Smugglers

Vancouver, BC garage-punk outfit the Smugglers first assembled in 1988 when vocalist Grant Lawrence teamed up with guitarists David Carswell and Nick Thomas. The original roster was rounded out by bassist Adam Woodall and drummer Paul Preminger, and this lineup delivered the band’s first single, “Up and Down,” on the small Nardwuar imprint in 1990. The following year Woodall stepped aside for bassist Beez on the 10-inch At Marineland, while Bryce Dunn took over the drum stool for the 1992 full-length Atlanta Whiskey Flats. In the Hall of Fame arrived the next year. During 1994 the group released the singles “Tattoo Dave,” “Gotta Gotta Gotta,” and “Party…Party…Party…Pooper!” before capping the year with the album Wet Pants Club. Further 7-inches such as “Whiplash!” and “Senor Pantsdown” kept the band’s output flowing, and in 1996 Selling the Sizzle! appeared as a co-release between Canada’s Mint Records and the U.S. label Lookout. The live album Growing Up Smuggler marked the tenth anniversary in 1998 and proved to be Dunn’s final recording with the group; Graham Watson then assumed the drums for the 2000 release Rosie.