Tunnelmental

Tunnelmental
Tunnelmental performing in L.A. in 1993. From left to right: Jez, Audrey, Craig (background), Biff, Jeff, Dék
Tunnelmental performing in L.A. in 1993. From left to right: Jez, Audrey, Craig (background), Biff, Jeff, Dék
Background information
OriginSwindon, U.K.
Genres
Years active
  • 1988–1995
  • 2008–present
Labels
  • Nate Starkman & Son
  • Fundamental Records
  • T.O.N. Records
  • Tunnelmental Music
MembersNigel R Mitchell ("Biff")
Derek Pippert ("Dék")
Past membersAudrey Mitchell
Jeremy Smart ("Jez")
Rob Sharples
Jeffrey Calamusa ("Jeff Stacy")
Craig Van Sant
Tim Hayes
Kevin Bourque
Joe Reyes
Tom Calzini
Michael Petrie
Todd Szabo
Websitewww.tunnelmental.com

Tunnelmental, originally titled "Tunnelmen" and later alternatively known as "Tunnelmental Experimental Assembly" (T.E.A.), are an English "Punktronica" music band originating from Swindon, U.K. and now based in Los Angeles, U.S. Formed in 1988 by lead vocalist "Biff" (Nigel R Mitchell), percussionist / backing vocalist "Audrey" (Audrey Mitchell), guitarist "Jez" (Jeremy Smart) and drummer Rob Sharples, the band's membership changed and expanded when the founders (except Rob) relocated to L.A. and were joined in 1992 by "Jeff Stacy" (Jeffery Calamusa) (bass), Craig Van Sant (drums) and "Dék" (Derek Pippert) (keyboards / MIDI samples).[1]

Initially influenced by the likes of Killing Joke, The Prodigy, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Nine Inch Nails, The Beastie Boys and other industrial rock and electronica music emerging from the early 1990s underground rave scene and Wagner, Tunnelmental brought a new style of music harnessing the spirit of Punk ideologies, and blending with the sounds and pulse of electronic music.[2]

Following a relaunch in 2010, permanent members of Tunnelmental have consisted of only Nigel and Derek as a core duo, with collaborations by various guest vocalists and musicians.[3]

  1. ^ Eynon, Michelle. "Tunnelmental Defeat the Inefficiency of Crashing". digital-collections.csun.edu. Daily Sundial. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
  2. ^ Carr, Nigel (5 August 2020). "Nigel R Mitchell – Tunnelmental – Interview". Louderthanwar.com. Retrieved 19 May 2021.
  3. ^ Robb, John. "Watch this! Tunnelmental new single 'a slice of perfect punktronica'". louderthanwar.com. Louder Than War. Retrieved 19 May 2021.