Compulsion (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Founder | Josephmary, Sid Rainey |
| Defunct | 1997 |
| Headquarters | North London , United Kingdom |
Area served | Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom |
Key people | Josephmary (vocals), Sid Rainey (bass), Garret Lee (guitar), Jan-Willem Alkema (drums) |
| Products | Punk music, albums, EPs, singles |
Compulsion was a punk band originating from the Republic of Ireland, established in 1990 by vocalist Josephmary and bassist Sid Rainey. Initially, they performed under the name Thee Amazing Colossal Men. After securing a contract with Virgin Records and resolving a legal dispute with the label, the group adopted the name 'Compulsion' in 1992. The lineup, completed by guitarist Garret Lee and drummer Jan-Willem Alkema, moved to North London and signed with One Little Indian. Their discography includes several EP releases alongside two full-length albums: Comforter (1994), which the NME associated with the "New Wave of New Wave" genre, and The Future is Medium (1996), recognized for their signature black attire paired with bright orange hair.
The band ceased activity in 1997 following their departure from One Little Indian. Subsequent to the breakup, Garret Lee pursued a notable career in music production under the pseudonym Jacknife Lee, collaborating with artists such as Snow Patrol and U2. Alkema became involved with groups like China Drum and Driven to Collision. Rainey shifted focus to writing and produced the BBC children's animated show Underground Ernie. Josephmary returned to reside in Ireland.
Studio albums
- Comforter (1994) - reached No. 59 on the UK Albums Chart
- The Future Is Medium (1996)
Singles
- "Mall Monarchy" (1994) - peaked at No. 87 on the UK Singles Chart
- "Basketcase" (1994) (released as "Delivery" in the United States)
- "Eating" (distributed exclusively to fan club members, 1994)
- "Question Time for the Proles" (1996)
- "Juvenile Scene Detective" (1996)
EPs
- Compulsion (1992)
- Casserole (1993)
- Safety (1993)
- Boogie Woogie (1994)
Compilations
- Hi-Fi Compilation (1995)
- I Like Compulsion and Compulsion Likes Me (2002)