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MO-HO-BISH-O-PI: Top notch British lo-fi indie slacker-pop band

Label: Soda
Member 1: Martin Bimrose - Vocals, Guitar
Member 2: Richard Arnold - Drums, Vocals
Member 3: Mike Carter - Bass, Vocals
Formation Date: 1996
Description: Lo-Fi Slacker Rock Luminaries

mo-ho-bish-o-pi … (pronounced; mow~hoe~bish~o~pea)

is a band whose name is derived from the Latin ‘Mohobishopi’, an extinct, slightly ugly bird that used to live in Hawaii with little else other than a yellow spot on it's tale to distinguish it. Martin Bimrose saw an article about the bird in the Readers Digest whilst waiting at the dentists. He thought that with some imaginative punctuation, the name could be as mad as he is, and that it might suit the band that he sings and plays guitar in today.

mo-ho-bish-o-pi formed early in 1996 whilst the band members were studying fine art at Cardiff University together. At this time Richard Arnold, who was drumming for Fletch F Fletch Shepherd, was approached by his best friend. Rich’s friend had dreamt that Martin Bimrose, who back then was the front man in both Chopper and Suki, was sleeping with Richard’s girlfriend. So, Richard decided to tell this story to Martin, even though they hardly knew each other. It is through this first bizarre encounter that the tale of the mo-ho-bish-o-pi started, which lead to them signing with Seriously Groovy to produce their first records.

How Mike Carter, the bass player of mo-ho-bish-o-pi, first appears on the scene is shrouded in mystery. What we do know is that he was born in Freedom Fields, likes Space Invaders, and first got into music after hearing Ian Drury’s "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick". Before joining mo-ho-bish-o-pi Mike did a stint on bass in Quarter Foil, another important group to come out of Cardiff University at the time.

Although mo-ho-bish-o-pi have been likened to Beck, Sonic Youth and Pavement, their music is closer to the Flaming Lips with overtones of Bis and Abba. Their use of electronic xylophones, ancient keyboards and disintegrating guitars produces a rich, multi-layered sound that is unique, slightly quirky but full of memorable lyrics and catchy tunes that stick in your head.

In an admirable spirit of self promotion mo-ho-bish-o-pi insist on taking to the stage in some form of outlandish dress, be it white leather Elvis suits, wigs, false beards or all of the above. "That anyone can wear Jarvis-style threads and make music THIS cool would be almost offensive, if it wasn’t this brilliant" the press warn us.

mo-ho-bish-o-pi are indeed uniquely talented. It is also true that they are quirky and uncompromisingly strange.

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Real Audio sound clips Discography

"Two Tier Water Skier" CD EP (Seriously Groovy)
Despite rumours to the contrary, this is the band's first ever record. Originally from various parts of the UK, the fickle threesome are based in the land of the Super Furries and The Manics. This record is now highly sought after and is proving to be one of their best and most charming …

 

Real Audio sound clips Also Available

"Otter Than July" Double 7" Vinyl EP / Compilation CD EP (Fierce Panda)
Mo-ho-bish-o-pi's tune 'Kate Is Cool' snuggles in nicely next to Rosita, Fraff and Hofman, picking up some BBC Radio 1 airplay along the way too.




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