Motorsheep was a punk band from the Manawatu region of New Zealand, formed in 1989 in the towns of Levin and Palmerston North. Anchored by Jarrod Love on bass and Kelvin Shearman on guitar, the band cycled through various drummers and vocalists, including Kevin Hunt, who also played alongside Kelvin in Sid Vishnu and with Jarrod in the punk outfit Slugfarm. Known for their raw, garage punk sound, Motorsheep was a staple of Palmerston North’s vibrant music scene, centred around The Stomach venue and recording studio.
The band kicked off their discography with the self-released “Mot-or-She-EP” in 1989, a collection of demos on tape. They gained early recognition performing at the televised national charity event Telethon in September 1990 at Palmerston North Memorial Hall. Motorsheep played in Palmerston North and Wellington in the early 1990’s but kept a low profile. A September 1991 gig in Wellington with SMUT had them playing under the name “Feculence”.
Motorsheep roared back to life in 1995 with the release of their debut 7” single “Pinochet/ Moisture” on striking navy vinyl, blending edgy metal riffs with hardcore punk energy. The single’s fuzzy, sleazy tracks earned praise for their quirky yet powerful delivery. That same year, Jarrod Love and Justus co-founded “Undercurrent”, a DIY music zine (1995–2000) that championed the local scene.
Motorsheep’s live shows were chaotic and memorable. A notable impromptu gig in November 1995 on the lawn of Jarrod’s flat—after a canceled show by U.S. punk band All You Can Eat—ended with police intervention and Jarrod’s eviction. In 1996, the band played standout performances, including a high-energy set at the Jeffrey James Theatre in Ponsonby and the first Punkfest at Thistle Hall, Wellington. That August, they released their “Incomplete Loser EP”, followed by the “Unwanted Treasures” tape in February 1997, compiling their two 7” releases with new tracks.
In June 1997, Motorsheep dropped their debut album, “The Passionless Are Fearless” a raw, urgent collection of anthems capturing their DIY ethos. Tracks like “Alzheimers” and “Splash” showcased their ability to blend melody with primal noise, earning critical nods for their unpolished yet passionate sound. Over their nine-year run, Motorsheep’s commitment to the punk scene—through their music, zine, and relentless performances—left a lasting mark on New Zealand’s underground music landscape. The band disbanded in 1998, but their legacy endures as a testament to the raw energy of Manawatu punk.
| Origin | Palmerston North |
| Genre | punk, ska, noise, jazz |
| Years Active | 1989 – 1998 |
| Labels | Motorsheep Records |
| Associated Acts | Sid Vishnu Slug Farm |
| Past Members | Jarrod Love (bass) Kelvin Shearman (guitar, b-vocals) Kevin Hunt (drums, b-vocals 1) Ryskie (drums 2) Scott (vocals 1) Justus (vocals 2) |
| Website | Soundcloud |
Releases
| Title | Date | Label | Type | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mot-or-She EP | 1989 | demo | tape | |
| Live In A Coffin | 1991, Sept 14 | demo | tape | |
| Pinochet/ Moisture | 1995, July 22 | Motorsheep Records | single | 7″ |
| Incomplete Loser | 1996, Aug 24 | Motorsheep Records | EP | 7″ |
| Excommunicated | 1996, Sept | Celibate Fighting Monks | compilation | CD |
| Unwanted Treasures | 1997, Feb 1 | compilation | tape | |
| The Passionless Are Fearless | 1997, June 7 | Motorsheep Records | album | CD |
| Valve No.9: 10khz of White Piss | 1997 | Yellow Bike Records | compilation | CD |
| Intemperance | 1997 | compilation | CD | |
| Swamp Musak | 1998 | Radio Massey | compilation | CD |
| End Corporate Domination | 2000 | Loud Mouth Records | compilation | CD |
| Out Of Control: 30 Years of Radio Massey | 2010 | Radio Massey | compilation | CD |
Timeline
1989, Mot or She EP
1990, September 1, Memorial Hall, PNth
Motorsheep play Telethon, 1990.
1991
1991, September 14, Empire Warehouse
Motorsheep play as Feculence
1994
1994, October 6, The Stomach
Screaming Orgasms, Wholesale Drainage, Motorsheep, Coming Up For Air
1995
1995, February 27, Massey Uni (P-Nth)
Pumpkinhead, Nixons, Livids, Motorsheep
1995, April 15, Thistle Hall
Balance, Motorsheep, Pacecar, Loosehead
1995, July 22, Pinochet/ Moisture
1995, July 22, The Wild Horse Saloon
Motorsheep: Pinochet/ Moisture 7″ release w/ Slugfarm and Vandrix
1995, November 17, Palmerston North
Motorsheep play a house show on the lawn at Jarrod’s flat after All You Can Eat (USA) gig was cancelled. Police attend, Jarrod given an eviction notice by the landlord.
1996
1996, January 27, The Stomach
1996, March 3, Wildhorse Saloon
with Dead Moon, Shoeshine.
1996, May 4, Wild Horse Saloon (P-North)
1996, May 17, Wild Horse Saloon (P-North)
Hideously Disfigured, State of Hate, Motorsheep
1996, May 31, Jeffrey James Theatre (AKL)
Applicators, Balance, Motorsheep, Quickslide
1996, June 21, Leisure Lounge (AKL)
w/ Nothing At All, Snuff
1996, June 27, Wildhorse Saloon
1996, July 6, Thistle Hall
1996, July 7, The Stomach
1996, August 24, Incomplete Loser
1996, August 24, Thistle Hall
1996, September 13, The Stomach
1996, October 26-27, Punkfest
1996, November 15, Pacifica Cafe
1997
1997, February 1, Motorsheep: Unwanted Treasures
1997, February 1, Thistle Hall
1997, June: The Passionless Are Fearless
1997, June 21, Thistle Hall
1997, July 5, Nelson Skate-Fest
Muckhole, Inchworm, Motorsheep, Druid, Nadir, Bloody Hell.
1997, September 6, Thistle Hall
1998
1998, January 15, Thistle Hall
