The Makers of the Dead Travel Fast
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1980 in Sydney, Australia |
| Defunct | 1983 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Albums, singles, EPs |
The Makers of the Dead Travel Fast, occasionally referred to as The Dead Travel Fast, was an experimental music ensemble originating from Sydney, Australia, in 1980. The group consisted of Greg Addison on guitar and vocals, David Bullock handling percussion, Steve Couri playing bass, Shane Fahey on synthesiser and vocals, Peter Richardson covering piano, percussion, and vocals, and Tim Schultz performing saxophone, vocals, and percussion. Their name was inspired by a phrase from Bram Stoker's novel Dracula. Over their active years, they issued two albums: The Vessels (1981) and Zoom Is Less than Man (1983), before dissolving in 1983.
History
The Makers of the Dead Travel Fast were signed to M Squared, a record label established by Mitch Jones and Michael Tee of Scattered Order, recognized for supporting electronic and avant-garde musicians who were often overlooked by mainstream companies. Their first single, "Tael of the Saeghors," dropped in December 1980, gaining cult status and fueling their live shows. Notably, David Bullock exited the band before this release.
Their initial album, Vessels (1981), showcased ambient electronic textures with subtle dynamic shifts, drawing parallels to the works of Brian Eno and David Bowie’s Low. Later that year, they issued the EP Why Won't We Wake? before taking a short break.
In 1983, they returned to produce their sophomore album, Zoom Is Less than Man, but disbanded by the end of that year. Following the split, Shane Fahey joined Scattered Order. In 1991, Extreme Records issued a retrospective compilation titled G'arage D'Or.
Their song "The Dumb Waiters" was featured on the 2002 compilation Can't Stop It: Australian Post-Punk 1978-82, underscoring their influence within Australia's post-punk movement. M Squared included "Style Noodle" on the 2009 vinyl collection Pardon Me for Barging in Like This. Additionally, Ascension Records reissued their material on compilations such as Terrace Industry (2010) and 41 Pardons (2011), alongside other prominent Australian experimental artists.
Members
- Peter Richardson (piano, keyboards)
- Greg Addison (guitar)
- Steve Couri (bass)
- Tim Schultz (saxophone, bongos)
- Shane Fahey (synthesizer, loops)