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Belsonic Sound

From: Cork

Active: 1985-93

Style:

Lineup:

Bio:

Described as "clear strong white reggae rhythm, detailed with fine-needle guitar and daubed with a wash of primary coloured keyboards". Post-punk reggae in other words, and highly rated early on. Belsonic Sound began life as punk band Belson aka Belsen, with Finny and Gene. John MacCormack was ex Waterford/Kilkenny punk band Darkest Hour. By the late-80s, Belsonic Sound were a white reggae band, becoming funkier over the years. They played around Cork regularly in the late 80s and were regulars at Sir Henrys.

They recorded several demos including "Positive Living" (considered as a single in 1986) and "For Sale" and "Blinded". Apparently they recorded a mini-LP in 1987, but I have no details about this release (if anyone can provide further details, please get in touch). Appeared on Mega-Mix in December 1986 and Visual Eyes in 1987. By 1988 they had a new drummer and were adding more rock, soul and funk flavouring.

The band signed a three single deal with Ringsend Road Records in 1988. Two singles emerged on Ringsend Road during 1988-89 after which the band split with the label. Jim O'Mahony left in 1989 and was replaced by Emmet O'Riordan. Original drummer John MacCormack also left and was replaced by Colin McCarthy. A third single "Modern World" was self-released in 1991 after which the band signed to a dutch label and released the "Trouble" album and a couple of supporting singles during 1992. They toured in Holland during this period. They split in 1993.

Finny Corcoran & Gene Russel both ex Belsen. Finny now runs BPM Studios recording studio in Cork. John MacCormack (from Kilkenny) is now a sound technician based in London.



Discography

• mini album (title?)
mini-LP - label? - 1987 was this released?


• Colourblind (Where Is The Justice ?) / Icon
7" - Ringsend Road Records - BSS 1 - 1988


• We Gotta Get Out Of This Place / Seven Miles
7" - Ringsend Road Records - BSS 2 - IRL - 1989


• Modern World / Modern World (version)
12" - Glass Records - BSS 3 - IRL - 1991 - PS


• Modern World [#2] / Sex
CDS - Fantabulous/Van Recording Co - 7243-1164-9124 - Netherlands - 1992


• Heaven / Yours Sincerely / Lowlife / Green and Orange
CDS - Fantabulous/Van Recording Co - 122910 2 - Netherlands - 1992


• Trouble
CD - Fantabulous/Van Recording Co - 74321 162902 - Netherlands - 1993
Recorded at Sulan Studios in February 1993.
Mixed at the Wool Hall Studios UK March 1993.
Produced and engineered by George Shilling.

    tracks:
    Yours Sincerely
    Bless Us And Save Us
    Heaven
    Shine On
    Trouble
    Sunshine
    Dreamer
    The Night
    Milk And Honey
    Lowlife
    Modern World
    Happiness


Belsen

From: Cork

Active: 1980-84

Style: Punk

Lineup:
  • Paul Mealy - vocals
  • Finny Corcoran - guitar
  • Gene Russel - bass
  • Con O'Donovan - drums

Bio:



Founded by a 15 year old Finny Corcoran while still at school in 1980/81, Belsen were a raw punk rock band. Their name was chosen for it's shock value but the band had no neo-nazi affiliations. It was sometimes spelled Belson. Belsen recorded a demo tape reputedly similar in style to The Clash. They became Belsonic Sound in 1985.






Help!

We need your help to correct and/or complete this entry. If you can provide more information about this band, have scans, photos or any other memorabilia we can use, or spare copies of any releases, then please get in touch.



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