YELLOWJACK
Dave Pope – guitar, vocals
Paul Hamilton – percussion, voice
Andy Thomson – bass
It could have been very different… Early 2013 was the first time in 25 years that three-quarters of 1980s four-piece Horrible Head spent time together, drinking and joshing the night (and decades) away. Almost inevitably the subject arose of their reforming, recording and going dervish in the dancehalls one more time. Thumbs were duly raised by Hamilton, Pope and Sean Hyde but just as swiftly, there was discord, dissent and acrimony. Hyde wanted the name Horrible Head retained (despite the absence of their “professional front man” Phil Ford). Hamilton preferred SDP (being both the initials of Hyde, Pope and his first names, and the name of the wretched 1980s British political party). Hyde insisted on producing it at his home in Bridport. Hamilton and Pope wanted a studio with an outside producer.
So Hyde fell out, Andy Thomson fell in and Reticents/Bisonics producer Malcolm Gaynor was elected man over (mixing) board. Godot Woz Ere, with its unadorned guitar/bass/drums template, could have appeared any time in the past five decades. It might still sound as vital and fresh 50 years from now. Let us know, any of you century surfers out there. With Pope and Hamilton on inspired writing form, Yellowjack’s stand-alone album (it’s their debut, farewell and greatest hits) is one of the Smoking Ant label’s highest peaks.
Before the album’s release, Pope set forth for New Zealand for a new life and a new pulsating troupe (This Little Badge). Hamilton and Thomson became Babylon Squeak. They reunited in 2019 to record Marwar Junction, a homage to their loved friend, Albie Gibbs; a bittersweet low-fi low-key farewell.
Discography:
The Green Book [1 song on d/l Various Artists E.P.] (2019)
Godot Woz Ere [11-song d/l album, 12-song CD album] (2014)
Selected Videography:
Half-Life See! Hear!
Going Slowhere See! Hear!
You Can’t Have It See! Hear!