That Petrol Emotion
| That Petrol Emotion | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Derry, Northern Ireland |
| Genres | Rock, alternative rock, indie |
| Years active | 1984–1994; 2008–2010 |
| Labels | Polydor, Virgin, Koogat |
| Past members | Steve Mack John O'Neill Raymond Gorman Damian O'Neill Ciaran McLaughlin John Marchini Brendan Kelly |
That Petrol Emotion were a Northern Irish, London-based band with a North American vocalist, Steve Mack.
The band originally formed in 1984 from the ashes of the Derry Hitmakers, Bam Bam and the Calling, and The Undertones. It was formed by guitarist John O'Neill and second guitarist Raymond Gorman who DJ'd together at the Derry 'Left Bank' club. Drummer and friend Ciaran McLaughlin joined next after having relocated from Derry to London, followed by John's brother and Undertones lead guitarist Damian O'Neill who played bass from 1985 until 1988 upon John's departure. He then took up guitar duties from 1988–1994 and 2008–present. Charismatic American singer Steve Mack, who was on a year out working in a pizzeria in London at the time, finished off the line up. Following John O'Neill's departure, his brother Damian switched to the guitar, leaving bass duties to John Marchini (1988–1991) then Brendan Kelly (1991–1994 and 2008–present). That Petrol Emotion's influences encompassed artists as diverse as The Beatles, Afrika Bambaataa, Television, Sly & the Family Stone, Captain Beefheart and Can.
The group released their debut single "Keen" in 1985 which immediately severed all musical links with the Undertones with its darker, more edgy sound. Indeed, That Petrol Emotion themselves were also far more political and outspoken than the Undertones. This statement of intent in the guise of Keen was followed by their debut album Manic Pop Thrill, released in 1986 on Demon Records and charting at number 1 in the UK Indie Chart. It was received with rave reviews from the critics, especially by Undertones champion John Peel. They were described by Rolling Stone magazine as "The Clash crossed with Creedence", and the New York Times described them in 1987 as "a youthful Rolling Stones" crossed with a "revved-up Television".
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