The Act-Ups are a Portuguese band that emerged in Barreiro in 2001, rising from the ashes of the Country-Punk band The Sullens. From the beginning, they adopted a rich lineup, initially featuring three guitars, bass, organ, and drums, foreshadowing the density and versatility of their sound. Their musical genre is a powerful and recognizable blend of Garage Rock, Punk, and Soul, characterized by intense use of fuzz and captivating compositions that mix the raw energy of punk with the melodic depth of soul. Specialized critics, such as RUTA 66 magazine, even described them as “the best garage rock group in Europe,” praising their ability to mix influences from figures like Iggy Pop, Wilson Pickett, and The Cramps, resulting in a completely original sound.
The debut album, “I Bet You Love Us Too”, released in 2003 by Hey, Pachuco! Recs., immediately established the band’s sonic identity. This work is a manifesto of garage rock dominated by guitars, but with a sensibility and care in composition that sets it apart. This was followed by “The Marriage of Heaven and Hell” in 2006, an album that demonstrated growing maturity and a more “dark” touch, without losing the essential ingredients. This album was not only released on CD by Hey, Pachuco! Recs., but also had a limited European vinyl edition by the Spanish label Beatnickmoon Rock and Roll Crafts, and its music was even used in the soundtrack of the film “Um ano mais longo” (A Longer Year), by Marco Martins, attesting to its growing relevance. The original lineup underwent some changes during this period, with Pistol Pete replacing Hellso on drums and the departure of Gomez (was made for love), defining a new line-up that includes Nick Nicotine (vocals and guitar), N Very (guitar), Johnny Intense (guitar), Pistol Pete (drums and vocals), and Tony Fetiche (bass).
The band’s discography expanded with works such as “The Act-Ups Play The Old Psychedelic Sounds of Today” (2008), which was recorded at Estúdio King in Barreiro and released on CD and LP through the labels Hey, Pachuco! Recs. and Groovie Records, and “Homo Zugadita Quasar Monacant” (2015). In addition to the albums, the band also released EPs like “Take me Home EP” in 2006. In 2018, the compilation “Something To Forget” was released by Chaputa!, an LP celebrating The Act-Ups’ 15 years of existence, including a bonus vinyl with four new tracks, reinforcing the group’s legacy and longevity in the European rock scene. Their activity extends to the present day, with the group being a consistent and influential force in Portuguese and international Garage Rock.
