie/tinymixtapes/albumreviews/m/mclusky.htm
  47. https://www.treblezine.com/truly-great-mclusky/
  48. https://joyzine.org/2025/05/08/interview-mcluskys-andrew-falkous-on-their-first-new-album-in-20-years/
  49. https://www.punktastic.com/album-reviews/mclusky-the-world-is-still-here-and-so-are-we/
  50. https://13thfloor.co.nz/mclusky-is-still-here-and-so-are-we-13th-floor-musictalk-interview/
  51. https://www.stereogum.com/2296671/mclusky-detail-first-new-album-in-21-years-the-world-is-still-here-and-so-are-we/music/
  52. https://beatsperminute.com/album-review-mclusky-the-world-is-still-here-and-so-are-we/
  53. https://vinylguide.libsyn.com/ep497-mclusky-is-still-here-with-andrew-falkous
  54. https://northerntransmissions.com/mclusky-are-back-and-in-fine-form/
  55. https://speakeasypr.com/clients/mclusky/
  56. https://stereogum.com/2296671/mclusky-detail-first-new-album-in-21-years-the-world-is-still-here-and-so-are-we/music/
  57. https://groundcontroltouring.com/artists/mclusky
  58. https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/239615/ignite-to-remember/
  59. https://www.discogs.com/master/50677-mclusky-My-Pain-And-Sadness-Is-More-Sad-And-Painful-Than-Yours
  60. https://www.popmatters.com/mclusky-mypain-2496007663.html
  61. https://www.discogs.com/master/50675-mclusky-mclusky-Do-Dallas
  62. https://www.discogs.com/master/50687-mclusky-The-Difference-Between-Me-And-You-Is-That-Im-Not-On-Fire
  63. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/5186-the-difference-between-me-and-you-is-that-im-not-on-fire/
  64. https://www.discogs.com/master/3838758-mclusky-The-World-Is-Still-Here-And-So-Are-We
  65. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/mclusky-the-world-is-still-here-and-so-are-we/
  66. https://www.discogs.com/master/185427-mclusky-mcluskyism
  67. https://www.discogs.com/release/31355530-mclusky-Live-At-Reading-2004
  68. https://www.discogs.com/release/18875137-mclusky-Gateway-Band-Live-In-London-And-Cardiff
  69. https://www.discogs.com/release/3567604-mclusky-Joy
  70. https://www.allmusic.com/album/joy-mw0001890731
  71. https://www.discogs.com/release/2061702-mclusky-Rice-Is-Nice
  72. https://www.discogs.com/release/557894-mclusky-Whoyouknow-Love-Song-For-A-Mexican
  73. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/1095/mclusky/
  74. https://www.discogs.com/master/50673-mclusky-To-Hell-With-Good-Intentions
  75. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o66g12emwE
  76. https://www.discogs.com/master/3767790-mclusky-Unpopular-Parts-Of-A-Pig-The-Digger-You-Deep
  77. https://mcluskymclusky.bandcamp.com/album/unpopular-parts-of-a-pig-the-digger-you-deep
  78. https://pitchfork.com/news/mclusky-return-with-first-album-in-20-years-share-video-for-new-song-watch/
  79. https://www.treblezine.com/mclusky-people-person-video/
  80. https://www.nme.com/news/music/mclusky-announce-first-album-in-20-years-and-return-with-new-single-3837405
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