Long Tall Texans

Long Tall Texans are a psychobilly and punk group from Brighton, United Kingdom. The band’s line-up includes Mark Denman on vocals and slap bass, Theo on drums, Garry on guitar, Brother Matthew on guitar, and Paul Mumford on saxophone. The group’s sound combines psychobilly, rockabilly and punk, with regular use of different styles and occasional guest instruments.

Early releases and style

Long Tall Texans build a reputation through a series of releases that include Sodbusters, Los Me Boleros, Saturnalia, Singing To The Moon and Aces and Eights. Sodbusters is described as a slap-bass-driven party album that does not fit neatly into either rockabilly or graveyard-themed psychobilly. Los Me Boleros includes the track “Indians” and the live number “Five Beans In the Wheel”. Saturnalia includes “Bloody”, “Cairo” and “No Tomorrow”.

The band also appears on compilations from Raucous and Nervous Records. Their recording approach includes cover versions that they make their own, alongside original songs with deliberately downbeat lyrics set to energetic arrangements.

Live reputation and line-up changes

The band develops a strong live following in Europe and tours widely across the continent. A filmed show at the Night Of The Long Knives is issued as Blood Sweat and Beers. Their live history also includes a tour of Japan.

Mark Denman, also known as “Boggles”, leaves the band in a live role for a period, and the group goes through several changes before settling on a line-up that includes saxophonist Paul Mumford. Earlier substitutes and members mentioned in the band’s history include Gus, Cellmate Leicester Kev, Steve and Doug Shepard, who previously plays with the Rattlers.

Later direction

Singing To The Moon marks a shift in direction, with songs such as the title track, the dub version that accompanies it, “Klub Foot Shuffle” and “Suicide at the Seaside”. Aces and Eights places the saxophone more prominently and includes “Lip Service”, a reworked version of “Bloody”, “Innocent Look” and a closing track featuring a guest guitarist.

The band is also associated with a reputation for long-distance touring, heavy drinking on the road, and sleeping anywhere available between shows, from ferry decks to promoters’ flats.