Conflict (band)
Encyclopedia
Conflict is an English anarcho-punk
band originally based around Eltham
in South London
. Formed in 1981, the band's original line up consisted of: Colin Jerwood
(vocals), Francisco 'Paco' Carreno (drums), Big John (bass guitar), Steve (guitars), Pauline (vocals), Paul aka 'Nihilistic Nobody' (visuals). Their first release was the EP "The House That Man Built" on Crass Records
. By the time they released their first album, It's Time to See Who's Who
, on Corpus Christi Records
, Pauline and Paul had left the band. Conflict later set up its own Mortarhate Records label, which put out releases by other artists including Hagar the Womb
, Icons of Filth
, Lost Cherrees
, The Apostles
, Exitstance
, Stalag 17
, Admit You're Shit and Potential Threat.
In 1983, Steve Ignorant
, who was at the time a member of the band Crass
, guested on the band's pro-animal rights
single "To A Nation of Animal Lovers". After the dissolution of Crass, Ignorant later became second vocalist for Conflict on a semi-permanent basis. This followed a 1986 gig in Brixton
, London, when he had joined the band on stage for a few numbers.
The band has always been outspoken regarding issues such as anarchism
, animal rights
, the anti-war movement and in their support for the organisation Class War
, and a number of their gigs during the 1980s were followed by riot
s and disturbances.
The Mortarhate logo has often been mistakenly interpreted as a reference to the initials CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
); however, the band's drummer, Paco, states that it is a nihilist
symbol. It incorporates two 'A's for anarchy
and autonomy
, and an 'N' for nihilism
. The logo originally appeared in 1980 as a graffiti stencil, designed by Toxic Graffity (sic) fanzine
editor Mike Diboll and a former member of The Heretics whom he had previously interviewed in the fanzine. It later appeared in Thanatos, a small circulation pamphlet
also produced by Diboll.
Kenny Barnes (Drums)
Graham Ball (Gtr)
Sarah Taylor (Vocals)
Jackie Hannah (Vocals)
Gav King ( Gtr )
Anarcho-punk
Anarcho-punk is punk rock that promotes anarchism. The term anarcho-punk is sometimes applied exclusively to bands that were part of the original anarcho-punk movement in the United Kingdom in the late 1970s and early 1980s...
band originally based around Eltham
Eltham, London
-Parks and open spaces:There is a large variety of open green space in Eltham, in the form of parkland, fields and woodland.*Avery Hill Park is large, open parkland, situated to the east of Eltham. It is most notable for its Winter Garden, a hothouse containing tropical trees and plants from around...
in South London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. Formed in 1981, the band's original line up consisted of: Colin Jerwood
Colin Jerwood
Colin Jerwood is the vocalist for the Anarcho-punk band Conflict.-External links:* * on MyspaceIf you need to be told about Conflict search for Mortarhate Records...
(vocals), Francisco 'Paco' Carreno (drums), Big John (bass guitar), Steve (guitars), Pauline (vocals), Paul aka 'Nihilistic Nobody' (visuals). Their first release was the EP "The House That Man Built" on Crass Records
Crass Records
Crass Records is an independent record label which was set up by the anarchist punk band Crass.-Overview and history:Prior to the formation of Crass, Penny Rimbaud and Gee Vaucher had published their creative works via their own Dial House based Exitstencil Press...
. By the time they released their first album, It's Time to See Who's Who
It's Time to See Who's Who
It’s Time to See Who’s Who is the first album by the British punk rock band Conflict. It was released in 1983 by Corpus Christi Records, and again in 1994 as It's Time to See Who's Who Now on Mortarhate Records, with a different track listing....
, on Corpus Christi Records
Corpus Christi Records
Corpus Christi Records is an independent record label started by some of the members of Crass and their recording engineer and business partner John Loder, to release records by artists who did not perhaps fit in with some of the stricter ideals of the Crass Records label.Several of the artists on...
, Pauline and Paul had left the band. Conflict later set up its own Mortarhate Records label, which put out releases by other artists including Hagar the Womb
Hagar the Womb
Hagar the Womb were an English punk rock band, active in the early 1980s and part of the Anarcho-punk movement. Members went on to form We are Going to Eat You and Melt.-History:...
, Icons of Filth
Icons of Filth
Icons of Filth were an influential British anarcho-punk band that disbanded in 2004, after the unexpected death of its lead singer Andrew Sewell, or Stiggy Smeg.-Early history:...
, Lost Cherrees
Lost Cherrees
-History:The Lost Cherrees were formed in 1979/1980 by Steve Battershill , Dave Greaves and Siân Jeffreys vocalist. After a period of rehearsal, six demo tracks were recorded and released on a tape cassette 'The Worst Demo Ever Recorded At Hark Studios, Kingston', this was a split release with...
, The Apostles
The Apostles
The Apostles are an experimental punk rock band who developed within the confines of the 1980s Anarcho Punk scene in the UK, but did not necessarily adhere to the aesthetics of that movement.-History:...
, Exitstance
Exitstance
Exitstance were a British anarcho-punk band on Mortarhate Records. They toured Europe with Crass and Conflict. Their only LP release was titled While Backs are Turned,and the E.P:Crime Against Humanity on....
