Stockholm Monsters
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Founder | Tony France, Karl France, Ged Duffy, Shan Hira |
| Defunct | 1987 |
| Headquarters | Manchester , England, United Kingdom |
| Products | Music recordings |
Stockholm Monsters were a post-punk ensemble originating from Burnage, Manchester, established in 1980. Their recordings were released through Factory Records between 1981 and 1987.
History
The band came together in 1980 with founding members Tony France (vocals, guitar), Karl France (bass, keyboards), Ged Duffy, and Shan Hira (drums). The lineup later expanded to include Lita Hira on keyboards, John Rhodes, and Lindsay Anderson who contributed trumpet and keyboards. Their first single, "Fairy Tales," appeared on Factory Records in September 1981, produced by Martin Hannett, and achieved a peak position of number 43 on the UK Independent Chart.
After issuing two additional singles, they launched their sole studio album, Alma Mater, in 1984. The album was produced by Peter Hook of New Order and garnered critical praise for its innovative sound despite modest commercial success. The group's later releases included various EPs and singles such as "How Corrupt Is Rough Trade?", a pointed commentary on Factory’s distribution partner, which reached number 47 on the UK indie chart, along with "Partyline," another track produced by Hook. The band dissolved in 1987.
In 2002, Noel Gallagher from Oasis acknowledged Stockholm Monsters as a significant influence from his hometown of Burnage, highlighting their impact on his musical development alongside bands like Joy Division and New Order.
Three compilation CDs were issued by LTM Records in 2001, and in 2014, US-based label Captured Tracks released a double vinyl edition compiling their singles alongside Alma Mater.
Following the band's breakup, Shan Hira transitioned into audio engineering and production, overseeing operations at Suite 16 studio in Rochdale, previously known as Cargo Studios.
Discography
Studio albums
- Alma Mater (1984), Factory
Compilation albums
- The Last One Back (Archive 1980–1987) (2001), LTM
- All at Once (Singles 1981–1987) (2001), LTM
Singles and EPs
- "Fairy Tales" (1981), Factory – UK Indie No. 43
- "Happy Ever After" (1982), Factory
- "Miss Moonlight" (1983), Factory Benelux
- "All at Once" (1984), Factory
- "How Corrupt Is Rough Trade?" (1984), Factory Benelux – UK Indie No. 47
- Greetings Two EP (1987), Materiali Sonori
- "Partyline" (1987), Factory