biographical info
The band was formed in 1979 by brothers Rob Wright (bass guitar and vocals) and John Wright (drum set, keyboards and vocals). Their name derives from an anti-date rape slogan. For their first four years the duo music would seem to be influenced as much by jazz and progressive rock as punk rock. The musical press described their earliest recordings as "Devo on a jazz trip, Motörhead after art school or Wire on psychotic steroids."
Even their earliest recordings demonstrate impressive instrumental technique. Jazz has exerted an influence on the group: Rob's basslines have a loping, melodic quality often reminiscent of Charles Mingus, and John's drumming sometimes sounds a bit like Elvin Jones or Art Blakey.
The band initially released records with seminal punk rock record label Alternative Tentacles. This relationship ended in 2002 and releases are now on the band's own Wrong Records.
Nomeansno has recorded a new album entitled All Roads Lead to Ausfahrt to be released August 22, 2006. The album will be released on AntAcid Audio in the United States and Southern Records in Europe.
Nomeansno's alter ego is The Hanson Brothers, a quartet with John singing and different drummer. Nearly a Ramones tribute band, the Hanson Brothers play fun punk rock as a mock group of backward Canadian ice hockey fans. The lyrics centre on ice hockey, beer and girls. The name comes from characters in the 1977 Paul Newman film Slap Shot.
lineup
Rob Wright Bass/ vox
John Wright Drums, keys, vox
Tom Holliston Guitar