The idea of the band came from the first meeting between myself and Andy in late 1990. We both wanted to play/record hardcore punk songs so we decided to get together ourselves and later in that year, with the first recording sessions, Time To Think was formed. The songs were put together fairly spontaneously but despite this, the tracks on the first cassette, Be Yourself, came out pretty well. We also decided to make the packaging a little more interesting than some I had seen in the past with a colour cover as well as lyric sheet. Using a list of distros scraped from various fanzines, we managed to sell quite a few copies, especially within continental Europe which was very pleasing for an unknown group playing, at times, very non-conventional music.
From this cassette nine hardcore tracks were taken and put onto the first Time To Think e.p. entitled 'Where The Hell Is Andrew'. This was self financed, being released on Thinking Time Records. This was also received well and even got some airplay on Radio Bristol.
A year passed before the next lot of recording. This time around, the style
took even more of a hardcore slant than previously. The unconventional trait
still continued, such as one of the instruments being a motorbike. This was
received far better than the first cassette, this being reflect in a fair few
people asking us to contribute tracks to benefit compilations.
Although this marks the final release of the band so far, more recording was
undertaken. We made our second vinyl appearance in the shape of the Rape Crisis
benefit compilation 'Youve Heard It All Before', a double album of Crass covers
released by Ruptured Ambitions to which we contributed our version of 'Major
General Despair'.
More cover versions were recorded around this time for the intention of being released as a limited 32 copy cassette to accompany copies of the 7" which were to be given away to friends as a jesture of gratitude. Unfortunately, the tape containing those tracks still sits in my cassette rack virtually unheard by anyone outside the group.
Up to now all our recording had been done in a practice room at Andy's home in Hackney using a 4-track recorder. Around 1994, Hackney Council in all their wisdom decided to reclaim the row of houses, in which Andy lived, which was at that time run by a housing co-op. This meant trial and tribulation for Andy and, on maybe more of a trivial note, an end to the practice room. The final Time To Think tracks to be recorded there were 'Antinazi', 'Violence Is Fun' and 'More Violence'. All are yet to be released.
Soon after the formation of Time To Think, I was asked to join Academy 23, the group which consumed much of Andy's time and effort, as a full time drummer. The two groups ran concurrently until Andy's move when Academy 23's output took over. As well as many cassettes and some compilation contributions, A23 released an LP+7" package entited 'Relationships' and a CD, Kampfbereit. Both were released by Thinking Time Records. At the time of the CD release I had given up work and gone back to college to study A Levels. This meant that I now had little money to put towards any more releases so personal output virtually ended. However, time was still spent writing to people and distributing Time To Think releases which continued at a fairly steady pace.
On completion of the A levels, I decided to go to university for a 4-year degree course in astrophysics. As time went on, and the course became more intense, I found I had very little spare time to concentrate on band affairs. By this time, Academy 23 had become UNIT and their first 7", released by BBP records, marked my final output with the track 'A Change For The Worst'. Since, I have undertaken no more projects and Time To Think and the label ground to a stop.
Having lost touch with many contacts and with the punk scene in general, I have come out from the degree with good results and the pleasant surprise that the punk scene in this country seems to have picked up. Since the downward trend of Time To Think activities, I've fully intended to pick up the pieces after finishing my studies. This has already started. As well as this web site, writing has already begun for a new cassette which I intend to be even more puck rock than ever. Since the early recordings, new influences have come to light and, all being well, a new batch of recordings should start soon.
It is, however, now down to me to get the group back off the ground since, as I've omitted, there was one last final Time To Think recording session at Andy's place of work which enlightened me to the fact that myself and Andy seemed to be going different ways musically and ideologically. Although running a band containing people with different views may be interesting, I was not prepared to deal with any flack as a result of some of Andy's lyrics. Current testing in going on at the moment with recording at my own home with a drum sequencer and my awful attempts at guitar playing. Ideally, money permitting, I'd prefer to book a cheap room somewhere and use a proper drum kit, but currently I have to make do. I'm also hoping to recruit (even on a temporary basis) a guitarist who is willing to play on the tracks, since I've realised my attempts are, quite frankly, bloody awful. Crossed fingers, something should be out sometime in the summer.
Throught their history, Time To Think have never played live. Half intentionally, half because it was a physical impossibility. I've now changed my attitude and am fully up for playing live, so it's the physical hurdle that now needs to be crossed. Hopefully before the summer is out, I can rustle some people together to do the first Time To Think gig which should be fun.
Although I am to start a PhD in October this year, I fully intend to try and keep things going once started so Time To Think can be pushed on through to the millenium.
Finally I think I'll take this opportunity to thank all people who have been involved with the group and to everyone past, present and future for their greatly needed assistance.
Pete 29/06/1999
