Hula

Hula is a Sheffield, United Kingdom band active from 1980 to 1991. It works in industrial and post-punk, and is also associated with new wave, industrial funk and funk. The group forms in November 1980 and builds around a shifting line-up that includes Mark Albrow, Alan Fisch, Ron Wright, John Avery and Mark Brydon. The verified membership is John Avery, Mark Brydon and Alan Fisch.

Formation and early line-up

The band takes its name from Hula Kula, the villa where three members — Mark Albrow, Alan Fisch and Ron Wright — live with Stephen Mallinder of Cabaret Voltaire and Paul Widger, who is linked with They Must Be Russians, Clock DVA and The Box. The name itself comes from an obscure Roxy Music track. Before the settled line-up emerges, Hula tries a series of bass players, including Alan Watt, Chris Brain of Tense and NOS, and Mark Brydon. Alan Fish, also known as Fisch, is later replaced by Nort, both of whom drum for Cabaret Voltaire.

Recordings and releases

Hula first releases Fever Car, which becomes an indie hit, and then records the album Murmur. Their sound combines cut-ups, steady rhythms and paranoia-tinged vocals into a distinctive white funk style. The group later issues dance-oriented twelve-inch singles and more experimental albums.

Live work and later activity

John Avery joins as bass player, a role needed for the band’s live work, which includes performances with extensive video material made by Peter Care. Hula tours internationally, records sessions for VPRO and for John Peel, and supports Depeche Mode, including a performance at Wembley Arena. After Nort leaves in 1986, the music changes, and later Mark Albrow also leaves.

Label changes and final period

After Red Rhino goes bankrupt, Hula moves to Wax Trax. Their final release is a version of Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Chile”. After that release, guest singer Jocelyn Cammack joins officially, Ron moves to bass and John moves to keyboards, and the group makes new material that remains unreleased. Hula breaks up in 1991.