, Stalag 17
Stalag 17 (band)
Stalag 17 were an anarcho-punk band from Belfast, Northern Ireland that existed from 1980 to 1987.-History:Formed in Belfast by the members of three other punk bands, The Stillborns, Maimed and Paranoid, the band began writing their own material and covering contemporary punk bands such as The Mekons...
, Admit You're Shit and Potential Threat.
In 1983, Steve Ignorant
Steve Ignorant
Steve Ignorant is a singer and artist. He co-founded the anarcho-punk band Crass with Penny Rimbaud in 1977. After Crass stopped performing in 1984, he has worked with other groups including Conflict, Schwartzeneggar, The Stratford Mercenaries, Current 93 , US punk band Thought Crime, as well as...
, who was at the time a member of the band Crass
Crass
Crass are an English punk rock band that was formed in 1977, which promoted anarchism as a political ideology, way of living, and as a resistance movement. Crass popularised the seminal anarcho-punk movement of the punk subculture, and advocated direct action, animal rights, and environmentalism...
, guested on the band's pro-animal rights
Animal rights
Animal rights, also known as animal liberation, is the idea that the most basic interests of non-human animals should be afforded the same consideration as the similar interests of human beings...
single "To A Nation of Animal Lovers". After the dissolution of Crass, Ignorant later became second vocalist for Conflict on a semi-permanent basis. This followed a 1986 gig in Brixton
Brixton
Brixton is a district in the London Borough of Lambeth in south London, England. It is south south-east of Charing Cross. The area is identified in the London Plan as one of 35 major centres in Greater London....
, London, when he had joined the band on stage for a few numbers.
The band has always been outspoken regarding issues such as anarchism
Anarchism
Anarchism is generally defined as the political philosophy which holds the state to be undesirable, unnecessary, and harmful, or alternatively as opposing authority in the conduct of human relations...
, animal rights
Animal rights
Animal rights, also known as animal liberation, is the idea that the most basic interests of non-human animals should be afforded the same consideration as the similar interests of human beings...
, the anti-war movement and in their support for the organisation Class War
Class War
Class War is a UK class struggle based group and newspaper originally set up by Ian Bone and others in 1983. It subsequently mutated various forms, becoming specifically anarchist....
, and a number of their gigs during the 1980s were followed by riot
Riot
A riot is a form of civil disorder characterized often by what is thought of as disorganized groups lashing out in a sudden and intense rash of violence against authority, property or people. While individuals may attempt to lead or control a riot, riots are thought to be typically chaotic and...
s and disturbances.
The Mortarhate logo has often been mistakenly interpreted as a reference to the initials CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament is an anti-nuclear organisation that advocates unilateral nuclear disarmament by the United Kingdom, international nuclear disarmament and tighter international arms regulation through agreements such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty...
); however, the band's drummer, Paco, states that it is a nihilist
Nihilist movement
The Nihilist movement was a Russian movement in the 1860s which rejected all authorities. It is derived from the Latin word "nihil", which means "nothing"...
symbol. It incorporates two 'A's for anarchy
Anarchy
Anarchy , has more than one colloquial definition. In the United States, the term "anarchy" typically is meant to refer to a society which lacks publicly recognized government or violently enforced political authority...
and autonomy
Autonomy
Autonomy is a concept found in moral, political and bioethical philosophy. Within these contexts, it is the capacity of a rational individual to make an informed, un-coerced decision...
, and an 'N' for nihilism
Nihilism
Nihilism is the philosophical doctrine suggesting the negation of one or more putatively meaningful aspects of life. Most commonly, nihilism is presented in the form of existential nihilism which argues that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value...
. The logo originally appeared in 1980 as a graffiti stencil, designed by Toxic Graffity (sic) fanzine
Fanzine
A fanzine is a nonprofessional and nonofficial publication produced by fans of a particular cultural phenomenon for the pleasure of others who share their interest...
editor Mike Diboll and a former member of The Heretics whom he had previously interviewed in the fanzine. It later appeared in Thanatos, a small circulation pamphlet
Pamphlet
A pamphlet is an unbound booklet . It may consist of a single sheet of paper that is printed on both sides and folded in half, in thirds, or in fourths , or it may consist of a few pages that are folded in half and saddle stapled at the crease to make a simple book...
also produced by Diboll.
Original line up
- Colin JerwoodColin JerwoodColin Jerwood is the vocalist for the Anarcho-punk band Conflict.-External links:* * on MyspaceIf you need to be told about Conflict search for Mortarhate Records...
(vocals) - ‘Big’ John Clifford (bass guitar)
Kenny Barnes (Drums)
Graham Ball (Gtr)
- Paul Friday, aka ‘Nihilistic Nobody’ (visuals)
Later members
Francisco Carenio (Drums)- Paul Hoddy (bass guitar)
- Spike Smith (drums)
- Matthew Zilch (guitar)
- Kevin Webb (guitar)
- Steve IgnorantSteve IgnorantSteve Ignorant is a singer and artist. He co-founded the anarcho-punk band Crass with Penny Rimbaud in 1977. After Crass stopped performing in 1984, he has worked with other groups including Conflict, Schwartzeneggar, The Stratford Mercenaries, Current 93 , US punk band Thought Crime, as well as...
