Biography
Mission Of Burma: history and sound
Mission of Burma is an American post-punk band formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1979. The band was formed by Roger Miller (guitar), Clint Conley (bass), Peter Prescott (drums) and Martin Swope (tape manipulator-sound engineer).
Recalling the Magic of Mission of Burma - A Musical Retrospective
When we think about the post-punk era in the USA, bands like Sonic Youth, Husker Du, and R.E.M. usually spring to mind. However, one band that made it to the list but is often overlooked is Mission of Burma. They were active for only a short period but managed to make a profound impact on the indie scene and leave a lasting legacy. After their split in 1983, they reunited in the early 2000s and are still touring today. So let's revisit their musical richness and discuss why they still matter.
Originating in Boston, Mission of Burma formed in 1979 and featured Roger Miller on guitar and vocals, Clint Conley on bass and vocals, Peter Prescott on drums, and Martin Swope on tape loops and sound manipulations. They caused a stir right from the start with their unconventional instrumentation and ear-piercing sound. Their blend of punk rock, experimental noise, and pop sensibility was an assault on the senses but also skillfully crafted. With their ashes, groups like My Bloody Valentine, The Pixies, and Nirvana would become household names.
The group only released one album during their initial run; the 1982 classic Vs., which has become a holy grail for music lovers. The album is an artistic masterpiece full of jagged guitars, driving drums, fluid basslines, and cryptic lyrics. The upbeat opener Secrets and the funky New Nails, show the band's diversity and accessibility. Meanwhile, the slower, brooding Weatherbox and the epic, instrumental That's When I Reach for My Revolver showcase their atmosphere and ambition. The album's avant-garde quality even caught the attention of the legendary Brian Eno, who claimed it was the best American rock record he had heard in years.
The members of Mission of Burma were gifted instrumentalists, but their real strength was their uncontainable energy in a live setting. Their concerts were a riot of explosive sound and fervor. One such show, which is now considered a turning point in their career, took place at the MIT radio station WMBR in 1981. Their performance, which featured them destroying the station with their musical precision and intensity, was broadcast live and later became a bootleg classic. The band's live prowess and influence are undeniable, as attested by the swath of acts that formed in their wake.
A notable achievement that proved their resilient spirit was their 2002 reunion. After almost 20 years of separation, the group reunited with their original roster and played their first show in Rockport, Massachusetts. This happened after years of Miller recovering from hearing problems caused by their initial run. The reunion was such a success that they have continued performing to this day, releasing new albums in 2004, 2006, and 2012. Their sound has evolved with time, but their essence remains the same.
Critics have always sung praises for Mission of Burma, but it's mainly the adoration and respect of their music-listening fanbase that have kept their star burning. One such critic, writing in the Boston Globe, calls them the most exciting, raw guitar band in America. He also claims that their music lit up the preeminent rock periodical of the era while inspiring a generation of post-punks in England and America. Their music even received the honor of being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
Music has the power to linger on in your heart and mind, and Mission of Burma's music is living proof of this. They may not have achieved massive commercial success, but their contribution to the independent music scene is immeasurable. They expanded the boundaries of rock and roll, paving the way for countless bands to create art on their own terms. So if you are a fan of punk, post-punk, noise rock, or indie rock, give them a listen, and lose yourself in their raw, unfiltered energy.
Recalling the Magic of Mission of Burma - A Musical Retrospective
When we think about the post-punk era in the USA, bands like Sonic Youth, Husker Du, and R.E.M. usually spring to mind. However, one band that made it to the list but is often overlooked is Mission of Burma. They were active for only a short period but managed to make a profound impact on the indie scene and leave a lasting legacy. After their split in 1983, they reunited in the early 2000s and are still touring today. So let's revisit their musical richness and discuss why they still matter.
Originating in Boston, Mission of Burma formed in 1979 and featured Roger Miller on guitar and vocals, Clint Conley on bass and vocals, Peter Prescott on drums, and Martin Swope on tape loops and sound manipulations. They caused a stir right from the start with their unconventional instrumentation and ear-piercing sound. Their blend of punk rock, experimental noise, and pop sensibility was an assault on the senses but also skillfully crafted. With their ashes, groups like My Bloody Valentine, The Pixies, and Nirvana would become household names.
The group only released one album during their initial run; the 1982 classic Vs., which has become a holy grail for music lovers. The album is an artistic masterpiece full of jagged guitars, driving drums, fluid basslines, and cryptic lyrics. The upbeat opener Secrets and the funky New Nails, show the band's diversity and accessibility. Meanwhile, the slower, brooding Weatherbox and the epic, instrumental That's When I Reach for My Revolver showcase their atmosphere and ambition. The album's avant-garde quality even caught the attention of the legendary Brian Eno, who claimed it was the best American rock record he had heard in years.
The members of Mission of Burma were gifted instrumentalists, but their real strength was their uncontainable energy in a live setting. Their concerts were a riot of explosive sound and fervor. One such show, which is now considered a turning point in their career, took place at the MIT radio station WMBR in 1981. Their performance, which featured them destroying the station with their musical precision and intensity, was broadcast live and later became a bootleg classic. The band's live prowess and influence are undeniable, as attested by the swath of acts that formed in their wake.
A notable achievement that proved their resilient spirit was their 2002 reunion. After almost 20 years of separation, the group reunited with their original roster and played their first show in Rockport, Massachusetts. This happened after years of Miller recovering from hearing problems caused by their initial run. The reunion was such a success that they have continued performing to this day, releasing new albums in 2004, 2006, and 2012. Their sound has evolved with time, but their essence remains the same.
Critics have always sung praises for Mission of Burma, but it's mainly the adoration and respect of their music-listening fanbase that have kept their star burning. One such critic, writing in the Boston Globe, calls them the most exciting, raw guitar band in America. He also claims that their music lit up the preeminent rock periodical of the era while inspiring a generation of post-punks in England and America. Their music even received the honor of being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
Music has the power to linger on in your heart and mind, and Mission of Burma's music is living proof of this. They may not have achieved massive commercial success, but their contribution to the independent music scene is immeasurable. They expanded the boundaries of rock and roll, paving the way for countless bands to create art on their own terms. So if you are a fan of punk, post-punk, noise rock, or indie rock, give them a listen, and lose yourself in their raw, unfiltered energy.
