The Raincoats

The Raincoats
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Name	The Raincoats
Associated acts	The Slits, Public Image Ltd, The Pop Group

The Raincoats were a British post-punk band formed in London in 1977 by Ana da Silva and Palmolive, with Marion Rainey and Nick Turner. The band was part of the UK post-punk scene, alongside bands like Joy Division, The Cure, and Siouxsie and the Banshees. They were also associated with the Rough Trade Records label, which was founded by Geoff Travis and released music by The Smiths, The Fall, and Cabaret Voltaire. The Raincoats' music was influenced by Krautrock bands like Can and Faust, as well as Art Rock bands like Roxy Music and David Bowie.

History

The Raincoats were formed in 1977 by Ana da Silva and Palmolive, who had previously played with The Slits. The band's early lineup included Marion Rainey and Nick Turner, and they quickly gained a following in the London post-punk scene, playing shows with bands like The Clash, The Damned, and The Stranglers. In 1979, the band released their debut album, Odyshape, which was produced by Mayo Thompson of Red Krayola and featured a unique blend of post-punk and art rock sounds, influenced by bands like The Velvet Underground and Captain Beefheart. The band's music was also influenced by Feminist and Avant-garde movements, and they were associated with artists like Yoko Ono, Patti Smith, and Laurie Anderson.

Music Style

The Raincoats' music style was characterized by their use of dissonant guitar chords, polyrhythms, and experimental sound techniques, which were influenced by bands like The Residents and Throbbing Gristle. They were also known for their feminist and anarchist lyrics, which addressed themes like gender equality and social justice, and were influenced by writers like Simone de Beauvoir and Emma Goldman. The band's music was often compared to that of The Slits and The Pop Group, and they were part of a larger movement of post-punk bands that were pushing the boundaries of rock music, including bands like Gang of Four, The Chameleons, and Echo & the Bunnymen. The Raincoats' music was also influenced by Jazz and Classical music, and they were associated with musicians like John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and Karlheinz Stockhausen.

Discography

The Raincoats released several albums during their career, including Odyshape (1979), The Raincoats (1980), and Moving (1983). They also released several singles, including "Fairytale in the Supermarket" and "Animal Rhapsody", which were influenced by bands like The Kinks and The Who. The band's music was released on Rough Trade Records, which was also home to bands like The Smiths, The Fall, and Cabaret Voltaire. The Raincoats' discography has been widely influential, and they have been cited as an inspiration by bands like Sonic Youth, Hole, and Bikini Kill, as well as musicians like Kim Gordon, Courtney Love, and Kathleen Hanna.

Band Members

The Raincoats' original lineup included Ana da Silva, Palmolive, Marion Rainey, and Nick Turner. Over the years, the band underwent several lineup changes, with Ana da Silva being the only constant member. Other notable members included Vicky Aspinall and Jeremy John, who played with the band during the 1980s. The Raincoats were also associated with other musicians, like Robert Wyatt and Brian Eno, who contributed to their recordings, and were influenced by bands like King Crimson and Roxy Music.

Influence and Legacy

The Raincoats' influence can be heard in a wide range of bands, from post-punk and indie rock to riot grrrl and experimental music. They have been cited as an inspiration by bands like Sonic Youth, Hole, and Bikini Kill, as well as musicians like Kim Gordon, Courtney Love, and Kathleen Hanna. The Raincoats' music has also been praised by critics, who have noted their innovative and experimental approach to rock music, which was influenced by bands like The Velvet Underground and Captain Beefheart. In 2016, the band's debut album, Odyshape, was re-released on Rough Trade Records, and they have continued to perform and record music to this day, influencing a new generation of musicians, including bands like St. Vincent, Tune-Yards, and Warpaint. The Raincoats' legacy is also closely tied to the UK post-punk scene, and they are often mentioned alongside bands like Joy Division, The Cure, and Siouxsie and the Banshees as one of the most influential and innovative bands of the era, and have been associated with events like the Punk Rock movement and the New Wave era. Category:Post-punk music