The Gandharvas | |
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Also known as | The Droogs The London Droogs |
Origin | London, Ontario, Canada |
Genres | Rock, alternative rock |
Years active | 1989–2000 |
Labels | Watch Music, MCA, Avex DD |
Associated acts | Smoother, Raised by Swans |
Past members | |
Paul Jago Jud Ruhl Brian Ward Tim McDonald Rob Blanchette Eric Howden Beau Cook |
The Gandharvas were a Canadian rock band from London, Ontario, who were active in the 1990s.
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The band formed in 1989 as The Droogs (later The London Droogs),[1] and released a self-titled EP in 1991. They changed their name to The Gandharvas in 1993, after Gandharvas, who are musical spirits in Hinduism.[2]
In November 1993 they signed with the label Watch Music and in 1994 released their debut album as The Gandharvas, titled A Soap Bubble and Inertia. The album included the single "The First Day of Spring", which was named Song of the Year (CASBY Award) by The Edge 102.1 in Toronto, and was nominated for MuchMusic's Video of the Year.[2] A Soap Bubble and Inertia entered the Canadian album charts at #51 in July 1994[3] and peaked at #39 on August 1, 1994.[4]
In 1995, they released their second album Kicking in the Water, and shortly after were signed by major label MCA Records. Their 1997 release, Sold for a Smile, included the singles "Downtime" and "Watching the Girl". All three albums were also released in Japan on the label Avex DD.
Though Sold for a Smile was a minor commercial success (with the "Downtime" video receiving substantial play at MuchMusic), the album would be the band's last, as the grunge/alternative movement of the 1990s faded in popularity. They would announce their breakup in 2000.
Following the break-up of the band, Beau Cook returned to his former band, Smoother. Eric Howden is now the singer-songwriter for the Canadian band Raised by Swans. Vocalist Paul Jago became a geologist and moved to Arizona, later forming the band (duo with wife) SAID DOG.[5]