Artist description Perhaps the best way to understand Antheap is to consider the following quote from one of their songs: "An overabundance of sensitivity in our society usually just puts people out of work. Instead, we must celebrate our freaks for the totally unique individuals they are."

Music Style Indie rock, power pop, alternative rock

Musical Influences Ween, The Beatles, Devo, The Who, Guided By Voices

Similar Artists Ween, The Beatles, Devo, The Who, Guided By Voices

Artist History Out of the ashes of the '80s climbed Sean McNamee and Matthew Mark Luke Johnson. Bred on a mutual love of Beatles, Costello and Devo, these two gentlemen found themselves out of place as the '80s became the '90s. Following the demise of two bands, Waiting For One and Floral Anxiety, both embarked on unsuccessful solo careers, attempting to make sense of it all. After cataloging humorous and not-so humorous stories from their tenure in Waiting for One, and coming to terms with their desire to write a concept album, McNamee and Johnson formed Antheap in 1994, when they started recording the rock opera, The Songwriting Queen. Hits from this album included "Narcissistic Fibrosis," "Clutchin' To The Rear," "Fretless Bassman," and the title track. This album was followed in 1996 by the acoustic-laden, non-conceptual album Crouton Shred Division, which featured drummer John Christensen. Christensen also wrote lyrics to three songs and made his recording debut as a lead vocalist on two tracks. Hits included "18 Wheels," "Everyday," "Anal Reaction" and "Angry White Guys." This album, along with The Songwriting Queen, went out of print in 1996. Following a two-year hiatus, McNamee and Johnson returned in 1999 with the concept album to end all concept albums, The Contortionist. Influenced by the band's interest in space travel, Scientology and carnival freaks, this easy-to-follow and easy-to-worship album follows the life of the Contortionist as he is swept away to Mepptonia to entertain the Mepptonians. He falls in love with a green Mepptonian girl, an act that is forbidden. He is left with no option but to flee in a pod, back to earth where carnival freaks are no longer appreciated. Hits on this album are too numerous, and too disturbing, to mention. December 2000 saw the release of Antheap's most fully realized effort, Churn Like An Engine. Although not a concept album, topical themes such as infidelity, disease, lethargy, tapeworms, hobos, obesity, Chinese food, Hollywood, the railroad industry and Ringo Starr are discussed. Hits include "It Hurts," "Driver 9," "Hobo Fran," "Tapeworm," and "Ringo Start." Plans for remastered versions of The Songwriting Queen and Crouton Shred Division are scheduled for release on Rotisserie Records in 2002.

Group Members Sean McNamee--Voice and instruments Matt Johnson--Voice and instruments

Albums Churn Like an Engine (2001), Contortionist (1999), Crouton Shred Division (1996), The Songwriting Queen (1994)

Location Minneapolis, MN - USA

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