Biography
Formed in the mid-'80s in Dearborn, Michigan, Junk Monkeys brought together singer/guitarist David Bierman, guitarist Dave Boutette, bassist Kevin Perri, and drummer Dan Allen. The group had grown out of an earlier outfit called Mystery Girls (distinct from any similarly named act) and honed its sound through steady appearances in Detroit clubs. That groundwork eventually led to an unexpected alliance with L.A.-based Metal Blade Records, a connection that seemed odd at first given the band's hook-driven power pop/punk direction. Their releases—1989's Soul Cakes, 1990's Five Star Fling, and 1992's Bliss—drew clear inspiration from '70s touchstones such as Cheap Trick, Big Star, and the Flamin' Groovies. The label fit grew less surprising once it became clear that Metal Blade had also brought aboard the Goo Goo Dolls during the same period. Much like the Goo Goo Dolls, who only reached mainstream listeners near the close of their time with the imprint, Junk Monkeys never expanded their following past Michigan and the surrounding Midwest while under contract. After leaving the roster they issued one last recording, the live set Follies Review in 1995, and then disbanded.
Albums
