Carlow band gym slip... are essentially the dregs that remain from an excellent music scene in the town, which sadly died out towards the end of 1997. Guitarist Jimmy and bassist Floody were members of local band Neckweed, (along with gS road crew stalwart def ME and Steve of Baseball Fury / The Kids citizenship), who were originally known as Godlike Shapes. Neckweed released two fine demos during their brief existence, both released in 1996, both recorded with John Daly in Catharsis Studios, Kilkenny. "Music For Elevators" was a solid, eight track introduction to the band, but they really found their niche on "Donkeymen", the follow-up, which was widely applauded by metalheads, punks and hardcore freaks alike. Neckweed ceased to exist in February 1998. You can download a zip file, containing Neckweed's entire gig guide, setlists, synopses etc here.

Drummer Murt was previously in Slacker, another Carlow band, who relocated to Cork in 1996. Here, they released one self-titled four track ep in February 1997, preceeded by 1995's "Gik", (and 1994's seminal "Fuck The Neighbours"), at which time they were known as Depraved. It was not uncommon to find Depraved / Slacker and Neckweed on the same bill - the bands played countless gigs together in Carlow, Waterford and New Ross. Slacker called it a day in July 1997. You can check out the Depraved / Slacker bible here.

(Original vocalist Johnny "Wog" Burroughs had never previously been in a band before. So we stuck in a picture of him with someone else's car).

Click on either of the band thumbnails to enlarge.

In truth, the gym slip... machine was beginning to turn long before either Neckweed or Slacker had said their goodbyes. In June 1996, following a late night, hammered conversation, cousins Jimmy and Murt got their side project band, On The Table, under way, jamming in The Shed, penning what would eventually become "No Rules (Just Alcohol)" and "Madden, John". It was late 1998 before they began to write again, throwing out "Cold Plate", "Limp", "Scrap" and "Tom (Extension)" the next time they hooked up. Floody was recruited soon after, followed by Johnny, who was presented with 10 songs to vocalise. The four piece practiced for some 6 months before committing themselves to tape, recording "Tellytubby Execution G-Style" with Floody's flatmate, Joe. Their first gig followed seven days later, with Pigz In Zen in Balbriggan.