The Creatures of the Golden Dawn

Following on the heels of groups such as the Mosquitos, the Fuzztones, and the Headless Horsemen, the Creatures of the Golden Dawn give the impression of a group whose historical opportunity had already passed. Had they emerged during the early 1980s revival of 1960s garage punk, known as the paisley underground, they likely would have attracted a substantial audience. In reality, the ensemble proves decent enough, as Mark Smith handling lead vocals along with percussion and harmonica, Mike Lowe on lead guitar and providing vocals, Kevin Groller at the drums, Stu Rutherford covering bass and vocals, plus Mike Smitreski on rhythm guitar and vocals all project the appropriate image while performing energetically. Primary songwriting duties fall to Lowe and Smitreski, though Rutherford offers a minor input.