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FLESHIES (est. 1999) are a loud punk band from Oakland, California. They are noted for their intense, wild, and often homoerotic stage presence, abrasive-yet-catchy songs that warp and invert countless rock and punk tropes, radical (verging on wingnut) left-wing politics, and punishing tour schedules from the past (133 shows in 131 days at one point in 2003). They have released numerous well-received albums and singles on labels such as Alternative Tentacles, Recess, Life Is Abuse, Thrillhouse, and Adeline, and are on countless compilations (such as MaximumRocknRoll’s “Noise Ordinance” LP).
“Introducing The Fleshies” (Dirt Cult Records), the band’s new full-length album, represents a return to form, capturing the energy, raw power, incisive lyrical commentary/humor, and brutalist melodicism of their earlier releases like “Kill The Dreamer’s Dream” (2001) and “The Sicilian” (2003). Recorded and engineered by Brian Plaskett, mastered by Daniel Husayn (North London Bomb Factory). (The) Fleshies are Mattowar, Yvan Kawecki, John No, Brian Plaskett, and Hamiltron (all of whom are original members).
FFO: Poison Idea, Vexx, Fitz of Depression, Hickey, Born Against, Scared of Chaka, Night Birds, Neighborhood Brats, Sparks
“Fleshies are one of those rare punk treasures that always knows how to kick out the jams live. And while the band labels its genre ‘Mysterious Guy Softcore’ — a play off the once trendy micro-genre of Mysterious Guy Hardcore — its sound is anything but. If you're into frenetic, fast-paced rhythms and off-kilter guitar and vocal workouts, expect to receive your just rewards. Singer John No doesn't sit idle during the band's shows; he can often be found working the crowd into a frenzy.” --Eddie Jorgenson, SF Weekly
"These hyperactively yelping Oakland artcore minutemen very much deserve to suck. Yet, somehow, they don't." - Chuck Eddy, Village Voice