Biography
There are two groups who have recorded under the name of 400 Blows.
1. Based out of Los Angeles, California this 3 piece band featured Skot on vocals, Ferdinand on drums, and Scott on guitar. Previous for guitar was Christian. They have released 2 7"s, one on Gold Standard Labs and one on Buddyhead Recordings, and two full lengths, "Black Rainbow" on Rehash Records and "Angel's Trumpets & Devil's Trombones" on Gold Standard Labs/Narnack Records.
Recently had a song in the movie "Talladega Nights".
2. Coming together in 1981 in Croydon, London, England under the name of 400 Blows, this versatile ensemble combined funk, reggae, African music and disco. Their obvious influences, in addition to various ethnic styles, included 23 Skidoo and Throbbing Gristle.
The debut release was "Beat The Devil", much in the vein of Cabaret Voltaire, which attracted the attention of Illuminated Records. The band is basically the creation of Edward Beer, who dismissed original collaborator Scott Fraser after the single. The two Anthonys, Thorpe and Lea, were then roped in, although Beer continued to maintain artistic control.
Early controversy surrounded the title of their debut album, If I Kissed Her, I'd Have To Kill Her First, which prompted the question of whether they liked women. "Oh, maybe sexually I like them, but I don't like having them around that much. They just get on my nerves", was Beer's reply.
A minor hit came with "Movin'", an update of the old Brass Construction number, at which point he had been joined by female vocalist Lee.
By the late 80s and early 90s they were turning to the beat of acid house, releasing singles such as "Champion Sound" on Warrior records. Thorpe would go on to significant solo success as the Moody Boyz, also remixing for the KLF.
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