(vocals) - Chris Parish (guitar)
- Ferenc Collins (guitar)
- Marshall Penn (guitar)
- Mandy Spokes
- Eva Scragg (vocals)
Sarah Taylor (Vocals)
Jackie Hannah (Vocals)
Gav King ( Gtr )
Studio albums
- It's Time to See Who's WhoIt's Time to See Who's WhoIt’s Time to See Who’s Who is the first album by the British punk rock band Conflict. It was released in 1983 by Corpus Christi Records, and again in 1994 as It's Time to See Who's Who Now on Mortarhate Records, with a different track listing....
LP (March 1983, Corpus Christi RecordsCorpus Christi RecordsCorpus Christi Records is an independent record label started by some of the members of Crass and their recording engineer and business partner John Loder, to release records by artists who did not perhaps fit in with some of the stricter ideals of the Crass Records label.Several of the artists on...
) (#1)- reissued in May 1994 as It's Time to See Who's Who Now by Mortarhate Records, with a different track listing.
- Increase the PressureIncrease the PressureIncrease the Pressure is the second album by the British punk rock band Conflict. It was released in 1984 by Mortarhate Records.-Track listing:#"Increase The Pressure" – 1:57#"Law And Order " – 1:01...
LP / CD (June 1984, Mortarhate Records) (#2) - The Ungovernable ForceThe Ungovernable ForceThe Ungovernable Force is an album by the British punk rock band Conflict. It was released in 1986 by Mortarhate Records. Considered by many in the punk rock community to be the band's most coherent and complete representation of their politics and aesthetic, it has become an enduring classic in...
LP (August 1986, Mortarhate Records) (#2)- reissued in 2006 with bonus tracks on CD by Mortarhate Records.
- From Protest To Resistance LP (1986, Bust Fund) (#11)
- The Final ConflictThe Final ConflictThe Final Conflict is an album by the British anarcho-punk band Conflict. It was released in 1988 by Mortarhate Records. One of the most controversial songs on the album was The Cord is Cut, a song outlining their pro-life stance, which they say stems from their views on animal rights.- Track...
LP (December 1988, Mortarhate Records) (#13) - Against All Odds LP (1989, Mortarhate Records)
- ConclusionConclusion (album)Conclusion is an album by the U.K punk rock band Conflict. It was recorded in Alaska and released in December 1993 by Mortarhate Records. The album was among their most high profile and successful releases.-Track listing:#"To Live On In Hearts"...
LP / CD (December 1993, Mortarhate Records) - There's No Power Without Control LP / CD (July 2003, Mortarhate Records)
EPs
- "The House That Man Built" EP (June 1982, Crass RecordsCrass RecordsCrass Records is an independent record label which was set up by the anarchist punk band Crass.-Overview and history:Prior to the formation of Crass, Penny Rimbaud and Gee Vaucher had published their creative works via their own Dial House based Exitstencil Press...
) (#3). Later re-issued on Mortarhate Records. - "To a Nation of Animal Lovers" EP (October 1983, Corpus Christi Records) (#4). Later re-issued on Mortarhate Records.
- "The Serenade is Dead" EP (January 1984, Mortarhate Records) (#5)
- "This is Not Enough, Stand Up and Fucking Fight" 7" (March 1985, Mortarhate Records) (#3)
- "The Battle Continues" 7" (October 1985, Mortarhate Records) (#1)
- "The Final Conflict" 12"(1988, Mortarhate Records)
- "These Colours Don't Run" 7" / CD (October 1993, Mortarhate Records)
- "BBC1" 7" (1995, Mortarhate Records)
- "Now You've Put Your Foot In It" 7" / CD (2001, Mortarhate Records)
- "Carlo Giuliani" 7" / CD (April 2003, Mortarhate Records)
Compilations
- Employing All Means Necessary LP / CD (1985, Mortarhate Records)
- Standard Issue 82-87 LP / CD (February 1989, Mortarhate Records)
- Standard Issue II 88-94 LP / CD (1996, Mortarhate Records)
- Deploying All Means Necessary (February 1997)
- There Must Be Another Way (January 2001)
Live
- Live at Centro IbericoCentro IbericoCentro Iberico was a squatted school in Notting Hill, England, that became a Social centre, a live venue and a studio.Centro Iberico, also known as the Anarchy or Alternative ‘A’ Centre, at 421 Harrow Road alongside the canal, was a former school squatted by Spanish anarchists in the early 80s...
EP (October 1982, Xntrix Records) (#7). Later re-issued on Mortarhate Records. - Live At Brest, France (March 1983)
- Only Stupid Bastards Help EMI LP (1986, New Army Records) (#5)
- Leeds University (April 1986)
- Turning Rebellion Into Money Double LP / CD (1987, Mortarhate Records) (#1)
- In The Venue (April 2000)
- In America CD (2001, Go-Kart Records 83)
- Live In London (2004)