Inca Babies

Inca Babies are a Manchester, United Kingdom group formed in the early 1980s in the Hulme district. Their sound develops from post-punk and gothic rock, with links to deathrock, psychobilly and punk blues. The band builds its identity around a raw, guitar-driven style shaped by punk, trashy Americana and a dark, twangy approach.

Formation and sound

The band emerges in Hulme, an area described by its concrete tower blocks and a mixed bohemian population of artists, musicians, students and addicts. At the time, Manchester music is dominated by jazz-funk and the indie scene’s lighter, more danceable pop, so the Inca Babies develop a more abrasive style of their own. Their influences include Link Wray, The Cramps, The Gun Club and The Birthday Party.

They are sometimes characterised as the “Hulme Cramps”, and their early music is known for a raunchy, death-ray twang and an uncompromising live presence.

Radio support and live reputation

The first single, “The Interior”, brings them immediate attention from John Peel and producer John Walters, who offer the band a Radio 1 session on the spot. They record four Radio 1 sessions between 1984 and 1987. After that, bookings increase and the band plays a wide range of venues across the UK, from small social clubs to large warehouses. Their following grows beyond Manchester and they also tour mainland Europe, including Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Austria and Scandinavia.

Recordings

The band’s releases include several singles, EPs and albums on Black Lagoon Records, with one single on Constrictor Records. Early releases include “The Interior / Sense of loss”, “Grunt Cadillac Hotel / No sacred sound”, “Big Jugular / Brother Rat / Brain Cruiser / Jericho”, “The Judge / Bus Breaker” and the Rumble LP. Other records include the Surfin’ in Locustland EP, This Train, “Splatter Ballistics Cop”, Opium Den, “Buster’s on Fire / Walking over Glass” and Evil Hour. The band reaches number one in the indie singles chart twice and places a top five album with Rumble.

Line-up

The Inca Babies’ line-up changes frequently, especially among singers and drummers. The members listed include Harry Stafford on guitar and later vocals, Bill Marten on bass, Alan Brown on drums, Julian Worapay on vocals, Pete Bogg on drums, Mike Keeble on vocals, Darren Bullows on guitar, Johnny Scarles on drums and Tony Clarke on drums. Bill Marten and Harry Stafford form the backbone of the band and play every gig and appear on every record.