The Gremlins (band)

The Gremlins were an American band from the suburbs of Detroit.

History

Formed in 1999, the band enjoyed mild success in the Detroit area, and were recognized for the originality of their live performances as well as their ability to mix avant-garde sounds with popular taste.

David Rosman (Dr Dali, The Mood) and Max Fabick (MC, Blind Lake) began collaborating while attending middle school together. They recorded a number of songs on various tape recording devices until inheriting a 4-track tape recorder. They began to play with friend, Danny Hayes as "Danny Hayes and the sweet sensations." Meanwhile, Ben Christensen (Bonedaddy), Connor Edward (Benny Stoofy, Magic Mountain), and Bill Power (Eggslave, Funeral London) formed the band Scrummage (which eventually became Scrummage Records).

David Rosman and Max Fabick had a falling out with Danny Hayes and began looking for new members. In 2000, Bill Power and Connor Edwards were added to the lineup under the name "The Gremlins". After their first show, the third member of Scrummage, Ben Christensen, also joined the group. This addition completed the band's line-up, and from this point forward, the band consistently changed its sound and approach. Although The Gremlins' membership never changed, a group of three musicians called "The Gremlettes" accompanied the band during their last performance.

The Gremlins disbanded in 2004. Each member of the Gremlins has since pursued his own solo work, and released albums on the side.

Recordings

Rat Dawg Mckenzie

The Gremlins recorded two full-length albums. The first, Rat Dawg Mckenzie, also known as their "self-titled album", showcases the band during its early instrumental phase. It was self-recorded on an analogue 8-track recording device. It features such favorites as "Dinosaur Sex," "The Party Song," "Myriad Shocks," and "Snot in My Hair."

Funeral

The Gremlins' second album, entitled Funeral, collects the group's work post-Rat Dawg Mckenzie up until they disbanded in 2004. Many listeners prefer this album because it was recorded in a recording studio, and captures the more accessible sound of the band. However, some devotee fans argue that both albums are classic. Many of the songs on Funeral verge on pop songs, or alternative rock radio, yet elements of noise music, prog-rock and experimental rock are incorporated. This album features such favorites as "Buried at the Zoo", "Space Bar", "Party Song", and "Red Halls".

Buried At The Zoo Single

The Buried at the Zoo Single was a three song mini-CD-R single released by the band between the two full-length albums. These mini-CD-Rs featured hand-made artwork by the band members, and were distributed around the Detroit area. The single contained the song "Buried at the Zoo" from the album Funeral, an ambient track, and recording from a live show.