Politically charged anarcho-punk manning the barricades on the streets of Silverstream!

Compos Mentis was an ‘80’s anarcho-punk band that played a central role in adding a loud and progressive political voice to Wellington punk’s second wave. Originally from the Hutt Valley suburb of Silverstream and active from 1984 to 1986 the band evolved from two earlier incarnations: the Destructive Adolescents (formed December 1982) and World War 3. Inspired by formative UK anarcho-punk acts like Crass, Flux of Pink Indians and Subhumans, Compos Mentis tackled aspects of war, nuclear annihilation, animal exploitation and societal dysfunction, often exploring these issues through a more locally focussed lens as in songs like “Patricia Bartlett” and “Chase Corpse”.

The original lineup featured Peter Stitt on bass and vocals, Craig Gibson on drums, Dave Clark on guitar, Heather Osborn on vocals and Sean on second guitar. They released their debut EP, “Man’s Inhumanity To Man Makes Thousands Mourn”, in 1984 on the band’s own label and distro Sound Mind Tapes/ Records. The band members also published three issues of the zine, Communicade (1985-1986).

The band’s lineup remained in flux over the following year. By January 1985, both Peter Stitt and Sean had departed, with Ben stepping in on guitar. Ben’s tenure was brief, though, and by July/August 1985 he too had left, replaced by Simon Gotlieb and Grant Focas, both formerly of the Hutt Valley band Gotham City. This lineup released Compos Mentis’s second EP, “From Behind The Wall” (March 1986), followed a few months later by a split 7”, “Pictures From The Colonies” (September 1986), with Australian band GASH. This was followed by the trans-Tasman compilation Blast Away Vol.1 (1986) which also featured a track by Compos Mentis progenitor World War Three.

Over the years Compos Mentis played in Auckland with Armatrak and Five Year Mission (October 1985) and in New Plymouth with Casualty and Sticky Filth (late 1985/early 1986). They faced challenges finding venues, with Wellington’s Cafe Pacifique becoming a key spot for gigs, including two shows in February 1986. Somewhat known for its members switching instruments between songs, the anarchic “musical chairs” mirrored the instability within the group with tensions leading to Compos Mentis announcing their split in October 1986. The band however survived for another few months as a three-piece made up of Craig, David and Grant. This final lineup was even able to record and release one final split 7”, this time with South African punk band “Powerage”, and played a couple of final shows, a Wellington gig at Railway Hall on December 5 and an Auckland New Year’s Eve set with Acid Reign and Service 42.

By the time it was released in August 1987 Compos Mentis had ceased to exist with Craig and David forming thrash punk band Nazgul. Peter Stitt went on to play in Brewer’s Droop/ Columbian Necktie. Simon Gotlieb resurfaced as guitarist for T.A.B in 1987.

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Origin	Silverstream, Hutt Valley
Genre	punk
Years Active	1984 – 86
Labels	Sound Mind Records
Associated Acts	Destructive Adolescents, World War 3, Gotham City, Nazgul, One Less Customer, TAB
Past Members	Craig Gibson (drums/bass 1984-86) Heather Osborn (vocals 1984-86) David Clark (guitar 1984-86) Grant Focas (guitar, vocals 1985-86) Peter Stitt (bass, vocals 1984-early 85) Simon Gotlieb (guitar, bass, drums, vocals 1985-86) Ben (guitar 1985) Sean (guitar 1984) David A. (guitar) Tim (guitar 1986)

Releases

Title	Date	Label	Type	Format
Man’s Inhumanity To Man Makes Thousands Mourn	1984	Sound Mind Tapes 1	EP	tape
A Short History	1985	Sound Mind Tapes 2	EP	tape
From Behind The Wall	1986, March	Sound Mind Records 1	EP	7″
Pictures From The Colonies	1986, Sept	Sound Mind Records 2	split EP	7″
Blast Away V1	1986	Sound Mind Tapes	compilation	tape
Rising From The Ashes vol.2	1986		compilation	tape
Backlash!	1987, Aug	Out Of Order Records	split EP	7″
The Harder The Edge, The Rocka The Roll	1987, Aug	Hard Edge Records	compilation	12″
Overseas Connection	1987	Double A Records	compilation	tape
Death Pays All Debts	1988	Battery Hen Cassettes	compilation	tape

Timeline

1984, Silverstream Primary School

1984, Man’s Inhumanity To Man Makes Thousands Mourn

1984, ?, Levin

Compos Mentis plays an outdoor show in Levin with local band Stench Of The Wounded. Mentioned in Communicade #1 zine.

1985

1985, March, A Short History

1986

1986, February: From Behind The Wall

1986, February 7/8, Cafe Pacifique

Compos Mentis had no support band, so the gigs started quite late, by which time reasonable crowds had turned up, consisting mainly of “hardcores” & skins. Compos Mentis’ songs may sound fast on tape, but live they were even faster, sparking off some wild dancing, which was slightly rough, but fun all the same. With some excellent lyrics, it’s a pity the vocals weren’t clear (better the second night), still, the sheer energy made up for that.

The band played amazing long sets, including material off their new EP and even a Crass cover. They were sweating like crazy but managed to continue by rotating drummers, singers and guitarists! Low points were the filth sniffing around, some jerk yelling at Heather, and someone being knocked over by a grapple, but over-all it was two excellent nights of NZ Punk Thrash.
Anti-System #3, Simon Cottle