Clockcleaner

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Clockcleaner is a Punk band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The band consists of John Sharkey III on vocals/Guitar, Karen Horner on Bass, and Richie Charles Jr on drums. The trio has drawn comparisons to The Jesus Lizard, Big Black, Nirvana, Flipper and even harsh noise band Whitehouse. Their influences include Cromags, gg allin, Sun Ra, Brainbombs, Albert Ayler, and the first Skrewdriver LP.

Formed in 2004, Clockcleaner released an EP called The Hassler on the now defunct Philadelphia hardcore label Manic Ride Records. The album echoed early 90s noise rock, with high pitch guitar sonics and a thumping bass sound. After touring for the EP original bassist R. Slegel left the band, and was replaced in the studio by John Sharkey. In Early 2006 they released a 7" on Baltimore’s Noise/Avant label Hit-Dat Records (Missing Dick b/w Crucifucks' cover By the Door). Soon to follow was their first full length, released on another Baltimore label, Reptilian Records. The album was called Nevermind (a sarcastic ode to Nirvana’s 1991 release). John Sharkey has insisted that the title was a joke to piss people off (He has even gone as far to call Nirvana "dogshit" in a dusted magazine interview in 2007).

"People think that record is like the Bible," says Sharkey via phone from his North Philadelphia home. "Fuck that record. It's completely piss-poor. It did not stand the test of time. I can understand the mania that it caused, and I mean, it's good because hair metal sucked, but it almost caused another fuckin' trend that I have no concept of at all – alternative or modern rock. So, Nirvana were dogshit, and I thought it was funny to name our record Nevermind. I kind of wanted people to react like, 'What balls! Who the fuck are these assholes?'"

"Nevermind" was considered by many to be somewhat of a departure from their punk sound. Layering delayed vocals, elements of free jazz and washes of harsh noise. Nevermind had more in common with many of the mid to late 90s siltbreeze bands such as Harry Pussy and The Dead C. After the album was recorded Karen Horner became the permanent bassist. Her first show with Clockcleaner was opening for The Melvins. The album did well with many critics and in late 2006 the group signed to Load Records. They’ve finished recording an LP for Load slated for fall of 2007 and they also released a new 7" on drummer Richie Records (Frogrammer B/w Early man) and a fan club only 7" on Hit-Dat Records slated for Spring 2007. They’ll be touring in the spring with new Matador Records band Times new Viking. During the tour they will both be playing SXSW 2007. Rumor is Bob Weston, bassist of Shellac and touring bassist for Mission of Burma, will record the next LP in 2008

[edit] Live show controversies

Clockcleaner also have been known for their somewhat aggressive and confrontational live shows. Although John Sharkey tends to throw around the terms "Nigger" and "faggot" in records and live, he uses these words to more so make fun of the people that actually are racist and homophobic. There have been a few shows where some people in the audience have threatened and attempted to fight the band.

Clockcleaner was banned from Philadelphia's Kyber club in 2004. Clockcleaner opening up for the band Bad Wizard, had overheard Bad Wizard trash talking members of Clockcleaner. John Sharkey proceeded to urinate on all of Bad Wizard's merch. The management of the club was made aware of this, and they have been banned from the club ever since.

In late 2005 while playing the Talking Head Club in Baltimore, Maryland, Clockcleaner shocked and disturbed many people in attendance. While playing the last song John Sharkey tackled someone in the crowd who was said to have Cerebral Palsy.

[edit] Discography

The Hassler CD/LP (Manic Ride 2004)
Missing Dick 7" (Hit Dat Records 2006)
Nevermind CD (Reptilian Records 2006)
Frogrammer 7" (Richie Records 2007)
Hands Are For Holding 7" - Fan Club Only - (Hit Dat Records 2007)
Babylon Rules CD/LP (Load Records 2007)

[edit] Links

Official Site
Myspace Site
Load Records
Reptilian Records
Hit Dat Records
Richie Records
Dusted Interview