Darkbuster
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Darkbuster is a punk rock band hailing from Boston, Massachusetts; known largely for their songs about the joys of heavy drinking, which have earned them a strong following in the American northeast.
The band was formed by singer/guitarist Lenny Lashley, drummer Eric Edmonston, and bassist Mike Gurley in 1996 and developed a large following around Massachusetts' South Shore area. In 1997 the band recorded a nine-song demo tape, and in 2000 released their debut album, 22 Songs You'll Never Want To Hear Again! The album instantly cemented their reputation in the Boston punk scene, filled with songs about beer, being a loser, and even a few juvenile-but-hilarious potshots at other local bands (and even the group's own members).
That same year the band added a second guitarist, Paul Delanno. In addition, Danny O'Halloran replaced Edmonston as the group's drummer a few months later, and it was this lineup of Lashley, Gurley, Delanno, and O'Halloran which won the WBCN Rock & Roll Rumble that year.
In 2001 the band recorded five songs for a split EP with Tommy and the Terrors. The new songs received mixed reviews from the group's fans, some of whom felt that the new songs were "too serious." The point was a moot one, though, since Lashley decided to break up the band the same week the split EP was released, following a grinding month-long U.S. tour.
Following the breakup Lashley continued writing songs, and formed a country band, Lenny and the Piss Poor Boys, in 2002 which quickly developed an audience of its own, and continues to perform. Gurley moved on to the U.S.M., then to the McGunks. O'Halloran joined the Marvels, and Delanno joined Avoid One Thing. Following his departure from the band Edmonston formed a group called Linus.
In 2003 all of the ex-members of the group (including Edmonston) reunited for a few shows, and began recording a new album in 2004, though Delanno left the band shortly before recording commenced. The new album, A Weakness For Spirits, strikes a balance between the more mature subject matter of the split EP and the cheap laughs of the first album, while displaying Lashley's knack for writing concise, catchy punk rock songs to fine effect. Indeed, Darkbuster embodies the concept that "brevity is the soul of wit" since many of the band's funniest songs clock in at under a minute in length.
In May 2005, Lashley injured his left hand in a construction accident at Boston University, leaving him unable to play guitar for several months. The band temporarily brought Amy Griffin (Raging Teens/Avoid One Thing) onboard as a second guitarist. A DVD containing concert footage of Darkbuster and Lenny and the Piss Poor Boys was released shortly after the accident, the proceeds of which were earmarked to assist Lashley with his medical bills. A 2005 benefit concert featuring both of Lashley's bands performing with guest singers also raised money to help cover his medical bills.
In July 2005 Gurley and Edmonston released an album - entitled 90 Miles From Launch To Target - from their side project band, Drago.
In December 2005 it was announced that Edmonston would again be leaving the band at the end of the year, with Griffin becoming a full member and Lashley returning to guitar duties.
In May 2006 the band signed with I Scream Records, which will be re-releasing A Weakness For Spirits in August 2006. The band is also currently compiling footage for a 10th anniversary DVD.
In October 2006 Lashley's country band Lenny and the Piss Poor Boys released their eponymous debut album on the California punk label, Lude Boy Records.
