The greatest band you've never heard of, and the friendship that couldn't survive the silence.
In 1980, two Cork outsiders, Cathal Coughlan and Sean O’Hagan, met at a New Year's Eve party. Bonding over music, a friendship and songwriting partnership was ignited; the band they formed, Microdisney, was one of the best bands of the 1980s that you’ve probably never heard. Mixing Sean’s stunning melodic arrangements with Cathal’s poetic, angry lyrics, they recorded three brilliant LPs, gained critical adulation and an obsessive cult following. But a hit single eluded them, as did radio play and LP sales. By 1988, frustrated by their lack of progress, the band crashed and burned, leaving a trail of acrimony and broken friendships.
Direction
Julie Perkins captures the ache of almost-was with zero nostalgia padding.
Writing
Cathal's lyrics dissected like poetry, not printed lyrics — finally.
Director
Julie Perkins
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Microdisney's 'Crooked Mile' was produced by the same team behind U2's 'Joshua Tree' — same year, wildly different fates.
Sean O'Hagan later formed The High Llamas and influenced Stereolab; Cathal formed Fatima Mansions and became a legendary live performer who never stopped being angry.
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