Biography
The Brisbane music shop Skinny's Records and Tapes operated the Rhythm Ace imprint, which quickly became known for its roster of stoner-rock acts such as Rollerball and System 13. Giants of Science joined the label later yet found it difficult to escape that association. Their lean post-grunge approach actually aligned them more closely with Queens of the Stone Age than with Kyuss. Guitarist and singer Ben Salter, second guitarist and backing vocalist Ben Tuite, bassist Matt Tanner, and drummer Steve Lynagh reinforced the distinction by playing their first shows in identical white lab coats and billing themselves a “nerd rock” band. Following the 2001 Blueprint for Courageous Action EP, they issued their first full-length album, History of Warfare, on Rhythm Ace in 2002.
For the follow-up they expanded the arrangements with keyboard, organ, cello, piano, and banjo, prompting the enlistment of live keyboardist and third guitarist Adrian Stoyles. Additional backing vocals came from members of the Red Sun Band. Here Is the Punishment appeared on Plus One Records in 2005. Its second single, Sisters—a reworking of “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves”—was issued as an EP that also collected live covers of songs by Split Enz, Superchunk, Swervedriver, and Sparklehorse.
Stoyles departed for Melbourne the next year and Tuite soon exited as well, leaving the remaining members to continue briefly as a trio. Lynagh then took an eighteen-month break to travel abroad with his girlfriend. Upon his return in 2009 the group reconvened, and Tuite decided to rejoin.
For the follow-up they expanded the arrangements with keyboard, organ, cello, piano, and banjo, prompting the enlistment of live keyboardist and third guitarist Adrian Stoyles. Additional backing vocals came from members of the Red Sun Band. Here Is the Punishment appeared on Plus One Records in 2005. Its second single, Sisters—a reworking of “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves”—was issued as an EP that also collected live covers of songs by Split Enz, Superchunk, Swervedriver, and Sparklehorse.
Stoyles departed for Melbourne the next year and Tuite soon exited as well, leaving the remaining members to continue briefly as a trio. Lynagh then took an eighteen-month break to travel abroad with his girlfriend. Upon his return in 2009 the group reconvened, and Tuite decided to rejoin.
Albums
Live
