| The Mushroom River Band | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Värnamo, Sweden |
| Genres | Stoner Rock, Stoner Metal, Heavy Metal |
| Years active | 1996 - 2004 |
| Labels | MeteorCity Records, Game Two Records |
| Associated acts | Spiritual Beggars, Band of Spice, Majestic Ground, Chubby Bob, Liquid Falls, Aranda Orquid, Kayser, My Regime |
| Website | The Mushroom River Band on Discogs |
The Mushroom River Band was a Swedish rock band active from 1996 to 2004. Their sound was a mix of stoner rock and heavy metal, notably featuring Spice from Spiritual Beggars. They released two full-length albums and an EP, as well as appearing on a number of compilations. The band also made two European tours in support of each album, playing in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Belgium.
History[]
The Mushroom River Band was formed by guitarist Anders Linusson, bass player Alexander "Saso" Sekulovski and drummer Andreas Grafenauer in 1996. This line-up recorded one demo tape with Christian "Spice" Sjöstrand from Spiritual Beggars as a guest vocalist. This demo was produced in small numbers and the band broke up as members went in different directions. In 1997, Linusson and Sekulovski decided to reform the band and recruited 16-year-old Chris Rockström on drums. Also, Spice now joined as a full-time singer.
In January 1998 the band entered Soundscape Studio in Halmstad to record what would later become the Rocketcrash EP. This EP was released in 1999 on 10" vinyl on the band's own Tea Pot label. Later in 1999 the band recorded a second demo entitled the No Quarter Recordings. These recordings led to the band landing gigs outside their local region, but performing became increasingly difficult as Spice attempted to juggle duties in both The Mushroom River Band and Spiritual Beggars. In 2000 the band signed to MeteorCity and released their first full-length album, Music for the World Beyond, the same year. Following this album the band performed only a few shows, again due to Spice's engagement in Spiritual Beggars. The Musroom River Band would embark on their first European tour in support of their debut album.
Later in the year Spice left Spiritual Beggars to concentrate solely on The Mushroom River Band. The band's second and final album, Simsalabim, was released in 2002. Following the recording of this album Rockström left the band. Robert Hansson was recruited to fill in on drums for the ensuing European tour. After the tour The Mushroom River Band was put on hiatus and the following year Spice left the band. The band decided to break up in 2004.
Discography[]
Studio Albums[]
- Music For The World Beyond (2000, MeteorCity Records)
- Simsalabim (2002, MeteorCity Records)
Other Releases[]
- The Mushroom River Band (Demo) (1996, Self-Released)
- Rocketcrash (EP) (1998, Self-Released)
- The No Quarter Recording (Demo) (1999, Self-Released)
- Tungt svenskt (Split with Rise And Shine, Space Probe Taurus, Generous Maria) (2003, Game Two Records)
Members[]
- Christian Sjöstrand aka Spice - Vocals (1996, 1997 - 2003)
- Alexander "Saso" Sekulovski - Bass (1996 - 2004)
- Anders Linusson - Guitar (1996 - 2004)
- Andreas Grafenauer - Drums (1996)
- Chris Rockström - Drums (1997 - 2002, 2004)
- Bob Ruben - Drums (2002 - 2003)