The Trilobites
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | June 1984 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
The Trilobites emerged as a power pop group originating from Sydney, Australia, in June 1984. The founding members consisted of Mike Dalton on vocals, Scott Leighton handling bass duties, guitarists Martin Martini and Paul Skates, along with drummer Paul Styman. Their initial two singles, "Venus in Leather" and "American TV," both achieved top positions on the alternative music charts. Over their career, they produced three studio albums: Turn it Around (1987), Savage Mood Swing (1990), and The Lost Generation (1992).
History
During the late 1970s, vocalist Mike Dalton and drummer Paul Styman collaborated in a high school band. In 1984, bassist Scott Leighton formed The United Underworld with Martin Martini, Paul Skates, Paul Styman, and vocalist Steven Stradbrook. Soon after, Dalton joined as lead singer, prompting a name change to The Trilobites. All members were alumni of Sydney Technical High School. Their live debut took place on 20 June 1984 at the Vulcan Hotel in Ultimo.
Their initial offering was a self-issued live cassette titled Let's Pump, distributed through Atomic Records. Citadel Records released their first two singles: "Venus in Leather" (1985) and "American TV" (1986), each securing the number one spot on alternative charts. The band embarked on extensive tours that garnered enthusiastic audience reactions. Both songs were later featured on Citadel’s compilation album Take Everything, Leave Nothing (1988). Subsequently, they signed with Big Time Records and released the single "Night of the Many Deaths" in 1987.
On 24 October 1987, The Trilobites recorded a live album, Turn It Around, at The Caringbah Inn; this was issued exclusively on vinyl by Waterfront Records. Waterfront also handled their fourth single, "Jenny's Wake," released in 1988. After contributing to rooArt’s inaugural compilation album Youngblood, the band secured a deal with rooArt. This partnership yielded an EP titled I Can't Wait for the Summer to End, which gained traction on American college radio stations.
Their first studio album, Savage Mood Swing, produced by Steve James, was released in March 1990. Prior to its release, they completed a successful European tour in late 1989. The album was also distributed in the United States through Polygram; however, a planned U.S. tour was canceled by rooArt. Following this cancellation in 1991, Mike Dalton departed to join MTV Australia as an employee and was replaced by Gary Slater as vocalist. Drummer Paul Styman also exited and was succeeded by Glenn Abbott.
This revised lineup issued the single "Tears You Apart/Don't Hide" along with a six-track mini-LP available on vinyl. These recordings became the foundation for their final album, The Lost Generation, produced by Rob Younger and launched by Citadel in February 1992. The original band members reunited for performances in Sydney during 1996.
After the band's dissolution:
- Gary Slater returned to Brisbane where he performed with The Pot Monsters and Grumpy and rejoined Voodoo Lust.
- Glenn Abbott became part of Machine Gun Fellatio, formed The Bryan Ferrysexual Experience and later Super Massive; he continues his career as both musician and producer.
- Martin Martini joined Spurs For Jesus & The Upsets.
- Michael Dalton transitioned into production and reporting roles at Channel 9 starting in 1993, contributing to programs such as the NRL 'Footy Show', 'Good Morning Australia', and 'A Current Affair'.
Members
- Glenn Abbott – drums (1991–1992)
- Mike Dalton – vocals (1984–1991)
- Scot Leighton – bass guitar (1984–1992)
- Martin Martini – rhythm guitar (1984–1992)
- Paul Skates – lead guitar (1984–1992)
- Gary Slater – vocals (1991–1992)
- Paul Styman – drums (1984–1989)
Cassette
- Let's Pump – Atomic Records (Independent Release) (December 1984)
Albums and EPs
- Turn it Around – Waterfront (December 1987)
- I Can't Wait for Summer to End (EP) – rooArt (March 1989)
- American TV (EP) – Citadel/Normal (1989)
- Savage Mood Swing – rooArt (March 1990)
- The Lost Generation – Citadel (February 1992)
Singles
- "Venus in Leather" / "Amphetamine Dream" – Citadel (October 1985)
- "American TV" / "Legacy of Morons" – Citadel (August 1986)
- "Night of the Many Deaths" / "Living by a Different Yardstick" – Big Time Records (May 1987)
- "Jenny's Wake" / "I Can See" – Waterfront (June 1988)
- "All Hail The New Right" split EP alongside Tall Tales and True – rooArt (1988)
- "Fuck = Love" / "Little Death" / "Legacy of Morons – Remix" 12" vinyl – rooArt (September 1989)
- "New Head" / "Savage Mood Swing" – rooArt (November 1989)
- "Minibar of Oblivion" / "Attack of the Yes Man" 7" & 12" vinyl editions – rooArt (February 1990)
- "Don't Hide" / "Tear You Apart" – Citadel (October 1991)