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The Auckland, New Zealand-based alternative rock outfit Hallelujah Picassos began their existence as the Rattlesnakes; led by vocalist Roland Rorschach and guitarist Peter McLennan, they enlisted drummer Bobbylon when their original percussionist was sent to jail just weeks after the group's formation, and with the addition of bassist Tony de Raad, their lineup was complete.
After self-releasing a cassette, the Rattlesnakes changed their name to the Hallelujah Picassos, and soon made their vinyl debut with "Clap Your Hands," issued on the compilation Positive Vibrations. One of the cassette's tracks, "Mummy Is That a Chainsaw," was also a hit on New Zealand college radio. By 1991, de Raad had been replaced by ex-Black Girls Machine bassist Johnnie Pain; the three-song Peanut Butter followed later that year. A ska-influenced single, "No More," soon appeared, and in 1992 came the Hallelujah Picassos' full-length debut, Hateman in Love. 1993's U + I EP preceded the album Drinking with Judas, and in early 1994 the group swelled to a five-piece with the addition of ex-Colony guitarist Gavin Downie. 1995's The Gospel of the D.N.A. Demon followed, as did a national tour; soon after, however, both Pain and McLennan exited for "spiritual reasons." ~ Jason Ankeny