Androids of Mu

In the gritty squatter community of Frestonia, West London, a revolutionary all-female band was about to shake the foundations of the anarcho-punk movement. Androids of Mu emerged in 1979 from the vibrant underground scene of Notting Hill Gate, where non-conformist music flourished alongside radical politics and alternative living.

The band's formation was deeply rooted in the counterculture movement, with connections to hippy-orientated groups like Here & Now and legendary space-rock musicians including Gong's Daevid Allen and Gilli Smyth, as well as Hawkwind's Nik Turner. However, Androids of Mu would forge their own path, creating a sound that was both raw and adventurous, unpolished yet deeply compelling.

At the heart of the band was Suze da Blooze, whose powerful vocals and songwriting drove much of their creative output. Sharing lead vocal duties with Corrina, who also played guitar, the band was completed by Cozmic on drums and synth, and Bess on bass. This lineup embodied the DIY ethos of the punk movement, playing with what music critics called "limited but adventurous ability" that somehow transcended technical limitations through sheer intensity and passion.

The band's only full-length release, Blood Robots, recorded in 1980 at Keith Dobson's Street Level studio, became a landmark of the anarcho-punk movement. The album caught the attention of music critics, with Sounds magazine's Robbi Millar describing it as "Android genius" and drawing comparisons to influential bands like The Slits and The Raincoats. The raw, uncompromising sound featured voices that "scream and holler with the mispitched intensity" that became their signature.

Androids of Mu quickly became integral to West London's squatland scene, performing alongside other revolutionary acts like Poison Girls, Zounds, The Mob, and The Astronauts. Their reputation grew to such heights that Crass, the godfathers of anarcho-punk, invited them to record for their influential label. However, the band's commitment to their authentic, unpolished sound led them to decline the offer when Crass requested they recruit a "proper" drummer, demonstrating their unwillingness to compromise their artistic vision.

The band's influence extended far beyond their brief four-year existence. Their impact was so significant that a Newcastle anarcho-punk band later named themselves Blood Robots in honor of Androids of Mu's seminal album. This tribute speaks to the lasting impression they made on the punk community, inspiring future generations of musicians to embrace the DIY ethos and uncompromising artistic vision that defined their approach.

Throughout their career from 1979 to 1983, Androids of Mu remained true to their anarcho-punk roots, contributing tracks to various compilations and underground releases. Songs like "Bored Housewives," "Every Time I Hear the Spirit," and "Vampire Feast" showcased their ability to blend political commentary with raw musical energy, creating anthems for the disenfranchised and rebellious.

The legacy of Androids of Mu continued to resonate decades after their dissolution. In 2013, Blood Robots was reissued on vinyl by Water Wing Records, introducing their groundbreaking sound to a new generation of punk enthusiasts and collectors. This reissue demonstrated the enduring appeal and historical significance of their contribution to the anarcho-punk movement.

Androids of Mu represented more than just a band; they embodied the spirit of resistance and creativity that defined the anarcho-punk movement. Their story is one of artistic integrity, feminist empowerment, and the power of community-driven music to challenge societal norms and inspire change. Though their time was brief, their impact on underground music culture continues to influence and inspire musicians and fans alike.