Mico (band)
| Company type | Punk band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Founder | John Stewart |
| Defunct | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Banff, Alberta , Canada |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
Mico was a punk ensemble originating from Banff, Alberta, Canada, active between 1998 and 2007.
History
Established in the late 1990s by John Stewart, previously associated with Red Fisher (band) and The Black Halos, Mico initially consisted of a trio: Stewart on guitar and vocals, Todd Lapp handling bass, and Troy "BDF" Fleischhaker on drums, all based in Banff. The group moved to Calgary in 1999 and expanded their lineup by adding guitarist Patrick May in 2000. This formation produced the EP A Timpani of Failure of Defeat, which is currently out of circulation. During that year, Fleischhaker temporarily departed and was succeeded by Todd Harkness—formerly of Porter Hall and The Browns—on drums; the band embarked on an extensive tour throughout Western Canada.
In 2001, Fleischhaker rejoined the band while Harkness transitioned to guitar and keyboard duties. Under Does Everyone Stare Records for North America and Boss Tuneage for UK and Japan distribution, they released the album Standing Inside a Shadow. Additional tracks from these sessions were featured on a limited edition split vinyl with Calgary's First In Last Out.
Throughout 2002, Mico promoted Standing Inside a Shadow via touring and issued a split 7-inch record with The Milwaukees comprising unreleased songs, including a rendition of The Smiths' "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out." They also participated in a tribute compilation for Engineer Records by covering a song originally by Shudder to Think.
Following Todd Lapp’s exit in 2003, bassist Cameron Brass joined the lineup. That summer, after signing with G7 Welcoming Committee, Mico released Outside the Unbearable Grows, accompanied by a limited picture disc LP co-issued by Does Everyone Stare & Boss Tuneage.
Activity slowed down in 2004 as members relocated geographically. Stewart took on most instrumental responsibilities for their third album Our Living Language, with Mark Fleischhaker contributing drums; Harkness and May added guitar parts. The album was digitally released through G7 Welcoming Committee in 2006, supported by a limited CD edition during the subsequent tour.
In January 2010, Mico reunited featuring original members Stewart, Fleischhaker, May, Harkness, along with bassist Jahmeel Russel for the 25th anniversary celebration of University of Calgary’s radio station CJSW. They also appeared at the Sled Island festival performing alongside Ted Leo and Why? Although additional concerts were scheduled, no new recordings were announced.
Musical style
Canadian magazine Exclaim! characterized the band as a "prog-friendly art punk quintet."
Discography
- A Timpany of Failure and Defeat EP (2000)
- Standing Inside a Shadow (2001)
- split 8.5" with First In Last Out (2001)
- split 7-inch with The Milwaukees (2002)
- Outside the Unbearable Grows (2003)
- Our Living Language (2006)