Volcano Suns

Volcano Suns was an American alternative rock band from Boston, Massachusetts. Their music is often compared to the works of bands like Hüsker Dü and Mudhoney. They were founded in 1983 by former Mission of Burma and Molls drummer Peter Prescott, the only founding member of the Suns to remain until their break-up in 1991. Original members include the aforementioned Peter Prescott as drummer and vocalist, and Gary Waleik and Steve Michener who would leave before the release of the first Suns album to form Big Dipper. Prescott then added Jeff Weigand on bass guitar and Jon Williams on guitar. This second line-up actually created the band's debut The Bright Orange Years (1985) as well as its follow up, All Night Lotus Party (1986), both released on the now-defunct Homestead Records. In 1987, Bob Weston and Chuck Hahn replaced Weigand and Williams respectively for Bumper Crop, the band's final release on Homestead. Other contributors included Roger Miller on piano and Gary Waleik on sitar.

In 1988, the band moved to Greg Ginn's SST Records for their 4th release, Farced. The line-up however was the same as on Bumper Crop, including Miller on piano and Waleik on sitar. 1989 brought their most experimental release, Thing of Beauty, also on SST, on which David Kleiler replaced Chuck Hahn on guitar. This would be the Volcano Suns' final line up. The band moved to Chicago-based indie label Quarterstick Records for their final release, Career in Rock in 1991. The album was engineered by Steve Albini, who would later work with Bob Weston in their band Shellac.

The Volcano Suns also doubled as the Din, the backing band for Dredd Foole (a.k.a. Dan Ireton). The Din are identified as Din Wanna (Prescott), Bonus "The Bone Man" McGinty (Weigand) and Webb Finga (Williams), and The Kaiser (Kenny Chambers from Moving Targets) on "Eat My Dust Cleanse My Soul" (Homestead, 1985). The follow-up album "Take Off Your Skin" (PVC, 1988) is identified by Mr. Foole as the same line-up as the previous album.

Discography

Albums

• The Bright Orange Years (Homestead, 1985 / Merge, Jan 27 2009)
• All Night Lotus Party (Homestead, 1986 / Merge, Jan 27 2009)
• Bumper Crop (Homestead, 1987)
• Farced (SST, 1988)
• Thing of Beauty (SST, 1989)
• Career in Rock (Quarterstick, 1991)

Singles

• "Sea Cruise" b/w "Greasy Spine" (Homestead, 1986)
• "Blue Rib" b/w "Openings" (Quarterstick, 1990)

Compilation appearances

• Claws—The Third Throbbing Lobster Compilation (Throbbing Lobster, 1985)

song: "Tree Stomp"

• Materials and Processes (Materials and Processes, 1985)

song: "Silvertone"

• The New Originals (Materials and Processes, 1986)

song: "Polythene Pam"

• The Wailing Ultimate (Homestead, 1987)

song: "White Elephant"

• Human Music (Homestead, 1988)

song: "Ultravixen"

• Duck and Cover (SST, 1990)

song: "Kick Out the Jams"

As the Din, backing band for Dredd Foole

• Eat My Dust Cleanse My Soul (Homestead, 1987)
• Take Off Your Skin (PVC, 1988)

External links

• Allmusic entry
• Interview with former bassplayer Jeff Weigand