Asexuals (band)

The Asexuals

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1983
Headquarters	Beaconsfield, Quebec , Canada
Products	Music albums, EPs

The Asexuals (often referred to simply as Asexuals) are a hardcore punk group originating from Beaconsfield, Quebec. They gained recognition within the Montreal punk community throughout the 1980s, before evolving their style toward alternative rock following the departure of vocalist John Kastner. Kastner later went on to establish the bands Doughboys and All Systems Go!.

History

The band was formed in 1983 by Beaconsfield High students Sean Friesen, T.J. Collins, and Paul Remington. Early on, future actor Al Goulem briefly joined as a second guitarist, while Collins initially handled vocal duties. Shortly thereafter, John Kastner became the lead vocalist.

Initially considering names like "Commonwealth" and "VD Teens," they eventually chose "Asexuals," a nod to their unmarried status at that time. Their musical style blended the intensity of hardcore punk with melodic elements reminiscent of bands such as The Nils and Hüsker Dü.

1984–1985: Be What You Want, Contemporary World

Performing across Montreal, Ottawa, Kingston, and Toronto, the band supported various Canadian and American punk acts before issuing their debut EP, Featuring: The Asexuals, through Og Music in 1984. This was quickly followed by their second EP, B.F.D., and their track "Contra Rebels" featured on the Montreal punk compilation Primitive Air-Raid released by Psyche Industry Records. In December 1984, they unveiled their first full-length album, Be What You Want, via First Strike Records.

In 1985, after First Strike Records ceased communication, Psyche Industry Records reissued Be What You Want due to positive reception of "Contra Rebels" from the Primitive Air-Raid compilation. That year also saw the release of their sophomore LP, Contemporary World, which included a hardcore rendition of Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are a-Changin'" and embraced a more alternative rock approach. To support this album, the band embarked on an extensive two-month tour covering 69 shows across the United States and Canada.

Despite active touring and releases, certain punk fanzines criticized the band over the ambiguous political undertones in "Contra Rebels," particularly references to CIA-trained forces. Initially labeled by Tim Yohannon of Maximumrocknroll as "mouthpieces of the new right," the band later received an apology from him.

In 1987, Kastner parted ways with the group amid disagreements regarding their musical direction and subsequently founded the Doughboys. The Asexuals reorganized with Collins and Friesen sharing lead vocals and guitar responsibilities while adding bassist Blake Cheetah (who later became writer Jim Algie). They maintained an active touring schedule throughout North America, opening for notable Canadian punk bands such as D.O.A. and SNFU, alongside American hardcore groups including Hüsker Dü, the Minutemen, the Dicks, and Youth Brigade.

1988–1992: Dish, Exile from Floontown

Their third album, Dish, was released in 1988 through Cargo Records. Produced by Steve Kravac, this record marked a stylistic shift toward a sound more suited for college radio audiences, incorporating acoustic guitars and horn sections on its opening track. While this change estranged some long-time followers, the album maintained energetic rock elements complemented by a robust live performance style.

Facing potential disbandment, the group accepted an offer from a German promoter for a European tour. Following this period, Cheetah departed and was replaced by Dom Pompeo. Together with Pompeo, they recorded their fourth studio album, Exile from Floontown. Released in 1991 on CD format, this album revived much of their original distorted guitar tone while keeping melodies accessible for college radio play. In 1992, they issued the Walt's Wish EP under Cargo Records.

1993–1996: Fitzjoy

In 1993, Dom Pompeo exited the group and was succeeded by Yuri Mohacsi. This formation released the EP Love Goes Plaid through RPN Records in Europe and Boss Tuneage in the United States. By 1996, they issued their last studio album, Fitzjoy, on Hypnotic Records. Plans for a supporting tour were ultimately canceled when the band dissolved.

Following this, Friesen moved to Austin and established La Motta with bassist Alfred Mueller and drummer Wal Rashidi. In 2000, Boss Tuneage compiled and released "Greater than Later," which included Asexuals' work from 1984 to 1996 alongside previously unreleased material.

Reunion: 2010–Present

The original lineup reunited for a performance at Montreal's Just for Laughs Cabaret on October 1, 2010, sharing the stage with Montreal punk groups the 222's and Hollerado. They returned to perform in March 2011 during Canadian Music Week at Toronto's Bovine Sex Club, followed by an appearance at the 2012 Osheaga Festival. In 2016, the band participated in the Punk Rock Bowling & Music Festival held in Las Vegas.

In 2017, they recorded the Brave New Waves Session with CBC Montreal, which was subsequently released by Artoffact Records.

December 2019 saw the Asexuals perform at Montreal's Corona Theatre celebrating the 40th anniversary of London Calling, the seminal album by The Clash.

Members

• John "Filthy" Kastner – Vocals (1983–1987, 2010–Present)
• Sean "Head" Friesen – Guitar (1983–1997, 2010–Present)
• Glen Collins (AKA T.J. Plenty) – Bass (1983–1987, 2010–Present), Vocals and Guitar (1987–1997)
• Paul "Wally" Remington – Drums (1983–1997, 2010–Present)
• Blake Cheetah (James Algie) – Bass (1987–1989)
• Dom Pompeo Jr – Bass (1989–1993) (deceased 2012)
• Yuri Mohacsi – Bass (1993–1997)

Albums

• Be What You Want (1984), First Strike Records; reissued in 1985 by Psyche Industry Records
• Contemporary World (1985), Psyche Industry Records
• Dish (1988), Cargo Records
• Exile from Floontown (1991), Cargo Records
• Fitzjoy (1996), Hypnotic Records

Live albums

• Brave New Waves Session (2017), CBC Montreal, Artoffact Records

EPs

• Featuring: The Asexuals (1984), Og Music
• B.F.D. (1984), Og Music
• Split 7-inch with Change of Heart titled Change Of Heart / Asexuals (1990), Cargo Records
• Walt's Wish (1992), Cargo Records
• Love Goes Plaid (1993), RPN Records in the UK & Europe, Boss Tuneage Records in America

Compilation Albums

• Contemporary World / Be What You Want (1991), released by Psyche Industry Records
• Greater than Later (2000), issued through Boss Tuneage Records

Appearances on Various Collections:

• "Contra-rebels" featured on Primitive Air-Raid (1984), Psyche Industry Records
• "Left Behind" included in On Garde (1989), EnGuard Records

External links

• Official Myspace page for Asexuals