That Fucking Tank

History

Andy Abbott (baritone guitar played through multiple amplifiers) and James Islip (drums) met in the early 1990s whilst they were still at Primary School, and aged 14 played their first gig together in Matlock as part of a short-lived band called Grin. Since 2003, they have been known under the name That Fucking Tank.

Across over 10 years of performing, they have become one of the most notable two-piece rock acts in England, as well as long-term advocates of the DIY ethos in music. They have performed in the UK and Europe with other international representatives of their style of music, such as Yourcodenameis:milo, Lightning Bolt, Oxes, Melt Banana, Don Caballero, and appeared at the 2008 Reading and Leeds Festivals. In November 2013, the band received press attention for their UK-wide tour with Foals, a nod to their connection with Foals' former band The Edmund Fitzgerald which emerged from the same scene and era. That Fucking Tank are also known for their unusual equipment, set-up and style, among them the use of the Baritone guitar.

That Fucking Tank run their own record label Obscene Baby Auction and have released EPs and albums by themselves and other artists. They have so far released four albums through important independent record labels of the north of England. Although they act through anti-commercial channels, their records have been reviewed by national music press, such as the NME, The Skinny, The Quietus, Clash, and Drowned In Sound.

Related bands

The band's two members are notable musicians outside of their music in That Fucking Tank. Andy Abbott performs with Leeds supergroup (featuring members of Hookworms and Mucky Sailor) Nope, Elizabeth (solo improvisation / noise / acoustic) and Brass (with members of Shield Your Eyes and Spy vs Spy). James Islip performs in punk band The Magnificent and as Jimmy Islip for his acoustic singer/songwriter solo act. Islip also played on Chuck Ragan's Revival Tour in 2011 & 2012.

Discography