Trucker
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TRUCKER
Trucker (formed in 1997, active through till 2001) were a powerhouse of big Kiwi alt/rock/pop/noise. A supergroup of Waikato musicians, TRUCKER were instantly a prominent name in the underground/student radio scene with hits such as "SCARY BIMBO", "INFECTION", "UP YOUR TEMPO", "VATICAN" and "HI-ACE". Appearing on numerous compilations, TRUCKER released their debut album "JUDE" on FACE Records in 1999.
Now in 2004 TRUCKER are reuniting for two dates to celebrate the release of a 10 inch vinyl e.p. release; "WASTED IN HEAVEN E.P.", on (THE DATSUNS own) Hellsquad Records and FACE Records.
Self described as "intelligent big dumb rock", TRUCKER blended American indie-rock, Kiwi Flying Nun aesthetics, early New York punk and "My Sharona". Twin guitar solos being the key component of any TRUCKER song, they were always on the rock side of pop. TRUCKER taught many a Hamilton band how to play LOUD.
TRUCKER had considerable success live, playing with such acts as The Hellacopters, Shihad, The 3D's, Dead Moon and Loves Ugly Children. They played the infamous "SWEETWATERS" festival; on 'GROUND ZERO' television show; New Plymouths "Mushroom Ball"; and in 1998 won the UFM Battle of The Bands.
TRUCKER's pedegree is evident in various members past and present projects, the most notable of course being Dolf de Borst (aka de Datsun) as bass player/singer with THE DATSUNS. Other bands with TRUCKER connections are The Hollow Grinders, M.S.U., The Nerve, Book of Matyrs, King Biscuit, Scooter, Swamp Goblin, and Calamari Bushmen to name a few.
The various lineups of TRUCKER included:
Jamie Stone : vocals,
guitar
Stan Jagger : guitar
Dolf de Borst : bass
Paul Tregilgas :
drums
Terry Edwards ; drums
Paul Oakley : bass
Julian Smith :
guitar
Reviews for "JUDE" album:
"Everytime someone puts this on I hear the opening bassline and jump up
to turn it up"
NZ Musician
"A solid piece of raw rock"
Rip It Up
"Lively vocals, wicked guitar solos and driving basslines"
NZ
Musician
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By Dominic Blaazer
Hamilton band, Trucker may have made it to 'Fresh Talent', but the band has been together for four years, proving that if something is meant to happen, it will.
That something is the release of their first album, 'Jude.' The delay has been due to the scrimping and saving that musicians are well used to, but Trucker have not been silent in that time. They're a bit of a Waikato supergroup, with guitarist/vocalist Jamie Stone playing with the Nerve, bassist Dolf de Borst with The Datsuns (formerly Trinket) and drummer Paul Tregilgas a former NZM cover star in King Biscuit along with guitarist Stan Jagger. Stan is currently also in Scooter, the Hollow Grinders and one of the best covers bands in the known universe, Johnny Fist. He is a very tasteful guitarist, a player's player who has that whole rhythm/lead 'economy thing' down to a fine art.
Trucker's sound is in the same ball park occupied by Superchunk, The Pixies and Sebadoh, and they have a solid local fan base. Jamie explains: "We all come from quite a wide variety of music, but all like that whole American indie scene and a lot of the Flying Nun bands, though not so much now. Stan and I like old stuff like Television and that era of punk."
The recording of 'Jude' was recorded partly at Contact 89FM's now defunct studio, The Fridge, and the balance at their old practice rooms. 16-track analogue was used throughout, with Scott Newth producing.
The four-year period has had its uses though, as the band has made some good contacts in that time: "Once you get hooked up with a band that can help you out, you can learn the ropes a bit better. A couple of years ago, we did quite a few gigs with Love's Ugly Children and got quite a few good contacts off them," says Jamie. Trucker came to Auckland earlier this year for the b.net Music Awards, where they were nominated in the best unreleased song category for Infection. Six tracks from 'Jude' have also made the Contact/UFM top 13, with first track, Scary Bimbo, spotted on bFM's top 10.
At present, Trucker are playing about once a month, though Jamie feels this is quite slack. They have also played in Wellington, New Plymouth and Auckland. Napier is on the horizon, and maybe a town near you, too.
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Trucker: Jude
By Jennifer Scott
Everytime someone puts this on I hear the opening bassline and jump up to turn it up because I think it is the Pixies! But it's not - it's Hamilton band Trucker and this is their debut 'Jude'. The American-indie comparisons come thick and fast with Superchunk the other main one I note, particularly in the wildly whiney vocal style (whiney in a good way, mind). Recorded at Hamilton's Fridge Studios and on 16-track it has a lovely low-fi sound without losing the grunt of the guitars and the vocals are up nice and loud in the mix. The album opens strongly with Scary Bimbo with cheeky lyrics such as "Your lipstick makes me laugh, your dresses show your ass" and includes their b.net Music Award nominated single, Inflection. The energetic and lively vocals, wicked guitar solos and driving basslines are also reminiscent of a young Garageland. While the pace drops a bit in the middle, this is well worth repeated listens, if not for anything else, to frustrate your guests by making them guess who it is!
