Every Part Of The Animal

Officially formed in August 1989, Every Part of the Animal (EPOTA) was a three-piece band, based in the western suburbs of Chicago, that recorded a lot of quirky, alternative rock songs with the obligatory (for that time) grungy guitar sound. When they felt like it, they would occasionally play a live show. Inconsistent tour schedules and tension among members would eventually prove the band’s life a short one. In November 1991, EPOTA was reborn as a two-member band comprised of co-founders Brad Allen (vocals, guitars, bass, etc.) and Mike Shanahan (vocals, drums, bass, etc.) and existing solely as a recording act. Songwriting became more serious, and several additional instruments were added to flesh out the sound. But upon the release of the band’s 1993 CD, “Life Imitates Art,” the future was once again uncertain. While still managing to obtain some occasional college airplay and decent reviews, the release did little to set the world on its ear. In May 1994, EPOTA parted ways, having moved in different directions both musically and geographically. Mike moved to Tucson, Arizona and Brad to Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 1997, circumstances brought about a return to the Chicagoland area and the reformation of EPOTA. 1999 saw the release of "Civilization [Spirit]," the best overall work of music that the band had been involved with to date. The release spawned a couple of local hits -- "Romance" and "Ballroom Classics." And, in predictable fashion, it was also followed by the demise of the band, as co-partner in music, Brad Allen, found his way back to Texas and the lure of wedding bells. Every Part of the Animal hasn’t been together since. Both Mike and Brad have moved on to other projects and keep very involved in the music world. Mike has been working on the final tracks for an upcoming release under the name of REANIMATION. And Brad has been continuing to play the music he loves throughout the Michigan area.