Flux Of Pink Indians
Flux of Pink Indians were an English anarcho-punk band from Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, active between 1980 and 1986. Known for their uncompromising political stance, DIY ethics, and confrontational lyrics, the band was part of the Crass Records collective before branching out to form their own label, Spiderleg Records. Their work bridged the aggression of punk with experimental post-punk and dub influences.
How The Band Got Started
Flux of Pink Indians was formed by vocalist Colin ‘Colsk’ Latter and bassist Derek Birkett after the breakup of their previous band, The Epileptics (later renamed Epi-X). They were joined by guitarists Andy Smith and Neil Puncher, and drummer Sid Ation, who was also a member of Rubella Ballet. The band signed with Crass Records and released their debut EP Neu Smell in 1981, which featured the indie hit “Tube Disasters.”
Political Punk and Early Releases
The group’s early music followed the anarcho-punk ethos of Crass, focusing on anti-war, anti-capitalist, and anti-authoritarian themes. Their first full-length album, Strive to Survive Causing Least Suffering Possible (1983), was released on their own Spiderleg Records and reached No. 1 on the UK Independent Chart. Its raw sound and philosophical tone made it a defining record in the anarcho-punk movement.
Controversy and Artistic Evolution
Flux’s 1983 album The Fucking Cunts Treat Us Like Pricks was one of the most controversial punk releases of its time. Its explicit title and confrontational lyrics led to it being banned by many British retailers, and copies were seized by police from record stores. The controversy only strengthened the band’s resolve to challenge censorship and societal hypocrisy. Following lineup changes, they adopted a more experimental approach, incorporating industrial and dub sounds into their later work.
Uncarved Block and Name Change
By 1986, the band had shortened their name to Flux and released Uncarved Block, produced by Adrian Sherwood of On-U Sound. The album’s minimalist rhythms and meditative tone represented a dramatic shift from their earlier fury. It featured collaborations with musicians from Sherwood’s label, signaling Flux’s transition toward a broader musical vision before disbanding the following year.
After the Split
After Flux disbanded, Derek Birkett used his experience from Spiderleg Records to found One Little Indian Records, which later released music by Björk, Skunk Anansie, and Sigur Rós. Colin Latter went on to form the dance-influenced project Hotalacio with drummer Martin Wilson and guitarist Simon Middlehurst. Flux briefly reunited in 2007 for a series of performances, including Steve Ignorant’s The Feeding of the 5000 concert in London.
Legacy
Flux of Pink Indians remain a vital part of punk history, influencing later acts in both punk and experimental music. Their 1980s activism and commitment to independence helped shape the ethos of underground music culture. Their bass-driven sound even resurfaced decades later when rapper Professor Green sampled “Tube Disasters” for his single “Hard Night Out.” In 2016, members of Neurosis credited Flux among their early influences, and the band continues to be recognized for their radical approach to art and politics.
Discography
- Strive to Survive Causing Least Suffering Possible (1983)
- The Fucking Cunts Treat Us Like Pricks (1984)
- Uncarved Block (1986, as Flux)
- Neu Smell EP (1981)
- Taking a Liberty EP (1984)
- Not So Brave (1997 compilation)
