Exserts
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1980 in Sydney, Australia |
| Defunct | 1987 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Punk rock music |
Exserts was a punk rock trio originating from Sydney, Australia, formed in 1980 by Steven Demsey on bass, Charlie Sammut on drums, and Greg Suptut handling guitar and vocals. In 1981, Simon Holmes took over Suptut’s role before Andrew Thomas assumed guitar and vocal duties in 1983. Their only full-length record, titled Exserts, was issued by Aberrant Records in February 1987, shortly before the band dissolved.
History
Established in Sydney in 1980, Exserts consisted initially of school friends Demsey, Sammut, and Suptut. Their debut live show occurred in 1981 at the Sussex Hotel in Sydney. Later that year, Simon Holmes replaced Suptut as guitarist and vocalist; then in May 1983, Andrew Thomas succeeded Holmes. Holmes went on to co-found the indie pop band the Hummingbirds in 1986.
The trio of Demsey, Sammut, and Thomas recorded three songs—"Business Man," "Countdown," and "Stranglehold"—which appeared on the 1984 Sydney punk compilation Not So Humdrum released by Aberrant Records. Music reviewer Steve Gardner observed that these tracks exhibited better audio quality than their subsequent album material. Despite maintaining an active presence on the local scene, Exserts failed to attain broader recognition.
Their lone studio album, Exserts, was launched through Aberrant Records on 9 February 1987. Gardner criticized the production for diminishing the album’s intensity but praised the solid drumming and steady hardcore rhythms paired with politically themed lyrics. The group disbanded soon after this release.
After the breakup, Sammut joined the Sydney-based band Bits of Kids, while Thomas became involved with The Latenotes and The Herman Jasper Situation. Both Thomas and Demsey eventually transitioned to professions outside the music industry.
Members
- Steven Demsey – bass guitar (1980–87)
- Charlie Sammut – drums (1980–87)
- Greg Suptut – lead guitar, vocals (1980–81)
- Simon Holmes – lead guitar, vocals (1981–83)
- Andrew Thomas – lead guitar, vocals (1983–87)
Discography
- "Business Man", "Countdown", "Stranglehold" (featured on Various Artists compilation Not So Humdrum, 1984) – Aberrant Records (NUMBA-2)
- Exserts (1987) – Aberrant Records (ZERT-1)