Hallelujah Picassos

The Auckland, New Zealand-based alternative rock outfit Hallelujah Picassos began their existence as the Rattlesnakes; led by vocalist Roland Rorschach and guitarist Peter McLennan, they enlisted drummer Bobbylon when their initial percussionist was delivered to prison just weeks following the group’s development, and with the help of bassist Tony de Raad, their lineup was total. After self-releasing a cassette, the Rattlesnakes transformed their name towards the Hallelujah Picassos, and quickly made their vinyl fabric debut with “Clap THE HANDS,” issued around the compilation Positive Vibrations. Among the cassette’s songs, “Mummy Is A Chainsaw,” was also popular on New Zealand university radio. By 1991, de Raad have been changed by ex-Black Ladies Machine bassist Johnnie Discomfort; the three-song Peanut Butter adopted later that 12 months. A ska-influenced solitary, “FORGET ABOUT,” quickly made an appearance, and in 1992 arrived the Hallelujah Picassos’ full-length debut, Hateman in Like. 1993’s U + I EP preceded the recording Consuming with Judas, and in early 1994 the group swelled to a five-piece with the help of ex-Colony guitarist Gavin Downie. 1995’s The Gospel from the D.N.A. Demon adopted, as do a nationwide tour; immediately after, however, both Discomfort and McLennan exited for “religious reasons.”