Asexuals

Asexuals is a hardcore punk band from Beaconsfield, Quebec, active since 1983. They were a mainstay of the Montreal punk scene in the 1980s before evolving into an alternative rock band following the departure of singer John Kastner, who went on to form the Doughboys and later All Systems Go!.

Formation and Early Years (1983–1985)

The Asexuals formed in 1983 when Sean Friesen, T.J. Collins, and Paul Remington, all Beaconsfield High students, decided to start a punk rock band. Future actor Al Goulem briefly played as second guitarist with Collins singing. John Kastner quickly joined as the singer. After experimenting with names like “Commonwealth,” “Dead Dog,” “Johnny Jew and the Holocaust,” and “VD Teens,” they settled on “Asexuals” because none of the band members had girlfriends at the time. Their music blended hardcore punk with more melodic punk rock elements, similar to The Nils or Hüsker Dü.

Discography

Albums

• Be What You Want (1984, First Strike Records; re-released 1985, Psyche Industry Records)
• Contemporary World (1985, Psyche Industry Records)
• Dish (1988, Cargo Records)
• Exile from Floontown (1991, Cargo Records)
• Fitzjoy (1996, Hypnotic Records)

Live Albums

• Brave New Waves Session (2017, CBC Montreal, Artoffact Records)

EPs

• Featuring: The Asexuals (1984, Og Music)
• B.F.D. (1984, Og Music)
• Change Of Heart / Asexuals (split 7-inch with Change of Heart) (1990, Cargo Records)
• Walt’s Wish (1992, Cargo Records)
• Love Goes Plaid (1993, RPN Records UK & Europe, Boss Tuneage Records)

Compilations

• Contemporary World / Be What You Want (1991, Psyche Industry Records)
• Greater than Later (2000, Boss Tuneage Records)

Band Members

• John “Filthy” Kastner – vocals (1983–1987, 2010–Present)
• Sean “Head” Friesen – guitar (1983–1997, 2010–Present)
• T.J. Collins (AKA T.J. Plenty) – bass (1983–1987, 2010–Present), vocals, guitar (1987–1997)
• Paul “Wally” Remington – drums (1983–1997, 2010–Present)
• Blake Cheetah (James Algie) – bass (1987–1989)
• Dom Pompeo Jr – bass (1989–1993) (d. 2012)
• Yuri Mohacsi – bass (1993–1997)

Musical Style and Themes

The Asexuals’ music is a blend of punk rock, hardcore punk, alternative rock, and power pop. Their sound incorporates elements of hardcore punk and more melodic punk rock, similar to The Nils or Hüsker Dü. In their later albums, they experimented with a more alternative rock sound, incorporating acoustic guitars and horns, making their music more college-radio friendly while maintaining a hard-rocking edge.

Legacy and Influence

The Asexuals are recognized for their superior songwriting and for foreshadowing the emo sound. They have influenced bands such as NOFX, Heroin, and Disfear, marking their significance in the punk and hardcore scenes.

Trivia

• The band chose the name “Asexuals” because none of the members had girlfriends at the time.
• John Kastner left the band to form the Doughboys and later All Systems Go!
• The Asexuals were briefly named “Commonwealth,” “Dead Dog,” “Johnny Jew and the Holocaust,” and “VD Teens” before settling on “Asexuals.”
• The band’s second LP, Contemporary World, featured a hardcore cover of Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are a-Changin’.”
• John Kastner was part of The Asexuals before going on to other projects, and the original lineup reunited for performances starting in 2010.