The Smugglers: Biography

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Genres:

Rock Music, Alternative Rock Music, Punk and Hardcore Rock Music, Revival

Decades Active:

1980's|1990's|2000's

Vancouver, BC garage-punk combo the Smugglers was formed in 1988 by singer Grant Lawrence in tandem with guitarists David Carswell and Nick Thomas; bassist Adam Woodall and drummer Paul Preminger completed the original lineup, which issued their debut single "Up and Down" on the tiny Nardwuar label in 1990. Bassist Beez replaced Woodall for the ten-inch At Marineland, isssued the following year, while Bryce Dunn assumed Preminger's drumming duties for the 1992 LP Atlanta Whiskey Flats. In the Hall of Fame appeared a year later, and in 1994 the Smugglers issued a series of singles including "Tattoo Dave," "Gotta Gotta Gotta" and "Party...Party...Party...Pooper" before closing out the year with the full-length Wet Pants Club. More singles including "Whiplash" and "Senor Pantsdown" further expanded the group's prolific catalog, while the 1996 album Selling the Sizzle was issued as a joint release between Canadian indie Mint and its American counterpart Lookout. 1998's live effort Growing Up Smuggler celebrated the band's tenth anniversary, and was also the final release to feature Dunn, who was replaced by drummer Graham Watson for 2000's Rosie.

- Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide