Hoodoo Gurus

Hoodoo Gurus

Hoodoo Gurus are an Australian rock group from Sydney, active from 1982 to the present. Their sound combines garage rock and rock with elements of power pop, bubblegum pop, Beatle-style harmonies and psychedelia. The band is also known as Gurus.

Formation and early line-up

The group forms in Sydney in 1981 around guitarists Dave Faulkner, Rod Radalj and Kimble Rendall, with drummer James Baker. Baker and Radalj have previously played together in Perth group The Scientists in 1977–79, while Baker also drums with Faulkner and in another Perth band, The Victims, in 1978–79. The original line-up is unusual for having three guitars and no bass player, which gives the band a layered sound.

Rendall leaves before the release of the first single, Leilani, and later becomes a music video director. Clyde Bramley takes his place on bass. Radalj then leaves and Brad Shepherd, formerly of Fun Things, joins the band.

Breakthrough and later career

The Faulkner, Bramley, Baker and Shepherd line-up releases the breakthrough album Stoneage Romeos in 1984. The band follows it with Mars Needs Guitars! in 1985, Blow Your Cool! in 1987, Magnum Cum Louder in 1989, Kinky in 1991, Crank in 1994, Blue Cave in 1996, Mach Schau in 2004 and Purity of Essence in 2010.

The band officially splits in 1998, then returns for occasional concerts before a full reunion in 2004. That reunion coincides with the release of Mach Schau and the start of touring again.

Notable recordings and compilations

Come Anytime, from Magnum Cum Louder, becomes the theme song for the Australian television show Thank God You're Here. The group also releases several compilations: Electric Soup and Gorilla Biscuit in 1992, Electric Chair, Armchair Gurus and Bite The Bullet in 1998, and Ampology in 2000.

Membership and labels

Members associated with the group include Clyde Bramley, Darcy Condon, Dave Faulkner, Rick Grossman, Rod Radalj, Nik Rieth, Brad Shepherd and James Baker. The band releases material on Zoo Entertainment.