Lead singer/guitarist Nick Blinko is notorious for his witty macabre lyrics and dark pen-and-ink artwork, prominently featured on all of Rudimentary Peni's albums. Blinko is also rumored to have written the band's Pope Adrian 37th Psychristiatric album whilst resident in a psychiatric hospital, having suffered from mental illness most of his life, as such, the subject matter of the album relates to the delusions Nick was experiencing at the time, particularly the idea that he was said Pope. Nick's subject matter has been influenced by the work of H.P. Lovecraft who he had studied after having delusions of the macabre element of life and hereafter. Bassist Grant Matthews has also written a number of songs for the band, though his lyrics primarily focus on sociopolitical themes. The band also features drummer Jon Greville.
Very few photos exist of the band, as their albums feature Blinko's drawings, but artist and record label owner Pushead published a few photos of the band in an early edition of his magazine.
The band had early connections with Crass, and released their Farce EP on Crass Records. Though they stopped performing in the 1980s after bassist Grant Matthews was diagnosed with cancer, they continue to record and release material today, though they rarely give interviews. Nick Blinko has also become increasingly popular in the Outsider Art scene, and wrote an autobiographical novel entitled "The Primal Screamer", revered amongst his fans to be a literary masterpiece.
Musicians of a variety of genres (from thrashcore to death metal to apocalyptic folk) have taken influence from the work of Rudimentary Peni. There is even an all-girl high school cover band that does all Rudimentary Peni. The legend created by Rudimentary Peni is part in thanks to their evasion of media coverage and the spread of misinformation.
A new album, No More Pain EP was released on May 5th 2008. Nick Blinko has also finished a new untitled novel, due out sometime in the near future.
Trial by Separation
Rudimentary Peni Lyrics
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The lyrics of Rudimentary Peni's song Trial by Separation dive into the emotional and psychological turmoil of feeling abandoned and isolated by a former lover. The opening lines "when we first met, I was alone, and so were you" establishes the idea that both parties were initially seeking companionship and empathy. However, as the song progresses, the tone becomes more bitter and accusatory as the singer reveals that despite these intimate encounters, the other person has ultimately left them feeling even more alone than before.
The repetition of this phrase "I was alone, and so were you" emphasizes the isolation and disconnection that both parties were feeling, and the subsequent use of the past tense "you have deserted me" highlights the sudden and painful rupture that has occurred. The final line "I am alone, and so are you" demonstrates the cyclical nature of pain and loneliness, suggesting that both parties are equally suffering in the aftermath of their separation.
Overall, the song explores the complex and universal emotions of heartbreak and the aftermath of a relationship. It highlights the painful irony of longing for love and companionship, only to have it exacerbate feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Line by Line Meaning
when we first met, I was alone, and so were you.
Our meeting was marked by individual solitude, as neither of us had companionship at the time.
when we first touched, I was alone, and so were you.
Our touching was a singular act, unshared with others, as neither of us had someone with whom to share such intimacy.
when we first fucked, I was alone, and so were you.
Our sexual encounter was conducted without the presence of others, indicating that neither of us had a partner with whom to share that experience.
you have deserted me.
You have abandoned me, leaving me alone and without any other companionship.
I am alone, and so are you.
Both of us are now without companionship, as we were when we first met, touched, and had sex.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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Alexandra Wołk
May The Goddess bless Nick Blinko and give him prosperity. Im eternally thankful to him for writing perferct, most specific lyrics, with minimal amount of words. I was alone and i will be alone. Thinking otherwise was delusional. It hurts, but being able to listen to his great music helps a little bit. There are other people who experience hopelessness and pain. I think it's a punishment: im forced to live life as a punishment for something i did in past life.