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The Fluid

From Alfawiki
The Fluid
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1985
Defunct1993 (first disbandment)
FateDisbanded; briefly reassembled in 2008
Headquarters
Denver
,
United States
ProductsRock music albums and singles

The Fluid was a rock group originating from Denver, established in 1985, disbanded in 1993, and briefly reassembled in 2008. Drawing inspiration from acts like the Rolling Stones and MC5, they became the first band outside the Pacific Northwest to be signed by Seattle's notable label Sub Pop.

History

Initially called Madhouse, The Fluid formed following the breakup of Denver’s punk outfit Frantix. The lineup began with bassist Matt Bischoff, drummer Garrett Shavlik, and guitarist Rick Kulwicki, who then added James Clower (guitar) and vocalist John Robinson to officially debut as The Fluid on July 5, 1985.

Their first album, Punch N Judy, was released in 1986 through Rayon Records and was also licensed to the German label Glitterhouse. They supported this release with a rigorous touring schedule.

In 1988, they launched Clear Black Paper, marking their first release on Sub Pop and making them the label’s inaugural signing from outside Seattle. This transition resulted from a label exchange involving Glitterhouse and Sub Pop that included Green River and The Fluid. Musician Rod Moody highlighted their unique sonic presence among Sub Pop’s artists.

The 1989 album Roadmouth, produced by Jack Endino, was praised for its amplified intensity. In 1990, they issued the six-track EP Glue, produced by Butch Vig, which was recognized for its vigorous punk energy.

After signing with Hollywood Records in 1993, The Fluid released Purplemetalflakemusic. However, disputes with the label led to an unsatisfactory contract experience and ultimately contributed to the band’s breakup later that year.

After The Fluid

Following the group's dissolution, drummer Garrett Shavlik formed Spell (not to be confused with Boyd Rice’s project), which briefly secured a deal with Island Records. Bassist Matt Bischoff founded '57 Lesbian'. Vocalist John Robinson mentioned plans for an album collaboration involving Kurt Cobain and Mark Lanegan; however, Cobain's passing prevented this project from progressing. Robinson subsequently joined forces with Jim Wallerstein of Das Damen in New United Monster Show, active until 1999.

Reunion

In 2008, The Fluid reunited to perform at Sub Pop Records’ 20th Anniversary event held in Seattle, preceded by a June concert in Denver. They toured cities including Hoboken, Brooklyn, and Seattle in 2009 before disbanding once more.

Guitarist Rick Kulwicki died in 2011 at age 49. During 2011 and 2012, The Fluid took part in benefit events organized by Sub Pop Records to support Kulwicki’s twin sons. His sons’ band, Purple Fluid, released an EP on Sapos Records and appeared at the memorial event Pure Sunshine alongside Mudhoney.

Members

  • John Robinson – vocals (1985–1993, 2008–2009)
  • Matt Bischoff – bass (1985–1993, 2008–2009)
  • James Clower – guitar (1985–1993, 2008–2009)
  • Rick Kulwicki – guitar (1985–1993, 2008–2009); deceased 2011
  • Garrett Shavlik – drums (1985–1993, 2008–2009)

Albums

  • Punch N Judy (1986, Rayon)
  • Clear Black Paper (1988, Glitterhouse/Sub Pop)
  • Freak Magnet (1989, Glitterhouse)
  • Roadmouth (1989, Glitterhouse/Sub Pop)
  • Glue (1990, Glitterhouse/Sub Pop)
  • Purplemetalflakemusic (1993, Hollywood)

Singles

  • "Tin Top Toy" backed with "Tomorrow" (1989, Sub Pop)
  • Split 7" with Loveslug - live versions of "Madhouse" and "Free Fire Zone" (1989, Glitterhouse)
  • Split 7" with Nirvana - live tracks "Candy" and "Molly's Lips" (1991, Sub Pop)
  • Spot the Loon (1992, Fellaheen)
  • "On My Feet" (1992, Hollywood)
  • "Mister Blameshifter" (1993, Hollywood)
  • "7/14" (1993, Hollywood)
  • "Pill" (1993, Hollywood)
  • "Cold Outside" coupled with "Tell Me Things" (2012, Blitzkrieg)

Compilations

  • Overlow (2024, Sub Pop)

Appearances

  • "Is It Day I'm Seeing?" featured on Sub Pop 200 (Sub Pop, 1988)
  • "Don't Wanna Play" included in Colorado Crew Vol. 3: Is This My Donut? (Donut Crew, 1990)
  • "Tomorrow" contributed to The Grunge Years (Sub Pop, 1991)
  • "Oh Shit" part of Something's Gone Wrong Again: The Buzzcocks Covers Compilation (C/Z, 1992)

External links

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