Clann Zú were an Australian-Irish band that formed in late 1999 in Melbourne. By early 2002 they had relocated to Dublin. The group issued two albums, Rua (2002) and Black Coats & Bandages (June 2004), before disbanding in May 2005.

Biography

Clann Zú were formed in Melbourne in late 1999 by Benjamin Andrews on electric guitar, Declan de Barra on vocals and bodhrán, and Nathan Greaves on bass guitar – all from Non-Intentional Lifeform. They were soon joined by Russell Fawcus on electric violin and keyboards, and Pip Reid on drums and percussion.

In 2002 they released their first LP, Rua, on Zahrada Records. In July, they toured New South Wales to promote their single, "Choking on the Prize", which Christie Eliezer of Music & Media previewed: the group "plays a blend of alterno, folk and electronica."

During December 2001, Clann Zú relocated to Europe and early in the next year they moved to Dublin. The line-up for the album was Benjamin Andrews on guitar; Liam Andrews on bass guitar; de Barra on lead vocals; Fawcus on electric violin, piano and keyboard; Rebeiro on drums and percussion; and Lach Wooden on live sound manipulation and audio engineer. This saw a move away from the traditional Irish and folk influences which had characterised their first LP, Rua. Despite this stylistic departure they retained and indeed increased their use of the Irish language, with two songs ("T-éan Bán" and "An Deireadh Scéal") sung entirely in Irish.

Clann Zú released the following statement, announcing their break-up, on their website [http://www.clannzu.com] in May 2005: "Clann Zú regret to announce that it is no longer continuing to tour or record. Such is the life of a band. Benjamin and Liam will continue to tour and record with My Disco on the Crashing Jets label and Declan de Barra will continue with his own solo project." Russell Fawcus later joined The Black Hundred, with former members of Oneironaut, Season, and the Grand Silent System. In July 2010, the Black Hundred released their self-titled first album.

Discography

Studio albums

  • Rua (2002, Zahrada)
  • Black Coats & Bandages (1 June 2004, G7 Welcoming Committee Records)

Extended plays

  • Clann Zú (February 2000, self-released)
  • Red-Emitting Light Organ (2003)

Singles

  • "Choking on the Prize" (July 2000)

Members

  • Benjamin Andrews – electric guitar
  • Russell Fawcus – electric violin, keyboard
  • Declan de Barra – vocals, bodhrán
  • Liam Andrews – bass guitar
  • Pip Atherstone-Reid - Drums
  • Nathan Greeves - Bass
  • Lach Wooden – sound manipulation, engineer

References

  • Clann Zú Official Website archived on 27 November 2007.
  • Clann Zú biography at G7 Welcoming Committee Records