Instigators

Instigators 1993 Demo N Live LP

Giants of UK anarcho-punk in the 80s and early 90s, and we get to hear a re-release of their last push in the studio and on stage before disbanding after a ’93 European tour. Side A contains the six-song demo with some really catchy tunes—”Never in a Million” almost feels like a BAD BRAINS track, but ya know, not quite as fast; it’s an anthem to the disenchanted and is my favorite of the demo. Side B, a live excerpt from the Huddersfield gig, starts, as Side A does, with “Suckerpunch,” and then delves into older songs, sung entirely with a vocal echo. The echo remains for the rest of the side, so when Tez speaks between songs you hear everything twice, which must have been a little maddening in the crowd, but does well to invoke chaos through the speaker. With so many changes in labels and members (and subsequently styles) over their career, the INSTIGATORS have a history and discography worth the dive down the rabbit hole, and this album is a great display of that career and ultimate progression.

• Reviewer Willis Schenk
• Label Sanctus Propaganda
• Issue MRR #462 • November 2021

Instigators Wall of Sound LP

Recorded live in Germany last summer, and although the INSTIGATORS’ sound is there, it’s not totally. Meaning that it’s a pretty low fidelity recording, more suitable for tape release than vinyl.

• Reviewer Tim Yohannan
• Label Meantime
• Issue MRR #57 • February 1988

Instigators Totally Live in Newport 10-4-86 cassette

Yet another INSTIGATORS live tape, displaying their catchy melodic sound. There’s no doubt they’re a great band, but are all these cassettes really necessary?

• Reviewer Walter Glaser
• Label self-released
• Issue MRR #47 • April 1987

Instigators Los Angeles cassette

Once again, the INSTIGATORS treat us to a live tape, this one recorded on their recent U.S. tour. Ten hard, melodic songs, most previously released. Good.

• Reviewer Walter Glaser
• Label self-released
• Issue MRR #46 • March 1987

Instigators Recorded Live in Denmark Feb ’86 EP

These four songs, recorded live in Denmark early last year, are not only first-rate versions of their best material, but actually surpass what I remember of their good live show. “Free” is the clear stand-out here, although all the songs are pretty good.

• Reviewer Steve Spinali
• Label Bootleg Records / Doug Moody Productions / Ghetto-Way / Mystic / Super Seven / Thrash
• Issue MRR #46 • March 1987

Instigators Phoenix LP

With an almost entirely new lineup, the music here is a mixture of their early sound with a “progressive” U2 feel which hangs some of the time, but I did find myself picking the needle up before a couple of songs ended. The vocals are also hard to deal with, carrying out each word with too much attention.

• Reviewer Martin Sprouse
• Label Bluurg
• Issue MRR #45 • February 1987

Instigators Live at Huset, Á…rhus, Denmark: 15th February 1986 cassette

Face it, if you haven’t heard the INSTIGATORS yet, you’re a worm. But here’s your chance to snatch up to 13-songs of their hard melodic sound captured in a live setting. A damn fun tape.

• Reviewer Walter Glaser
• Label self-released
• Issue MRR #42 • November 1986

Instigators Nobody Listens Anymore LP

Simply one of the finest efforts I’ve heard in ages, a five-star rating for those of you who rate. The INSTIGATORS combine such a harmonious charisma in the music they create that the rhythms stay with you, bouncing through your head. Well-structured musical slices utilize crafty guitar work, pulsating bass boomage, drum smashings at the right moments, and a very unique vocalist whose voice travels with the music. Strong lyrical melodies have you humming along in no time. With each play, you’ll discover more magic and be totally hooked. The INSTIGATORS are a band to notice.

• Reviewer Pushead
• Label Bluurg
• Issue MRR #22 • February 1985

Instigators Blood is on Your Hands EP

A strong Britpunk release. Most of the songs are in the standard fast- to medium-tempo range, the lyrics are good, and the vocals are rather high-pitched, but it’s the quality guitar arrangements, some well-placed sound effects, and a clever bridge or two that make this EP stand out from the pack. “All Creatures…” is an exceptional track.

• Reviewer Jeff Bale
• Label Bluurg
• Issue MRR #14 • June 1984

Instigators Live at Bradford Vaults Bar cassette

Melodic mid-tempo Britpunk. Some of it’s all too typical, but the INSTIGATORS have a nice dense guitar attack and a few notable tunes. “Monkey Man” is a sharp critique of the macho goons who go out looking for trouble at someone else’s expense.

• Reviewer Jeff Bale
• Label Bluurg
• Issue MRR #8 • September 1983