Artist description Philadelphia, PA-based band Strapping Fieldhands has announced the national release of THE THIRD KINGDOM, its first new studio album since the critically acclaimed Wattle and Daub in 1997. After recording for a number of respected independent rock labels including Siltbreeze, Shangri-La, Amphetamine Reptile, the band returns to its own Omphalos Records label. Through Omphalos, the Fieldhands released their debut LP, Discus, which SPIN called one of the Ten Best Records You Never Heard in 1994. Being unheard will not likely be one of THE THIRD KINGDOM’s problems. Omphalos Records has obtained full-scale national distribution with Big Daddy Music Distribution.

Music Style Psychedelic Rock

Musical Influences Incredible String Band

Similar Artists Tower Recordings, Fairport Convention, Guided By Voices

Artist History Strapping Fieldhands was formed in 1991 by Bob Malloy and Bob Dickie and played its first gig with The Frogs that year. Over the course of six years, the band gained notoriety for its unique take on the pastoral psych sound. Live shows and album releases were covered sporadically by the press, but usually with great fanfare. In 1995, VH1 highlighted the band as up-and-coming. Tours and shows throughout the USA followed, including bills shared with Sun City Girls, Royal Trux, Dead C, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Chris Knox, The Fall, Bevis Frond, Portastatic, Barbara Manning, Come, WEEN, The Amps, Danielson Famile, Red Red Meat, Bert Jansch, Bardo Pond, Robin Williamson (Incredible String Band), Tower Recordings, and the Verlaines. In addition, Strapping Fieldhands undertook tours with Pavement, Guided By Voices, the Grifters, and Thinking Fellers Union Local 282. However, due to the Hale-Bopp comet and the harmonic convergence of 1997, after tossing deer bones and especially with the emergence of the 17-year locust, it was decided that it would be a good time for the band to go on hiatus. Malloy hiked the northern half of the Appalachian Trail. A variety of side projects occurred. After a few years the Fieldhands missed playing together regularly and by 1999 they were back at it, writing new material and recording in their homespun manner. In 2001, the Fieldhands returned with full-force to the live circuit with a series of shows on the East Coast with like-minded bands including the Moldy Peaches. Debuting material to be released on THE THIRD KINGDOM, the band demonstrated a newfound focus and enthusiasm obvious to longtime fans and irresistible to those who had not seen the band in the past. The members of Strapping Fieldhands are ready to work and confident that their skiffle and ‘60s Freakbeat informed sound will find a receptive audience.

Group Members Bob Malloy, Jacy Webster, Bob Dickie, Jeff Werner, Robert Bell

Albums Discus, Wattle and Daub, The Third Kingdom

Location Philadelphia, PA - USA

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