Genres Indie rock Active until 2002 Albums Vague Us | Years active 1996–2002 Genre Indie rock | |
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Members Martin Bimrose
Richard Arnold
Mike Carter Origin Cardiff, United Kingdom (1996) Record labels V2 Records, Seriously Groovy |
Mo-Ho-Bish-O-Pi were a Welsh indie rock group formed in 1996. The trio included Martin Bimrose on guitar, Richard Arnold on drums and Mike Carter on bass. Formed in 1996 when the members were studying fine art at Cardiff University, the band has released material under various record labels, including Soda, FF Vinyl, and V2.
Contents
The band's sound was described by NME as being "as eclectic as their name is confusing". Likened to Beck, Sonic Youth and Pavement, Mo-Ho-Bish-O-Pi have been reported as being "closer to The Flaming Lips with overtones of Bis and ABBA". Their "punky garage" sound is evident on singles such as Drop Jaw and Playboy, while a melancholic and perhaps more accessible side is demonstrated on Names for Nameless Things.
The band's name is derived from Moho bishopi, the scientific name of the Moloka‘i ‘ō‘ō, an extinct bird known to have lived in Hawaii. Martin Bimrose saw an article about the bird in the Reader's Digest whilst waiting at the dentists. He thought that with some imaginative punctuation, "the name could be as mad as he is".
Following the bands demise (the group has been inactive since 2002), Mike Carter and Richard Arnold went on to form The International Karate Plus but they have since also ceased to exist. Richard Arnold now plays in King Alexander and Mike Carter is now in Heck with former members of legendary Cardiff band Sammo Hung.
Mo ho bish o pi hear the air
Albums
Singles and EPs
Appearances on compilations
(also contains tracks by Scribble, Fraff, Pop Threat, Hofman and Rosita)
Songs
Hear the Air2001
Vague Us2001
Don't RIP My Face2001