Biography
Emerging in Baltimore during 2003, Food for Animals fused post-punk noise rock rooted in late-1970s acts such as the Slits and the Pop Group alongside early industrial pioneers like Einsturzende Neubauten and Test Dept., then merged that foundation with contemporary underground hip-hop and experimental electronica. Producer and beatmaker Ricky Rabbit, whose real name is Nick Rivetti, had already issued several solo projects built on breakbeat- and glitch-driven laptop noise rock when a mutual acquaintance introduced him to Andrew Field Pickering. The Pennsylvania native had relocated to nearby Silver Spring and performed drums in assorted local hardcore punk bands. Rivetti shared an unfinished track that required vocals, prompting Pickering to supply rhymes on the spot. Over the next year, intermittent sessions that incorporated guitar contributions from engineer Daniel Helmer—who functioned as an unofficial third participant under the alias Dr. Dan—yielded the duo’s debut EP, Scavengers, issued in 2004 by the Canadian indie imprint Upper Class Recordings. The release combined Pickering’s overtly political rhymes, delivered under the moniker Vulture Voltaire, with Rivetti’s abrasive textures and fragmented rhythms, earning favorable though occasionally bemused notices from online outlets including Pitchfork. Subsequent personal setbacks delayed further activity: Pickering’s mother passed away while Rivetti and Helmer focused on coursework at James Madison University. Upon reconvening, the pair added Sterling Warren, known as Hy, whose more fluent delivery offset Pickering’s distinctive, uneven cadence. The expanded lineup completed the full-length album Belly, which appeared in early 2008.