Bohemian Vendetta
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Defunct | 1968 |
| Headquarters | Long Island , United States |
| Products | Music recordings, singles, album |
Bohemian Vendetta was a garage and psychedelic rock group originating from Long Island, New York, active between 1966 and 1968. During their career, they produced two singles, multiple demo recordings, and a self-titled album, Bohemian Vendetta, which Mainstream Records released in 1968.
History
Initially formed in 1966 under the name the Bohemians in Long Island, New York, the founding members were Arthur Muglia (also known as Brian Cooke) handling lead vocals and organ, Victor Muglia on bass, Randy Pollock playing rhythm guitar, Richard Martinez on lead guitar, and Richie Sorrento on drums. Their early sound was rooted in blues with inspiration drawn from bands like Pretty Things and the Shadows of Knight. That same year, they recorded two demo acetate singles: "Irresistible" backed with "Petrified, Like Stoned," and "I Don't Go that Way" coupled with "All Kinds of Lows and All Kinds of Highs." They also issued the single "Enough" with "Half of the Time" as its B-side through United Artists. This track was featured on Dick Clark's American Bandstand but failed to achieve chart success.
The group's demo recordings caught the attention of Bob Shad’s Mainstream Records, a label recognized for its minimalistic production style and focus on underground FM radio artists. Mainstream had previously released albums by acts such as Big Brother and the Holding Company and Ted Nugent’s early band.
Nick Manzi joined the ensemble as lead guitarist after departing from the Rustics and Cavaliers in Lynbrook, New York, replacing Richard Martinez who left to join the Cats Meow. In 1967, they adopted the name Bohemian Vendetta. At this point, Randy Pollock transitioned from rhythm guitar to bass duties, while Chuck Monica took over drums from Richie Sorrento. The band shared stages with groups like the Vagrants and Vanilla Fudge at venues including Action House.
Although demos for their album under Mainstream were already prepared, Bob Shad insisted on re-recording tracks in 1968. These sessions reportedly lacked the original recordings' energy. The majority of songs were original compositions except for a cover version of The Rolling Stones’ "Satisfaction." The Bohemian Vendetta LP showcased a blend of psychedelic rock and rhythm & blues influences featuring songs such as "Riddles & Fairytales," "Paradox City," alongside covers like "Satisfaction" and "House of the Rising Sun." Unfortunately, Mainstream provided minimal promotional support for both the album and its single "Riddles and Fairytales," which contributed to disappointing sales figures. That year, the band also contributed as backing musicians on Faine Jade’s Introspection album before disbanding later in 1968.
Following their breakup, Bohemian Vendetta’s recordings have appeared on various compilations. Their track “Enough” was included in Greg Shaw’s Bomp! Records’ 1979 compilation Ear-Piercing Punk and subsequently featured on Essential Pebbles, Volume 1. Additionally, “All Kinds of Highs” has been reissued. In 1998, all their recorded material was assembled into a comprehensive collection titled Enough.
1966
- Arthur Muglia (also known as Brian Cooke) – lead vocals and organ
- Victor Muglia – bass
- Randy Pollock – rhythm guitar
- Richard Martinez – lead guitar
- Richie Sorrento – drums
1967-1968
- Arthur Muglia (also known as Brian Cooke) – lead vocals and organ
- Victor Muglia – bass
- Nick Manzi – lead guitar
- Randy Pollock – rhythm guitar
- Chuck Monica – drums
Singles
- "Irresistible" coupled with "Petrified, Like Stoned" (unreleased acetate, 1966)
- "I Don't Go That Way" paired with "All Kinds of Lows and All Kinds of Highs" (unreleased acetate, 1966)
- "Enough" backed with "Half of the Time" (United Artists UA 50174, 1967)
- "Riddles and Fairytales" accompanied by "I Wanna Touch Your Heart" (Mainstream, 1968)
Album
- Bohemian Vendetta (Mainstream Stereo: S/6106, Mono: 56106, 1968)