Junkyard came across as a tough, street-smart rock group carrying blues undertones, with their sound rooted in hard rock, Southern rock, and metal even as punk remained their foundation and two central figures launched their careers in notable 1980s hardcore outfits. Frequently likened to Guns N' Roses, the band shared an enthusiasm for straightforward riffs inspired by 1970s hard rock, delivered with an attitude that lent their revelry an edge of real menace. Blues touches surfaced more readily in their work, and although the overall style diverged from punk, the unpolished qualities of those early influences remained detectable upon closer listening. The polished 1980s hard rock production on their self-titled 1989 debut mirrored Geffen Records' aim to position them as the next major hard rock and metal act, whereas 1991's Sixes, Sevens & Nines adopted a tighter, more unified approach that aligned better with the group's goals. Their 2017 return album High Water stayed within the stylistic range of the earlier studio releases yet introduced faster tempos and a sharper tone that heightened the punk rock elements.
Junkyard originated in Los Angeles, California during 1987 amid a cluster of similar bands frustrated with the local hair metal scene and the pay-to-play system that controlled many Hollywood clubs. By opting for smaller, performer-oriented venues such as Raji's, White Trash a Go-Go, and Club Lingerie, the group cultivated a grittier sound and a more hazardous persona, evoking bikers who had picked up instruments. The initial roster featured singer David Roach, guitarist Max Gottlieb, bassist Clay Anthony, and drummer Johnny Hell. Once Junkyard started gaining recognition through live performances, Gottlieb and Hell departed, replaced by guitarist Chris Gates, previously of the Texas punk-funk band the Big Boys, and drummer Patrick Muzingo. In 1988 the band secured a deal with Geffen Records and expanded to five members by adding guitarist Brian Baker, whose background included time with Minor Threat, the Meatmen, and Dag Nasty.
With the lineup stabilized, Junkyard entered the studio under producer Tom Werman to record their self-titled debut, released by Geffen in 1989. Extensive touring supported the album, and "Simple Man" along with "Hollywood" appeared as singles. Sales stayed limited, with the record peaking at 105 on the Top 200 albums chart, and the follow-up arrived only in 1991. Geffen put out Sixes, Sevens & Nines that May under producer Ed Stasium, who brought in guest vocals from Steve Earle. The album did not chart, and constant road work began to strain the members; shortly before its release bassist Clay Anthony exited amid struggles with substance abuse, after which Todd Muscat assumed bass duties. Further touring followed until the group started preparing a third album, but Nirvana's sudden breakthrough shifted Geffen's priorities, resulting in Junkyard's dismissal and eventual breakup. Material from those unreleased sessions later surfaced on the limited-edition CD-Rs Joker and XXX, both issued in 1998.
Following the split the members pursued separate endeavors, with David Roach forming Borracho, Chris Gates starting 99 lbs., and Brian Baker joining Bad Religion. Junkyard's dedicated fan base proved loyal despite modest overall numbers, and after the 2000 live release Shut Up -- We're Tryin' to Practice, captured at a 1989 Hollywood show, the band decided to attempt another run. Returning members David Roach, Chris Gates, Todd Muscat, and Patrick Muzingo, now joined by guitarist Tim Mosher, toured across the United States and Japan, then issued the 2003 six-song EP Tried and True, which mixed new recordings of older tracks with fresh material. Sporadic touring continued in the United States and overseas for several years; Brian Baker rejoined in 2006 while Chris Gates departed in 2009. The archival collection Put It on Ten and Pull the Knobs Off! arrived in 2008, compiling the early demos that originally secured the Geffen contract. Fans received new music via the 2015 single "Faded" b/w "The River," followed two years later by the full-length High Water, their first studio album since Sixes, Sevens & Nines. Brian Baker left the group between the single and the album's release, with Jimmy James taking over as lead guitarist. The final Geffen sessions for the unfinished third album, previously available only on the Joker and XXX CD-Rs, received a proper 2019 vinyl and CD release titled Old Habits Die Hard.
