Based out of the Mid-Western semi-metropolis of Milwaukee, Wisconsin -where cheese, beer and
the Promise Ring being the three most popular exports- is where
Compound Red got their start. Consisting of
Andy Reis (bass),
Mike Allen (guitar),
Dave Henderleiter (drums) and
John Lyman (vocals),
The Red reinforced the sound of melodic guitars, complexed rhythms and screamy vocals -first brought on by the likes of
Drive Like Jehu,
Fugazi and Cap ‘n Jazz. Displayed on their 1995 full-length Mr. Microcosm, and the split EP with
Sandbox that same year, the band eventually broke up with
Lyman's move to Minneapolis while the remainder continued on writing new material. Upon the recruitment of second guitarist
Jim Minor,
Lyman found himself back in Milwaukee which all resulted in the resurrection of
Compound Red in 1996. With the single "Now I'm an Anchor"b/w "Angel Danced Away"and the split with Chicago's
Sidekick Kato both released that same year, DeSoto Records hooked them up the following year and put out the single "Peter Pan's Shadow" b/w "20 Miles Up There Is No Air." After a US tour with
the Promise Ring and
Lyman's replacement
Greg Steffke, the band eventually called it quits in early 1999. ~ Mike DaRonco, All Music Guide
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Always a Pleasure