Nursery Crimes (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1989 in Melbourne, Australia |
| Founder | Phil Rose |
| Defunct | 1994 (initial split) |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
Nursery Crimes is a hardcore punk group originating from Melbourne, established in early 1989 with Phil Rose as the lead vocalist. They toured extensively across Australia before their split in 1994, during which they released two full-length albums along with several singles and EPs. Their initial offerings featured the single "All Torn up Inside" (1989), followed by the EP No Time for That Crime (1990, notable for its pink bubblegum vinyl), and their studio album Fun Hurts! released in May 1992. The band was among the first to organize "all-ages" shows without alcohol to broaden their fan base. Throughout their career, Nursery Crimes opened for Australian tours by acts such as L7, Henry Rollins, Faith No More, Fugazi, and All. Musicologist Ian McFarlane highlighted their music as a fusion of melodic yet aggressive guitar riffs, energetic arrangements, fast-paced vocals, and harmonious backing. They reunited for performances in 2006.
History
Nursery Crimes came together in Melbourne in early 1989 with the lineup consisting of Paddy Chong on bass, Dave Dixon handling guitar and backing vocals, Caine Knight on lead guitar, Russell Hopkinson on drums (previously with Vicious Circle, Bamboos, Kryptonics, and Cremator), and Phil Rose as the frontman (formerly of Slush Puppies). Ian McFarlane characterized their style as built upon melodic yet hard-hitting riffs, rapid-fire arrangements, quick vocal delivery, and layered harmonies.
Their first single "All Torn up Inside" was released through Au Go Go Records at the end of 1989, accompanied by the EP No Time for That Crime. Following Chong’s departure to join Girl Monstar and The Fuck Fucks, Davarj Thomas took over bass duties and provided backing vocals.
After parting ways with Au Go Go Records, Nursery Crimes signed with Survival Records and put out the EP Marked by Time in 1990, produced by Kaj Dahlstrom. For their European audience, they issued a compilation titled What Do You Know (Anyway)? via Normal Records. In April 1991, they released a single covering The Beatles’ "Eleanor Rigby". Around this time, James Masson replaced Knight on lead guitar and piano.
Their debut album Fun Hurts! was launched in May 1992, co-produced by the band alongside Dahlstrom. McFarlane described it as "amphetamine-charged". By the end of that year, Masson was succeeded by James McInnes on guitar while Chris Latham took over drumming from Hopkinson, who had joined You Am I.
In August 1993, they released the EP Something's Wrong with Our Heroes and embarked on a national tour. The group disbanded in early 1994. During their active years, they supported tours featuring L7, Henry Rollins, Faith No More, Fugazi, and All. Subsequently, Thomas became part of pre.shrunk from 1996 to 2003. In 1994 McInnes and Rose formed Shreen, which McFarlane described as blending melodic pop hooks with sharp riffs and brisk tempos. Dixon later joined Shreen until its dissolution in 1996.
Rose contributed songwriting to Melbourne punk outfit Bodyjar. Mid-2006 saw Nursery Crimes reunite for live shows featuring Dixon, Rose, Thomas, McInnes, and Ross Hetherington (formerly of Bodyjar) on drums.
In 2017 they regrouped to support Descendents (U.S.A), with Gordy Forman from Frenzal Rhomb filling in on drums.
In 2018 Phil Rose collaborated as co-writer and performer with the collective TQX on their debut album Global Intimacy, which included contributions from artists like SIA and Kool AD.
By 2023 the band reassembled once again with Phil Rose, David Dixon, James McInnes, Shane Bush on bass, and Lonny Finn (of 28 Days) on drums to perform alongside The Hard Ons. They also served as support for Descendents during shows in Sydney and Melbourne.
Late in 2024 drummer Dave Ross (known for Civil Dissident, Vicious Circle, Massappeal) joined to back The Hard Ons and headline a highly praised Melbourne concert—their first performance there in seventeen years.
Plans for 2025 include local gigs, interstate touring, composing new songs, and recording sessions scheduled for later that year.
Members
- Paddy Chong – bass guitar (1989–1990)
- Dave Dixon – guitar, vocals (1989–1994, 2006–2007, 2017, 2023)
- Russell Hopkinson – drums, percussion (1989–1992)
- Caine Knight – guitar (1989–1991)
- Phil Rose – vocals (1989–1994, 2006–2007, 2017, 2023)
- Davarj Thomas – bass guitar (1991–1994, 2006–2007, 2017)
- James Masson – guitar, piano (1991–1992)
- James McIness – guitar (1992–1994, 2006–2007, 2017, 2023)
- Chris Latham – drums (1992–1994)
- Ross Hetherington – drums (2006–2007)
- Gordy Forman – drums (2017)
- Shane Bush – bass (2023)
- Lonny Finn – drums (2023)
- Dave Ross – drums (2024)
Albums
- What Do You Know (Anyway)? (compilation, 1990) – Released by Rattlesnake Records and distributed through Shock Records/Normal Records (RAT 510)
- Fun Hurts! (1992) – Survival Records (SUR518 CD/469146.2)
Extended plays
- No Time for That Crime (1990) – Issued by Au Go Go Records (ANDA 117)
- Marked by Time (1990) – Joint release from Au Go Go Records and Survival Records (SUR702CD)
- Something's Wrong with Our Heroes (August 1993) – Published by MDS (ABC123)
Singles
- "All Torn Up Inside" (1989)
- "Eleanor Rigby" (1991)
- "Marked By Time" (1992)
External links
- Beat Magazine Live Review