Biography

Formed in Southend, Essex, England, in 1991, alternative rock band Understand, comprising Dom Anderson (vocals), John Hannon (guitar), Rob Coleman (guitar), Stuart Quinnell (bass) and Andy Shepherd (drums) Their musical influences range from Quicksand & the 90’s New York Hardcore scene to late 70’s UK influences like Wire & the DC Dischord bands like Jawbox & Fugazi, the leaders of the ‘emo-core’ (emotional hardcore) and straight edge scenes. Their debut self-titled EP was recorded with noted hardcore producer Don Fury in his NY studio in 1994, but failed to garner sympathetic press coverage - though earlier reviews of their demos and live shows had been much more positive. Their debut album for EastWest Records, Burning Bushes And Burning Bridges, proved much more popular. Produced by Chris Sheldon, best known for his work on Therapy?’s Troublegum, this was a more disciplined, powerful showcase for their work. The songs that attracted most attention were ‘Southend’, a tribute to the group’s seaside home-town, and ‘The Rudeness We Encounter’, a plea for the return of a very old-fashioned English concept - politeness.