Porcelain Bus
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Founder | Ian James, Robert McKiernan, John Nolan, Paul Patrick |
| Defunct | 1991 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Rock and R&B music, albums, singles |
Porcelain Bus was a Sydney-based Australian ensemble blending rock and R&B, established in late 1985 by Ian James (lead vocals), Robert McKiernan (lead guitar, vocals), John Nolan (drums), and Paul Patrick (bass guitar). The group produced two full-length albums: Talking to God released in October 1988, and Fragile in July 1990. Following a European tour in late 1990, they returned to Australia for an east coast circuit before disbanding in 1991.
History
Formed in Sydney towards the end of 1985, Porcelain Bus brought together schoolmates Ian James, Robert McKiernan, and Paul Patrick, who had previously collaborated in Mr Pharmacist, a band known for its 1960s acid-punk and R&B style. The band's name is derived from a slang term for vomiting, colloquially described as "riding the porcelain bus."
Their first single, "Indignation," released in August 1986 and produced by Rob Younger, introduced their signature sound marked by minimalist yet melodic guitar lines paired with husky vocals layered over a moody rhythm section. The follow-up single, "The Well is Dry," appeared in July 1987 alongside the six-track EP Steel Bros, both produced by Brett Myers of Died Pretty under Citadel Records. Notably, the EP's leading track featured backing vocals from Astrid Munday. Critics lauded James’ captivating singing and the band’s integration of slide and acoustic guitars; Steel Bros was widely regarded as an outstanding release.
Brett Myers continued as producer for their first album Talking to God, which debuted in October 1988. This record showcased a blend of energetic rock numbers and more subdued compositions. It spawned singles including "Own Little World" (October) and "Rats" (June 1989). In November 1989, Adam Toole took over drumming duties from John Nolan. Their sophomore album, Fragile, arrived in July 1990 featuring the single "Blue on Blue" (June). The album was noted for its textured guitar-driven rock with a retro '60s influence and intricate rhythmic patterns. Citadel Records issued the compilation Sacred Relics in 1990 specifically for the European audience, which coincided with their tour across Europe that same year. Upon returning home for an east coast tour of Australia, the group ultimately dissolved in 1991.
In 1995, Ian James—also known as Ian Towart—and Robert McKiernan founded Gentle Assassins, a five-member band combining hard rock/pop with alternative country influences. The lineup included Iain Jepson on keyboards, Andrew Lay on drums, and James Lacey handling bass guitar and vocals. Gentle Assassins released their debut album They Knew too Much in March 2005 through Endgame Records, with production by Shane Fahey.
Members
- Ian James (also Ian Towart) – lead vocals
- Robert McKiernan – lead guitar, vocals
- John Nolan – drums, vocals
- Paul Patrick – bass guitar
- Adam Toole – drums
Albums
- Talking to God (October 1988) – Citadel Records (CIT LP 519)
- Fragile (July 1990) – Citadel/Festival Records (CGAS 814), Blue Mosque (L30368)
- Sacred Relics (compilation, 1990) – Citadel (CGAS 811), Blue Mosque/Festival Records
Extended plays
- Steel Bros – Citadel Records (CIT LP 508)
Singles
- "Indignation" (1986) – Citadel Records (CIT 021)
- "The Well is Dry" (1987) – Citadel Records (CIT 030)
- "Own Little World" (1988) – Citadel Records (CIT 041)
- "Rats" (1989) – Citadel Records (CIT 048)
- "Blue on Blue" (1990) – Blue Mosque Records (K10087)
External links
- "Porcelain Bus" on Divine Rites