Ulterior was an English post-punk band based in London, formed in 2006 and active until 2014.
After experiencing a tumultuous split with their initial label, Ulterior signed a deal in 2007 with the independent Disc Error Recordings for a three 12" vinyl release agreement, alongside a publishing contract with Bucks Music. All of their recordings with Disc Error were produced by Zlaya Hadzic, known as Zlaya Loud, a Bosnian producer who had previously worked with notable acts such as Sonic Youth and Tortoise.
From February 2009 onward, the classic four-piece lineup consisted of Paul McGregor (Honey) on lead vocals, his brother Benn McGregor (MCG) on electronics and synthesizers, Paul Simmons (Simmons) on guitar, and Michael Ellis (Mickey) on bass. The band initially formed as a trio in late 2006, with Honey, MCG, and Simmons, and later welcomed Karl Januskevicius (Motorcycle Boy) as a full-time synthesizer player in 2007.
Ulterior gained recognition through notable performances in London and released their debut single, "Weapons." They embarked on UK tours alongside acts like A.R.E. Weapons and were invited to support The Horrors at the Shockwaves NME Awards 2008 at The London Astoria. In the same year, they released their second EP, "15," and garnered praise from The Quietus for delivering intense live performances. Their presence in the printed press included features in NME, The Stool Pigeon, Vice Magazine, and Artrocker.
In early 2009, they released "Kempers Heads," a compilation of early Disc Error EPs and previously unreleased tracks, which was licensed for North America (Killer Pimp label) and the Far East (Knew Noise Recordings).
During 2008, Januskevicius transitioned to bass guitar. However, he departed from the band in February 2009, citing health and personal issues just before their European tour with The Sisters Of Mercy. He was succeeded by Mickey, who learned the set on the journey to their first show in Milan, Italy. Following this tour, Ulterior supported White Rose Movement on a lengthy UK tour, promoting their double A-side vinyl 10" release, "Sister Speed / Aporia," which had a rare German edition featuring a bonus CD of remixes.
After a significant break-in at their home, which resulted in the theft of all their recorded material and equipment, the band took an 18-month hiatus from live performances to focus on writing. They subsequently spent nine months at Amsterdam's Studio 150 with Zlaya working on their debut album.
During this time, they also formed a productive collaboration with the Turrell Brothers, independent filmmakers from Nottingham, UK, who had been creating visual work since 1997 and had produced over 800 videos.
Their debut album, titled 'Wild In Wildlife,' was self-released in early 2011 under their own label, Speed Records, and was licensed for the Far East. This release was accompanied by major tours and festival appearances across Europe, as well as tours further afield in the Far East and Southern Africa. Jon Turrell, a classical musician, contributed live piano to several prominent shows during these tours.
Ulterior's second album, "The Bleach Room," was produced in the UK by renowned electronica producer Robert Harder, known for his work with artists such as Whitey, Kylie, and The Slits. The album was released in January 2013 on Speed Records and was supported by music videos created by Ben Robinson, leading to extensive touring in Europe and licensing opportunities overseas.
The band's final significant release, "Aversion," was a comprehensive collection of remixed tracks from "The Bleach Room," alongside five covers, and was digitally released in December 2013. A physical edition followed in April 2014, released by the Japanese label 51 Records.