The Fartz

Genre: Hardcore Punk 


The Fartz, originally formed in 1981 and were one of the first well-known hardcore bands from Seattle, Washington. They were sgned to Jello Biafra's Alternative Tentacles Record label. The Fartz were one of Seattle's earliest hardcore punk outfits, attacking governmental and religious corruption, racism, sexism, and poverty.The Fartz original lineup in 1981 included vocalist Blaine Cook , guitarist Tommy Hansen (who, along with Loud, was formerly of the Seattle band Kaos, not to be confused with the UK version with the same name), bassist Steve Hoffman, and drummer Loud Fart.
On the strength of a 1981 self-released 45 RPM 7" E.P. Fuck Art Let's Fart, they were signed to Jello Biafra's Alternative Tentacles Records, which released their full length LP entitled World Full of Hate in 1982, and also rereleased their first single under the new name,Because This Fuckin' World Stinks.
They also had one song, "Campaign Speech," appear on the 1981 "Seattle Syndrome Vol. I" compilation released by Engram Records.
Paul Solger replaced Tommy Hansen on guitar during the recording of the band's 1982 album, although Hansen wrote a number of the songs on it. After the release of the 1982 LP, Duff McKagan replaced Loud on drums and appeared on some demo recordings that were not released until years later.

Few Seattle clubs were willing to book hardcore acts during the band's short lifespan, so the Fartz often found themselves scrambling for any exposure or opportunities to perform. The band's first full-length album, World Full of Hate, appeared in 1982, but even in spite of modest success overseas (one single reached the Top Ten on the NME's alternative chart), the frustration with Seattle's lack of opportunity took its toll.
The Fartz often opened for and toured with other west coast hardcore bands such as the Dead Kennedys and D.O.A. Their song "Buried Alive" appeared on the 1982 Eastern Front Vol. II punk compilation album.After several changes to the lineup in the guitar and drummer positions the first incarnation of the Fartz evolved into a new band known as 10 Minute Warning in 1983. The original idea was that the Fartz would simply change their name to 10 Minute Warning, but after one west coast tour with the Dead Kennedys, Blaine decided to quit and was replaced on vocals by Steve Swad (formerly of The Swads).
Duff switched from drums to rhythm guitar, Paul continued to play lead guitar, and Greg Gillmore joined on drums. These lineup changes resulted in a post-punk sound quite different from the hardcore of the Fartz.