The Insomniacs' debut 7","My Favorite Story" on Umbrella Records was released in 1991. The follow-up 7","Time Ticks By" (also on Umbrella) was released in the Fall of 1992.
On the strength of their first 2 singles, Outer Limits Records in Berlin approached the band about recording a single as the label's premier release. Soon thereafter, Estrus Records (who were distributing the Umbrella and Outer Limits records), released a 6 song self-titled 10" EP (commonly known as 'the ghoul record'). In early 1994, the band traveled to Europe to commence a mini-tour of Germany and Amsterdam to promote the singles and 10". 1994 came to a close with Outer Limits rush-releasing the "Sylvia Gray" EP and an appearance in Athens, GA at the Beefstock extravaganza.
In the Fall of 1995, the band once again headed south for a mini-tour to promote their "Wake Up!" compilation on Estrus. Later in the year, The Insomniacs guested at the Estrus Records Midwest Invitationals in Chicago alongside The Monomen and other Estrus label mates. More fests followed as the band performed at the Crap Out Festival in Las Vegas and a Caravan of Estrus Recording Stars tour of California. The band's full-length "Out Of It" was released in March of 1997. In the fall of that year, the band continued their festival motif with appearances at Leon, Spain's Purple Weekend, NYC'S Cavestomp Festival, Bellingham, WA's Garage Shock, and took part in the Monomen's farewell shows in Chicago.
In 1998, they did a mini-tour of the Midwest on their own. In November of 1998, the band released a new 7" on Estrus, "Guilt Free". At the start of 1999, the band returned to Spain for a week long tour and another trip to Bellingham for Garage Shock '99.
In the summer of 2000, the band traveled to Sin City to guest at the fabulous "Las Vegas Grind."
"Get Something Going!" was released on September 5th, 2000, on Estrus Records. Another Midwest tour followed in support of the new record, culminating in appearance at Little Steven's Cavestomp Concert Series in New York City. The band headed back into the studios in the Spring of 2002 to record the "Maryanne Lightly" single, the first new Insomniacs product in nearly two years (and a featured "Coolest Song In The World" on Little Steven's Underground Garage syndicated radio show). "Switched On" would follow up and be released at the end of 2004.
NEWS FLASH 2011: "JUST ENJOY IT!" new 12" LP out on SCREAMING APPLE, CD/Digital download on BLOOD RED RECORDS.
DISCOGRAPHY
My Favorite Story b/w Sunshine Girl and Nothing Is Real, 7" e.p., Umbrella Records, 9/91
Time Ticks By c/w The World Disappears, 7" single, Umbrella Records, 11/92
Going Out of My Mind b/w I've Got Mine and Grey, 7" e.p., Outer Limits Records, 12/93
The Insomniacs six-song 10" e.p., Estrus Records, 3/94
Sylvia Gray b/w Feel, Feel, Feel and Gaby, 7" e.p., Outer Limits Records, 12/94
Wake Up!, CD, Estrus Records, 3/95
Sounds of the Estrus Invitationals Mid-West Division, 7" e.p., Estrus Records, 11/95 (one live track)
Already Down c/w Jump and Dance, 7" single, Estrus Records, 4/96
Live at Brownie's, CD, Feralette Records, 5/96 ("Crystal Clear" live)
Out of It, Lp/Cd, Estrus Records, 3/97.
Fuzzfest '97 promotional only 7" single, 5/97 (one track-"Let Me, Take Me").
Estrus Fireshock Benefit Compilation, CD, Man's Ruin Records, 10/97 (one track-"You Can Be My Baby").
Guilt Free 7" 4/99 Estrus Records
Cavestomp '97 compilation, Cd, Cavestomp Records, 11/99 (one track-"Already Down" (Live)).
Get Something Going!, Lp/Cd, Estrus Records, 9/00.
Mary Ann Lightly 7" Estrus Records 07/02.
News of the World compilation, Cd, Howitzer Records, 8/02 (one track-"That's Alright") Playing Favourites CD compilation (1 track-"Ye Fayre Heir"), Illustrious Artists, 1/04.
"Switched On!" CD/LP, Estrus Records, 8/04. Superfuzz compilation, Cd, Lowfly Records, '05 (one track "Maryanne Lightly" alternate 45 mix) "Bout My Love" 7" , Slovenly Records, 6/05. "Just Enjoy It!" LP, Screaming Apple. CD, Blood Red.
Contacts:
theinsomniacs@hotmail.com
