Cleanse The Bacteria: Siege and the Pusmort Connection.
An interview with Siege drummer and lyricist Rob Williams
For most punks in the '80s, there were only two ways to first hear Siege: on an 8th generation dub of the demo tape or on a copy of "Cleanse The Bacteria". Following the self-released "Drop Dead" demo in 1984, three Siege tracks appeared on Pusmort's seminal "Cleanse The Bacteria" compilation LP in 1985. While not part of the Boston Crew or X-Claim scene, Siege embodied the same cultural traits of the City of Boston: uncompromising, brutish, dogmatic, and overflowing with anger. As the music quickly spread across tape decks worldwide, a mystique was born and cult-like devotion took hold across borders (particularly in England, where it spread faster than news of a royal scandal). After catching the attention of Pushead, the famed artist behind Pusmort Records, Siege were invited to appear on the compilation. This interview explores the relationship between Pushead and Siege, how their inclusion on the album came about, why there wasn't a vinyl release of "Drop Dead" at the time, and much more.
NI: How'd you first get in touch with Pushead?
Rob: It was Pus who first contacted Kurt Habelt (Siege guitarist), I believe. He must've heard the "Drop Dead" demo cassette, I presume, or seen the spread in Maximum RockNRoll, or both.
NI: Were you aware of his art prior to the art he had done for SS Decontrol and the F.U.'s?
Rob: Oh, yeah, we all knew Pus before those kingmaking early Boston hardcore record covers. I saw very early work in the first few issues of the Forced Exposure fanzine—things like the 'Blud Sausage' drawing, and that one with Christ hanging by his dick. I was already very into Crumb, of course – Checkered Demon, Robert Williams (no relation), the Last Gasp stable of artists, et cetera. And I'd also grown up deeply immersed in the Marvel Silver Age era of heroes and artists – Wrightson, King Kirby. Creepy and Eerie, also. But Punk's cultural tentacles reached and revolutionized every art form – dance, theatre – not just visual arts and music – and there was really a feeling to Pushead's work which was just, like – yeah, this artistry and these images and attack and technique, or lack of it - is springing authentically from our generation. It felt like – "this art is ours." I'd put Pettibon in that category, also. I wish I still had those original copies of 'Asbestos' and 'Other Christs'. Ah the collectables I've let go of.
NI: Were the three songs on the "Cleanse The Bacteria" comp recorded specifically for inclusion on that, or was the session already planned?
Rob: We were determined to record again – no matter what or where it wound up being released. Radiobeat Studios right in the heart of Kenmore Square in Boston was like the scene networking center many first generation hardcore, power pop and underground New Wave local bands from Boston orbited around – and you'd find out about shows to go to, shows to play, college radio shows that played local punk and granted interviews, et cetera. After early those early trips to the city when we were in High School, we'd come back to our hometown of Weymouth Massachusetts USA just exploding with passion to utterly destroy our musical instruments, record, write, perform. So – the "Cleanse" tracks were going to be heard somehow. We were just very fortunate that so many aspects of it – studio, zine interviews, radio – and the Pusmort record label for the comp – aligned so our message and the power of what we were determined to do could be heard.
NI: Did you have other unrecorded songs at that time to choose from?
Rob: Yeah, there was an outtake or two from both the "Drop Dead" session and the "Cleanse" sessions, which were both in the same year. Those outtakes or sound checks wound up being included on the Deep 6 label vinyl reissues, and gathered on the 30th Anniversary edition CD, which Armageddon Shop label put out. Those were some of (original Siege vocalist Screamin' Kev) Mahoney's favorite songs of ours – songs like "F-Minus," "Two-Faced" – so it was really good to reach listeners with those, finally – kind of a posthumous gift to him, or a belated gesture of honor to my late friend's unmatchable contribution. I have a folder of as-yet-unrecorded "Cleanse"-era lyrics and arrangements, also. Some of the songs we've played live, during these recent live celebrations of our work that have been happening since 2016.
NI: Was there any talk of Pushead/Pusmort releasing the original six song Radiobeat Studios demo tape on vinyl
Rob: Uh – we had some offers from some surprising labels back then – one big unnamed British major label-esque offer – another from a big local indie. I'm glad we didn't take any of them, frankly. Siege are fortunate to have escaped that early period owning the rights to our work – which no artist should ever relinquish – put it that way.
NI: What kind of response did you get from being included on "Cleanse The Bacteria," and how much do you think it impacted the profile of the band?
Rob: People loved the tracks – and still talk of the three songs ("Walls," "Sad But True," "Cold War") – as unsurpassable for us – but I know the truth. When there is a wholehearted revolutionary message to give, then our best work is still to come. But it was an honor to be included beside those other excellent bands – I had just obtained 7 Seconds "Skins Brains and Guts" before I got my copy of "Cleanse" from Kurt, and I was like- we're on this comp with these savage other groups? Yes!
NI: Any other thoughts or anything else to add?
Rob: Yes – Artists- never give up on your dream, or compromise the vision you hold in your heart. Creative people worldwide – mobilize and join me to use or talents to oppose these pigs who wage war, and want to judge our lifestyle, how we want to live, and who we want to love. And remember – compassion is our shared inevitable destination. Rock Forever, People!
Rob Williams holding early Pushead artwork
Flyers and "Drop Dead" photos from the collection of Cooch from Radio Raheem.
"Cleanse The Bacteria" VAP promo pressing photos from the collection of April Cohen.
"Cleanse The Bacteria" Pusmort test pressing photos from the collection of Fabian/Denim Demon Jimmy.
