Genetic Control
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Defunct | 1985 |
| Fate | Disbanded; reunited in 1998 |
| Headquarters | Montreal, Quebec , Canada |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
Genetic Control is a hardcore punk group originating from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, recognized for their highly sought-after single "First Impressions." Initially active between 1983 and 1985 before reuniting in 1998, they performed alongside prominent bands such as the Dead Kennedys, GBH, and Suicidal Tendencies. The band was also noted for their comedic use of costumes during live shows.
History
Established in 1983 by combining members from the bands "Out Of Step" and "Drunken Disturbance," Genetic Control swiftly became a key player in Montreal’s hardcore punk scene. Early members included Mike Price, Rob Huppé, Doug Crevier, Rob Porter, and Louis Leveque, whose drumming—infused with progressive rock influences—added a distinctive edge to their sound.
Their band name was inspired by a lyric from Genesis and drew thematic influence from dystopian literature such as George Orwell’s works and Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World. During rehearsals, the group focused on covering influential punk acts like Bad Religion and Minor Threat, which shaped their musical style.
Operating out of a shared rehearsal venue known as the BBC (Bleury Beach Club), Genetic Control played a foundational role in Montreal’s hardcore punk movement throughout the 1980s. Lyricist Mike Price crafted words that combined historical allusions with humor, reflecting the band’s lighthearted approach to their stage presence.
In 1984, they contributed the track "Suburban Life" to the Primitive Air-Raid compilation released by Psyche Industry Records. Due to budgetary limitations, their only official release was the 7-inch single First Impressions on Generic Records, with a limited pressing of just 500 copies. Although they recorded a planned full-length album on cassette in 1985, financial constraints prevented its official release—a decision later lamented by both the band and fans.
Following the cancellation of their planned tour and failure to launch their LP in 1985, Genetic Control disbanded. Mike Price went on to work in concert production and toured with Metal Church. The scarcity of their single resulted in significant collector interest worldwide, with copies selling for up to $1500 on platforms like eBay. Unauthorized bootleg versions appeared without any financial benefit to the band.
The group reunited in 1998 for the anniversary event at Les Foufounes Électriques and resumed live performances despite members living across various parts of Canada. In 2005, they issued Brave New World through Sonik's Chicken Shrimp Records—a live album combining early recordings with new tracks—which quickly sold out.
In 2018, Return To Analog Records re-released their debut EP on vinyl in limited quantities alongside a 12-inch record featuring rare outtakes and alternate mixes. Additional releases include a box set, an unreleased LP, a covers album, and intentions for a live video recording of their performance at the 2017 '77 Montreal Festival.
Personnel
- Mike Price (also known as Zabo, Polio Elvis) – lead vocals
- Rob Porter (nicknamed Teen Hunk Rob, Robbo, Bobby Casino) – lead guitar
- Rob Huppé (aliases Duke Crysal, Kung Fu Rob) – rhythm guitar
- Douglas Crevier (known as Dick Pageant, Dougo) – bass guitar
- Louis Lévesque (referred to as Late Louis) – drums
- Mike Brisebois – drums (no recorded material with the band)
Singles
- First Impressions 7" (Generic Records, 1984; limited to 500 copies)
- "Love Rat"
- "Brave New World"
- "Urban Cowboy"
- "1984"
- First Impressions 7" (Return To Analog, 2018; reissued version of the 1984 release)
- "Love Rat"
- "Brave New World"
- "Urban Cowboy"
- "1984"
Albums
- Brave New World Live (Sonik's Chicken Shrimp Records, 2005)
- "Suburban Life"
- "1984"
- "Puff The Magic Dragon"
- "Dirty Rockers"
- "Abandoned At Birth"
- "Meet Billy"
- "Big Takeover" (cover of Bad Brains)
- "Right Brigade" (cover of Bad Brains)
- "Brave New World"
- "First Impressions"
- "The Ballad Of Gilligan's Island"
- "New Fucking Song"
- "Drunk Again"
- "Love Rat"
- "Rocking With Seka"
- "Urban Cowboy"
- "Betray" (cover of Minor Threat)
- First Impressions 12" (Return To Analog, 2018; includes alternative mixes and versions on side two)
- "Love Rat"
- "Brave New World"
- "Urban Cowboy"
- "1984"
- "Dirty Rockers"
- "First Impressions"
- Box Set 12" & 7" (Return To Analog, 2022)
Compilation albums
- The track "Suburban Life" featured on the Primitive Air-Raid compilation (Psyche Industry Records, 1984)
- The song "1984" included in the Golden Shower Of 72 Hits compilation (unauthorized release)