Come Out Fighting

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the track "Come Out Fighting" by Easterhouse from their 1989 album Waiting for the Redbird, getting the Zoo Freaks fired up. This song, a minor hit in the US, was notable for its energetic vibe and even got a remix by Justin Strauss, highlighting its danceable edge. According to Wikipedia, the track captured the band’s signature jangly guitars and politically charged spirit, a hallmark of their indie rock sound from the late 1980s. While specific interviews or social media posts about the song are scarce, the album’s release came during a turbulent time for the band, with significant lineup changes that left frontman Andy Perry as the sole original member. Fans on platforms like Rate Your Music praise the song for its anthemic quality, with some noting its airplay on college radio stations, which helped it gain a cult following among indie rock enthusiasts.

Easterhouse formed in Stretford, near Manchester, in 1983, founded by brothers Ivor and Andy Perry. Inspired by Bob Marley’s direct political messaging and intrigued by communism, the band named themselves after a Glasgow housing estate, reflecting their leftist leanings. Their early gigs included a notable performance opening for The Smiths at Dingwalls in London, secured after Ivor convinced Morrissey to give them the slot. Signing with Rough Trade, they released singles like "Whistling in the Dark" and "Inspiration," both Top 5 hits on the UK independent chart. Their debut album, Contenders, released in 1986, drew comparisons to The Chameleons and New Model Army for its raw, post-punk energy and political lyrics, often shaped by Ivor’s ties to the Revolutionary Communist Party, particularly on Irish political issues.

The band’s trajectory shifted after Ivor left post-Contenders, forming The Cradle with ex-Smiths contributor Ditty’s Apple Music page for Easterhouse doesn’t list an official website, and their social media presence is minimal, likely due to their dissolution in the early 1990s. However, fans can connect through community platforms like the Rough Trade Records Facebook group, where enthusiasts discuss bands from the label’s roster, including Easterhouse. The Rate Your Music page also serves as a fan hub, with user reviews and ratings for their discography. For more on their music, check out Apple Music or Pandora, where you can stream "Come Out Fighting" and other tracks from Waiting for the Redbird.