Formed in Chelmsford when main protagonists Douglas McCarthy (vocals) and Bon Harris (drums, programming) were just 15, Nitzer Ebb cut a dynamic swathe through the electronic music and Balaeric beat scenes of the 1980s and 90s. They were electro-punks before the genre even existed, at a time when The Prodigy were not even a gleam in fellow Essex boy Liam Howlett's eye. Militaristic, intimidating yet always accessible, Nitzer Ebb enjoyed a string of ferocious club hits and released five critically acclaimed albums on Mute. From their first-ever single, 1984's 'Isn't It Funny How Your Body Works' through to their final 1995 single 'I Thought', they were a band whose honed aggression, originality and precision were impeccable. ...show more

Formed in Chelmsford when main protagonists Douglas McCarthy (vocals) and Bon Harris (drums, programming) were just 15, Nitzer Ebb cut a dynamic swathe through the electronic music and Balaeric beat scenes of the 1980s and 90s. They were electro-punks before the genre even existed, at a time when The Prodigy were not even a gleam in fellow Essex boy Liam Howlett's eye. Militaristic, intimidating yet always accessible, Nitzer Ebb enjoyed a string of ferocious club hits and released five critically acclaimed albums on Mute. From their first-ever single, 1984's 'Isn't It Funny How Your Body Works' through to their final 1995 single 'I Thought', they were a band whose honed aggression, originality and precision were impeccable.

The band's musical adventures first began in 1982 when McCarthy and Harris, along with drummer David Gooday, formed the group whilst still at school in Chelmsford. Listening to the likes of Abwärts, Neubauten, Malaria, DAF, Cabaret Voltaire, Killing Joke and Bauhaus among many others the boys began experimenting with synthesizers and samples culminating in the release of four singles on their own Power Of Voice Communications label (a joint venture with Pet Shop Boys producer Phil Harding) before Daniel Miller was impressed enough to sign them to his own label Mute. Nitzer Ebb's debut album, 1987's brooding 'That Total Age', displayed a brutalist yet polished élan. Following the powerful opening singles 'Murderous' and 'Let Your Body Learn', the band's club reputation was truly secured with the release of 'Join In The Chant', which in a version remixed by Phil Harding, became a staple in Britain's acid house and techno clubs.

Having won over club-land the band turned their attentions to the live arena and at the invitation of label mates Depeche Mode, supported them on their huge Music for the Masses tour. Meanwhile original drummer Gooday departed to be replaced for live performances by Julian Beeston, whilst McCarthy and Harris returned to the studio with producer, Flood, to record the follow up to 'That Total Age' for the album that would eventually become 'Belief' and set in progress a highly creative partnership that would extend over four albums. The new album once again retained the musical and visual aggression of their previous work. Yet 'Belief' also hinted at the band's growing ability to display a sense of wit, imagination and sheer caustic comment within their music. ...show less