Band of Outsiders were formed in New York City’s East Village in October 1980, and regularly played clubs in NYC and throughout the northeast for most of that decade. Ivan Kral produced recordings of the band, two of which were first released in 1984 on a shared album with Certain General called “Far Away in America”. These and other tracks were subsequently released in 1985 in the UK and Europe (on the band’s own “Everything Takes Forever” and “Up the River”). For the “Far Away” release the band, with Certain General, made its only tour of the US south and both groups’ first visit to the UK. In 1985 Band of Outsiders spent about half the year in the UK and Europe; especially in France, where they recorded as well as toured. The group broke up at the end of a European tour in May 1987. One-off reunion gigs were performed at CBGB; in November 1988 with guest appearance by Nikki Sudden (resulting in the live album “Armistice Day”), and April 1999 (as part of the club’s 25th anniversary celebration). In October 2008, the group reformed to play a special benefit show, to help raise medical expense money for Bush Tetras’ original bassist, Laura Kennedy. Since then, Marc Jeffrey (guitar, vocals), James McCarthy (guitar, vocals), David Lee (bass) and Richard Maurer (drums) have continued playing, and making new music.
Sound Beach Quartet is the first release of newly recorded songs by Band of Outsiders since their reformation. Produced by David Lee at his Sound Beach studio.
"intriguing songs and with some riveting psych guitar buzzing" ~ Downtown Music Gallery
"A twin guitar fest loaded with emotional ballads and sonic benders" ~ Kris Needs, Trax
"an ensnaring ambience" ~ Art Black, Trouser Press
“quintessential NY guitar group” ~ Bucketfull Of Brains
"atmospheric LES psychedelic garage legends" ~ Lucid Culture
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