Information/Write-up
Insex were a cool, unapologetically nonconformist punk band rooted in Vancouver’s early-’80s underground, active roughly between 1979 and 1982, who set themselves apart with their unusual embrace of keyboards. Initially fronted by Rosemarie Swift, the band solidified its identity when Karlin Shewman—known as “Karlin Sex”—took over vocals. His debut with the band came in May 1980 at the Smilin’ Buddha, opening for The Subhumans, and the lineup soon included John Chapman on guitar, Phil Addington on bass, Paul Addington on keyboards, and Simon Addington on drums.
Insex quickly carved out a solid following in Vancouver, performing alongside punk acts like D.O.A., The Subhumans, Modernettes, K-Tels, Private School, and Scissors. They even shared stages with international icons such as the Ramones, Siouxsie & The Banshees, The Stranglers, Jayne County & The Electric Chairs, and Hüsker Dü—all while bringing their distinctive, keyboard-driven flavor to a scene that often scorned such sensibilities.
Their most memorable performance came at the legendary Hardcore ’81 festival. Despite being dismissed by some purists for their use of keyboards, Insex ended up earning a late-night spot right before D.O.A., and surged from a chilly reception to winning the crowd — even earning an encore.
In 1982, the band released their sole recording, a 7" EP titled One on the Mo-Da-Mu label. The release underscored their unique sound, a fusion of punk energy and new-wave keyboards that foreshadowed their next evolution. Later that year the band relocated to England, only to find the market oversaturated with punk, and by 1983, Insex had disbanded.
Afterwards, the Addington brothers regrouped under a darker, more post-punk banner as Family Plot, with Madeline Morris (ex-Moev) on vocals. That band became known for sharing stages with acts like Alien Sex Fiend, Love & Rockets, Butthole Surfers, Nina Hagen, Hunters & Collectors, NoMeansNo, and Wire before dissolving around 1990. Other members went on to participate in projects like Danse Macabre and Swank.
Karlin Shewman moved on from music into social work and eventually anthropology, graduating from Concordia University in 1996. He later settled in Powell River, BC, and released a solo CD titled Tangled before his sudden death in 2001.
-Robert Williston
Produced by Annie Moss and Brad Merritt
Engineered by George Schmidt
Recorded at Studios West, North Vancouver, British Columbia
Cover design by: Anthony Pristine
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