Akrylykz
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1978 in Kingston upon Hull, England |
| Defunct | 1981 |
| Headquarters | Kingston upon Hull , England |
| Products | Music recordings, singles |
Akrylykz (initially known as Akrylyk(z) Vyktymz) were a British ska ensemble originating from members of the Hull School of Art and Design located in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The lineup included Roland Gift—who later gained fame with Fine Young Cannibals—starting as a tenor saxophonist before transitioning to lead vocalist and frontman. Additional personnel comprised Steve Pears (vocals, tenor saxophone), Stevie "B" Robottom (vocals, alto saxophone, keyboards), Wojciech "Piotr" Swiderski (drums), Michael "Fred" Reynolds (bass), and Nik "Akrylyk" Townend (guitar).
History
Established in December 1978 in Hull under the name Akrylyk Vyktymz, the group’s early performances included a show at the Wellington Club in June 1979. By 1980, having shortened their name to Akrylykz, they performed as a supporting act for The Mekons at Hull Technical College. During the early 1980s, the band experienced modest commercial recognition, issuing a double A-side single, "Spyderman" / "Smart Boy," through York-based Red Rhino Records. Subsequently, they secured a contract with Polydor Records, releasing the single "JD" before being dropped amid the decline of the ska revival movement.
In 1980, Akrylykz collaborated with Desmond Dekker on sessions for his Black and Dekker album released by Stiff Records, revisiting several of Dekker’s classic tracks. The band embarked on extensive tours both independently and as support for key 2 Tone groups such as The Beat, The Specials, and Madness. They also served as an opening act for The Clash on at least one occasion. The band is mentioned by Horace Panter in his autobiography Ska'd For Life.
Post-breakup developments
Following the band's dissolution, Townend established Vital Records, which signed the reggae group Bushfire from Hull University, led by Mark Douglas (bass, vocals, songwriting). Townend contributed guitar and songwriting before moving to London. Vital Records also issued releases by local artists including Nyam Nyam, fronted by Paul Trynka, former editor of Mojo and Iggy Pop biographer.
The 1998 compilation 100% British Ska included Akrylykz's tracks "Spyderman" (Gift/Townend) and "Smart Boy" (Steve B./Townend).
Discography
- "Spyderman" / "Smart Boy" – Red Rhino, Red 2, 1979 (Released 17 January 1980)
- "JD" / "Ska'd for Life" – Polydor, 2059 253, 1980
- Black and Dekker (collaboration with Desmond Dekker) – Stiff, SEEZ 26, 1980