Band Formation: 1996

mo-ho-bish-o-pi formed early in 1996 whilst the band members were studying fine art at Cardiff University together. At this time Richard Arnold, who was drumming for Fletch F Fletch Shepherd, was approached by his best friend. Rich’s friend had dreamt that Martin Bimrose, who back then was the front man in both Chopper and Suki, was sleeping with Richard’s girlfriend. So, Richard decided to tell this story to Martin, even though they hardly knew each other. It is through this first bizarre encounter that the tale of the mo-ho-bish-o-pi started, which lead to them signing with Seriously Groovy to produce their first records.

How Mike Carter, the bass player of mo-ho-bish-o-pi, first appears on the scene is shrouded in mystery. What we do know is that he was born in Freedom Fields, likes Space Invaders, and first got into music after hearing Ian Drury’s "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick". Before joining mo-ho-bish-o-pi Mike did a stint on bass in Quarter Foil, another important group to come out of Cardiff University at the time.

Although mo-ho-bish-o-pi have been likened to Beck, Sonic Youth and Pavement, their music is closer to the Flaming Lips with overtones of Bis and Abba. Their use of electronic xylophones, ancient keyboards and disintegrating guitars produces a rich, multi-layered sound that is unique, slightly quirky but full of memorable lyrics and catchy tunes that stick in your head.