(Groningen, 1981-1984)

Meaning Name: After a sci-fi book by Ray Bradbury.

Bio: When The Chops stopped, Chris formed the band together with Peter who he knows from 4227-B. It started with jamsessions, switching instruments and experimenting with unusual sounds. There were no lyrics. It was characterized by a radically monotonous sound but raw, rudimentary and rough. The mission was making people aware of the process of depersonalization to which they are currently subjected, and making it clear to them that this organizational structure is transforming them into a mass human being. The means to achieve this was through concerts, releases and posters. The flexi release from 1983 (the lyrics are on the plastic of the trashbag which served as a sleeve and the print came off as soon as your fingers touched it) was made to destroy the needle of your recordplayer. In this way the band made a contribution to the destruction of this heavily capitalist consumer product. Needless to say, they were strict adherents of Albanian Hoxism. The band practised in the ORKZ squat and eventually joined the RWZ collective.

Description: A mix of Tändstickorshocks, Ome Willem (a popular children’s program) and early Sonic Youth/Swans.

Lineup:
Chris Smit – bass, guitar, drums, samples
Michiel Postma – bass, guitar, drums, samples
Peter Luining aka Slonz – vocals, bass, guitar, drums, samples

Other bands:
Chris Smit – The Chops, CVC, 4227-B
Michiel Postma – The Chops, Rags
Peter Luining – Slonz, Rags, 4227-B

Fanzine:
Peter Luining – Slonz, Welvaartsstaat, Blok 5
Michiel Postma – E.S.P.

Label:
Peter Luining – Welvaartsstaat

Discography:
1983 – Systeem Der Illusie TAPE (Not On Label, NL)
1983 – Fahrenheit 451 one-sided transparent 5½” flexi (Not On Label, NL)

Various:
1982 – Hatelijke Groenten 7” EP (Rood Wit Zwart, NL)

Interview/Article:
1983 – De Nieuwe Sleur (Peter Luining interview)
1984 – U235 1
2020 – Michiel Postma interview
2023 – The Annual 1 (Peter Luining interview)

Concerts: (selected)
1983.02.06 Vera, Groningen (+ O’Villain, Bloedbad, The Three Slow-Ones, Massagraf, Jetset)
1984.03.08 Oktopus, Amsterdam (+ Vacuüm)