Биография

From Norwich, East Anglia, England, Goober Patrol will doubtless never achieve more than a fleeting mention when the early 90s punk guitar scene is assessed, but they released several competent, engaging records that justify their inclusion in such a history. Comprising Simon Sandall (vocals/guitar), Tim Snelson (guitar), Stuart Sandall (vocals/drums) and Tom Blyth (bass), their sound was closely modelled on the Mega City Four / Senseless Things axis, though their lyrics opt for irreverence in place of profundity. There was also an obvious debt to the US punk bands of the late 80s, a fact made obvious by their choice of a name derived from slang for ‘hillbilly’. Maintaining an attitude of playing ‘anywhere, any time’, Goober Patrol supported a number of imported American bands including Green Day, Samiam and No FX, in addition to the stylistically similar British band Snuff. Their recording career began with numerous 7-inch records on a variety of labels and Truck Off, their debut album released on German label Lost & Found Records. Later dismissed by the band for its inept production and unfocused performances, it nevertheless identified their as yet unfulfilled search for urgent melodies. The same label then released Dutch Ovens! - the title a reference to ‘farting under the duvet’ - which sold out its print run of 4, 000 copies, and was later re-released on Them’s Good Records. In the gap before 1995’s Vacation, the group continued to tour widely, including US dates alongside Rich Kids On LSD and Mr T Experience. Although claims that Goober Patrol represented ‘Britain’s ready-made answer to Green Day’ seemed hopelessly optimistic, the band earned their modicum of celebrity through genuine endeavour rather than press favouritism.