The Workhorse Movement | |
|---|---|
 The Workhorse Movement in 2000 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Mount Pleasant, Michigan, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1994–2000 |
| Labels |
|
| Spinoffs | Dirty Americans |
| Past members |
|
The Workhorse Movement was an American alternative metal band from Mount Pleasant, Michigan.
The Workhorse Movement was formed in August 1994 by singer Myron (born Matt Kozuch-Rea), guitarist Freedom (Jeff Piper), bassist Jay Vondoloski, and drummer Joe Mackie, who were all attending Central Michigan University (CMU). [1] [2] [3] The band took its name from a section in Tom Wolfe's The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test (1968). [4] After performing several local shows, the band released their self-financed debut album, Dopamine, in 1995. [1] The band relocated to Detroit, Michigan soon after at the urging of Joe Mackie, so they could pursue the band seriously. [2] After touring with the likes of Sevendust, Skinlab and Vanilla Ice, The Workhorse Movement recruited a second vocalist, Cornbread (Chris Sparks), and signed with the local Detroit label Overcore Records. The label issued the band's only EP, Rhythm and Soul Cartel, in 1998. [2] [5]
Following additional touring for the EP, the Workhorse Movement came to the attention of Roadrunner Records. [3] After signing to the label, the band replaced the recently departed Jay Vondoloski (who had moved back to CMU) with Grady (Jeff Wright). [2] The band's Roadrunner debut album, Sons of the Pioneers (2000), was recorded and produced by Overcore Records owner Scott Santos. [6] [7] It was finished by October 1999. [8] Before the release of the album, the Workhorse Movement were featured on British music magazine Kerrang! 's "Hot 100" list for 2000. [3] Leading up to the album's release, the band toured the United States with Kittie, Sevendust and Fishbone. [8] Although the album garnered little attention in the United States, Sons of the Pioneers was well received by the British music press, and appeared on the best-of year lists for Kerrang!, Metal Hammer and Rock Sound . [9] [10] [11] [12] The band gained further attention in the United Kingdom while touring as a supporting act for Pitchshifter. [12]
In late December 2000, Myron announced that The Workhorse Movement had disbanded, citing a lack of promotional and touring support from Roadrunner in the United States and their lack of enthusiasm for a third album. [12] [13] [14] [15] The band performed their last show on December 23, 2000, at the Harpos Concert Theatre in Detroit. [12] Myron, Freedom and Pete soon joined up with drummer Jeremiah Pillbean to form the Dirty Americans in April 2001. [13] [16]
The Workhorse Movement have been described as alternative metal, [6] rap metal, [6] [17] funk rock [18] and stoner rock. [19] [20] Kerrang! described the band's sound as "stoner rap". [18] The band was heavily influenced by the works of The Doors, Santana and Black Sabbath. [3]
Final lineup
Former members
Timeline
Studio Albums
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Dopamine |
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| Sons of the Pioneers |
|
EPs
Singles
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