Sardine v
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Founder | Ian Rilen, Stephanie Rilen |
| Defunct | 1983 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Music recordings (single "Sabotage", EP "I Hate You") |
Sardine v (commonly known as Sardine) was a post-punk ensemble originating from Sydney, Australia, established in 1980 by guitarist and vocalist Ian Rilen (previously of X and Rose Tattoo) alongside his then-spouse Stephanie Rilen (also known as Stephanie Falconer), who handled lead vocals and keyboards. They issued the single "Sabotage" in 1982 followed by the extended play I Hate You in 1983. The lineup also featured Johanna Pigott on bass guitar and Andrew Garton playing saxophone. The group dissolved in 1983.
History
The inception of Sardine v came about when Ian Rilen recognized Stephanie’s proficiency on the piano during their collaborative songwriting sessions. The original band members comprised Ian on guitar and vocals, Stephanie providing lead vocals and keyboard arrangements, Phil Hall (from Dropbears and Lime Spiders) on bass guitar, and Greg Skehill on drums. Their first live performance took place at the Rockgarden in December 1980, where they performed to a sold-out crowd alongside acts such as Machinations.
Under the management of SCAM (Suss City Artist Management), which also handled bands like the Sunnyboys and Machinations, Sardine v leveraged significant industry support. Their single "Sabotage" (1981) was co-produced by Lobby Loyde, who was a part-owner of SCAM, in collaboration with Damien Lovelock from the Celibate Rifles. Although they attracted considerable audiences during live shows—sometimes drawing crowds nearing 1000—their commercial record sales did not match this popularity.
The band’s music video for "Sudan" was broadcast on ABC-TV’s Countdown, featuring performances by Ian Rilen, Stephanie Rilen, Johanna Pigott on bass, and Barton Price on drums. After disbanding in 1983, Ian Rilen rejoined his former band X. Music journalist Clinton Walker characterized Sardine v as a stylish but brief presence in the scene.
Their composition "Stuck on You" was later interpreted by Hunters & Collectors on their 1986 album Human Frailty and became a staple in their live performances. Mark Seymour of Hunters & Collectors cited the track as reflective of a romantic entanglement witnessed in Darlinghurst during 1983. Subsequently, Stephanie Rilen married Doug Falconer, drummer for Hunters & Collectors. Additionally, The Deadly Hume recorded a version of "I Hate You" for Phantom Records’ tenth anniversary compilation titled Assorted Desecrations and Magnificent Mutations released in 1988.
Members
- Ian Rilen – guitar, vocals (1980–83)
- Stephanie Rilen – keyboards, vocals (1980–83)
- Phil Hall – bass guitar (1980–82)
- Greg Skehill – drums (1980–81)
- Michael Skinner – drums (1981)
- Barton Price – drums (1981–82)
- Johanna Pigott – bass guitar (1982)
- John Lloyd – drums (1982)
- Stuart Dunlop – bass guitar (1982–83)
- Andrew Garton – saxophone (1983)
- Craig Rossi – drums (1983)
Albums
- I Hate You (mini-album) (1983), Phantom PH-18
Singles
- "Sabotage"/"Sudan" (7") (1982), White Label Records – produced by Lobby Loyde
Compilation appearances
- "Stuck on You" - included on Fast Forward, FF008/009 (1982)
- "Sabotage" - featured on The Mushroom Story: The Hits of the Eighties Vol 2, Mushroom MUSH33136.2 (1998)
- "Sudan" - appeared on Tales from the Australian Underground: Singles 1976-1989 (2003)
External links
- Hunters & Collectors: "Stuck on You" (lyrics)