Cornpone’s Final Recordings Return Through Archival Split Series

Decades after their abrupt end, influential Texas noise-punk outfit Cornpone are finally seeing some of their last recordings released. Australian Cattle God Records is issuing a series of archival split releases throughout the summer, featuring previously unheard material from the band alongside fellow Austin underground acts Suckling, Pocket Fishermen, and Ed Hall.

The releases serve as a precursor to the band’s long-awaited archival collection, Cornpone’s Last Stand, a 20-song double LP mixed by Paul Leary and scheduled for release in spring 2027.

Recorded at Sweatbox Studio between late 1996 and early 1997, the sessions capture Cornpone during what many consider the group’s creative peak before tragedy struck. Guitarist David “Spanky” Morrow passed away shortly after the recordings were completed, bringing the band’s career to an unexpected conclusion and leaving the master tapes lost for decades.

Originally formed in Hewitt, Texas during the late 1980s, Cornpone evolved from a garage project into one of Austin’s most unpredictable live acts. Drawing inspiration from underground pioneers including Big Boys, Scratch Acid, The Dicks, and Butthole Surfers, the band became known for performances that blurred the line between punk show, performance art, and complete chaos.

Their infamous “Corn Pound” house became a gathering place for musicians, artists, and friends, helping establish the band’s cult reputation throughout the Austin underground scene.

Reflecting on the period, guitarist and vocalist Anthony Pedone said the band’s music had finally matched the intensity of its live performances:

“The songs had finally caught up to the chaos. Live, the band was a wrecking ball: loud, theatrical, unpredictable, and somehow locked together tighter than ever.”

Although the band’s story ended suddenly following Morrow’s death, the original master tapes survived decades of uncertainty—including a studio fire and even a trip to the dumpster—before eventually resurfacing.

The newly released material represents the only surviving recordings from Cornpone’s final lineup. The archival campaign began with Cornpone Split with Suckling, released on June 5th, featuring the previously unreleased Cornpone tracks:

“Clean and Jerk”
“Bonus Egg”

The release is paired with Suckling’s cover of Yes’ classic “Southside of the Sky.” Two additional split releases arrive on July 24th: