DESCRIPTION:
HITS 2 09b
EXTERNAL MENACE Rude Awakening

EXTERNAL MENACE formed from the same youthful energy that gave birth to many of the "second wave" of British punk bands. Put together by vocalist Wullie Hammill and John Sneddon in the summer of 1979, the band were typical of the 1979/1980 punk bands--faster and rougher than the class of 77, but not an all out UK82-style attack--yet.

The band played out as often as they could, evolving fully into the UK82 mold, and released two singles on the Beat the System record label in 1982 and 83, and also putting in an appearance on the Total Anarchy compilation (also in 1983). Their sound was typical of the era, kinda speedy punk with gruff vocals and anarcho-inspired lyrics abour war, the evil governments and nonconformism.

That was the side of External Menace that most people knew best, but towards the middle of the 80's they branched out in a more melodic (but still hardcore) direction, playing reggae inspired tunes like "Rude Awakening" and "Killing me Asylum". While the band recorded two or three more demos, putting some of their new tracks down, they didn't manage to get any more vinyl out, and finally broke up in 1985.

Fast forward to 1994--Ian Welsh of Swine Flu harassed John Sneddon to get External Menace back together, and start kicking some more punk rock ass. Sneddy agreed--but only if Welshy (what is it with Scots and diminutive names ending in Y?) joined the band as vocalist, since Wullie Hamill had died in 1987. Swine Flu disappeared shortly after their first single was released, and re-emerged with a new name and a new guitarist. External Menace was back.

http://www.cherryred.co.uk