Bob Tilton was a hardcore and later, post-rock band from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, UK. The band were pioneers of the UK emo/hardcore scene and staples on the legendary Subjugation label. Starting off as a ferocious and driving hardcore band on their first 7", Bob Tilton slowly incorporated Moss Icon esque-spoken word, shimmering guitars and post rock sensibilities into their music as the years passed.
Remarkably the band was featured on John Peel's BBC 1 radio show in 1996, which is unprecedented for a D.I.Y punk band. Apparently John Peel was a big fan of the 7"s that Subjugation put out, going so far as to mail the label asking for a second copy of the Imbiss 7" because his had a skip on the track he wanted to play on the radio. In the later years the band was signed to Southern Records which housed bands like Karate, Rex and Ten Grand. For being such an influential and relatively popular band, Bob Tilton doesn't seem to get the recognition they deserve now. I'm baffled by the lack of interest in this band by various reissue labels, Bob Tilton seems like a no brainer for a successful run of reissues.
While Bob Tilton was consistent in the quality and creativity of their music in the 6 year run they had together as a band; I have a real soft spot for the first two 7"s, they serve as a perfect capture of the early to mid 90s "emocore" sound. The Songs Of Penknife And Pocket Watch 7" is nearly flawless in its execution and delivery. I believe that at least those first two 7"s are way overdue for reissues; the two LP's may be easier said then done with the context of Southern Records shady rights battles with nomeansno and Karate considered. Anyways, Bob Tilton deserves a lot more love than they get!
Wake Me When Its Springtime Again 7" 1994 (Subjugation)
Songs Of Penknife And Pocketwatch 7" 1995 (Subjugation)
Crescent 12"/CD 1996/1999 (Subjugation/Southern)
Bob Tilton / Reiziger Split 1999 (Genet)
Nothing New Compilation 1994 (Armed With Anger)
Bob Tilton had extreme range and all the members of the band were very talented and creative. Their esoteric lyrics are bar none and are delivered exceptionally well.
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