Music Bloodline

The Make-Up

Nation Of Ulysses members splinter off and form gospel-rock revival outfit.

Biography

Nation Of Ulysses were one of the early alt-rock era’s most beloved--and politically charged--underground acts. But by 1995, leery of being lumped into the emerging trend of indie rock, frontman Ian Svenonious, guitarist/organist James Canty, and drummer Steve Gamboa decided to form a gospel-revival act called Make-Up (dubbing their style “Gospel Yeh-Yeh”) that focused on live performance. Joined by ex-Frumpies bassist Michelle Mae, the four developed a confrontational approach while maintaining a slick style. Between 1995 and 2000, the quarter produced several releases, both live and studio, for K and Dischord Records, cementing their legacy in the D.C. post-hardcore lexicon. They disbanded at the turn of the century, however, after sensing that other groups were emulating their style, and that their mission had run its course.