Blatoidea

Blatoidea is a punk group formed in Sicily in December 2008 by Manu, Jacko and Carlo. The band later moves to London, where it continues with a line-up that includes Luke on drums. Its sound is influenced by old-school punk bands such as Defiance and the Restarts, and the group identifies with a style that stays away from conventional scene standards and labels.

Formation and name

The first songs are written by Manu on vocals and lead guitar, Jacko on vocals and bass, and Carlo on rhythm guitar and backing vocals. The band takes its name from the Latin term for the cockroach genus, using it as a metaphor for society and the way people are treated by those in power.

Recordings and releases

Blatoidea first records a demo titled Start an Infection, which contains eight tracks and is released online. Later, the group records a four-track EP called Alive. In December 2011, it records its first album, Infected, which contains 11 tracks.

Live activity

After Fabrizio joins on drums, the band sets up its first tour in Italy. Following the move to London, Luke joins on drums and the group returns to live performance. It plays a long series of shows around London and shares stages with GBH, Anti-Nowhere League, English Dogs, the Restarts, Sick on the Bus, Angelic Upstarts, Peter and the Test Tube Babies, 999, Discharge, the Varukers, Vice Squad and Red Flag 77. After the release of Alive, the band tours around Europe.

Style and context

The band is tagged with street punk, rock, punk rock and punk, and is described as punk. Its early work is tied to a raw, old-school punk influence and to a stated rejection of polished or conventional scene norms.