Their first release, Livin' in the '80s, was a 7" EP released by the band on their home-brew Z-Disc label. Their debut full length album, Vicious Circle, was released in 1982 with its distinctively ugly bright yellow cover on the local label Nimrod Records. Many punk fans nationwide were surprised to find a band like the Zero Boys coming out of the Midwest rather than from the larger and more established scenes in and around Los Angeles, Washington DC, New York City and elsewhere. Vicious Circle was reissued on Toxic Shock later in the 1980s, with added bonus tracks taken from the Affirmation Records compilations LPs The Master Tape and The Master Tapes 2. It was reissued again in 2000 by Lookout! Records, without the Master Tape tracks, but with two additional songs from the original album sessions, "She Said Goodbye" and "Slam and Worm", which had been given limited release on a 7" single.
It has occasionally been reported that the band never recorded further material after this. This is true only in the sense that the lineup of the band that made Vicious Circle never recorded new material. After David Clough left the band to join Toxic Reasons, the Zero Boys did manage to record a handful of tracks intended for a second LP, but broke up before the album could be finished. These tracks were released on the History of the Zero Boys cassette on Affirmation, along with the above mentioned compilation tracks and other demo tracks and outtakes.
Around 1990, Selfless released a 7" single featuring the Zero Boys on one side and Toxic Reasons on the other. The Zero Boys then reformed with a new bass player and guitarist and recorded two further albums, Make It Stop (released on Germany's Bitzcore label in 1992) and The Heimlich Maneuver (released on Skyclad in 1993.)
In the last couple of years, the band has reunited for the occasional show, such as one of a series of shows at CBGB's designed to raise money to help keep the club open, and a series of shows in the spring and summer of 2006 where they performed the entire Vicious Circle album.
Paul Mahern went on to form the power pop band the Datura Seeds and has since become a producer. He also owns the Affirmation Records label.
Tufty owns a punk clothing store in Indianapolis called future Shock as well as a progressive music bar named Radio Radio.
Amphetamine Addiction
Zero Boys Lyrics
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The lyrics to Zero Boys' song "Amphetamine Addiction" speak to the destructive and painful nature of drug addiction, specifically that of amphetamines. The singer describes the physical discomfort of the addiction, with the pain located in their stomach and the piercing of a needle into their brain and eye. The repetition of the phrase "amphetamine addiction" serves to emphasize the grip the drug has on the singer's life and their sense of identity. The solo in the middle of the song provides a momentary release from the intensity of the lyrics, but ultimately the addiction persists.
While the lyrics are straightforward in their message, they speak to a larger societal issue of substance abuse and the impact it has on individuals and communities. The song suggests that addiction is not simply a matter of personal choice, but rather a complex issue that requires more understanding and support than condemnation.
Line by Line Meaning
Stick the needle into my brain dont cha know that i will go insane its a pain and its in my stomach
My addiction to amphetamines has become so potent that I am willing to inject them directly into my brain, fully aware of the consequences. Despite the agony and discomfort that comes from it, I am still unable to resist the addictive allure of the drug.
Amphetamine addiction Amphetamine addiction Amphetamine addiction Amphetamine addiction
This chorus repeats the phrase 'amphetamine addiction' several times, emphasizing the all-consuming nature of my drug dependence and the overwhelming hold it has over my life.
Stick the needle into my eye dont cha know that it will make me cry its a pain and its in my stomach
My desperation for the drug has led me to try injecting it into different parts of my body, even if it causes me harm and extreme discomfort. The damage caused by the drugs is all-encompassing, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well.
Solo~ Amphetamine addiction Amphetamine addiction Amphetamine addiction Amphetamine addiction
The instrumental interlude suggests that even during moments when I am not actively consuming the drug, I am still consumed with thoughts about it and struggling with its pull over me.
Stick the needle into my brain dont cha know that i will go insane its a pain and its in my stomach Amphetamine addiction Amphetamine addiction Amphetamine addiction Amphetamine addiction
The final verse repeats the same sentiments expressed earlier in the song, highlighting the inescapable and destructive nature of my addiction to amphetamines.
Contributed by Aaliyah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.