NUNBAIT

Like a out-of-control comet, NUNBAIT hurled themselves onto the early 90’s Sydney OZ indie scene and made their presence known with their full-tilt no holds barred grunge-punk-psychadelic-thrash-noise (whatever!). First line up was Ivan Fraser (vocals), Shaun Butcher (guitar), Mark Guthrie (bass), and Jay Doherty (drums). Shaun, Mark and Ivan migrated down from Queensland and met up with Jay in Newtown, Sydney (who named the band after a nasty acid experience with a couple of christian flatmates) and NUNBAIT was born in 1989. Later Matt Fante replaced Jay on drums.

Musical influences ranged from the Birthday Party to Pink Floyd which summed up their sound pretty well, having one minute lift you up and let you swirl in the clouds with aural delight then suddenly slam you face first into a cow pat. Lovely. They recorded several albums and EP’s including “The Hub” (Waterfront), “Spinout” (Survival) and “Busted” (Hippy Knight Records).

They toured with Mudhoney, played with Butthole Surfers, Einsturzen Neubarten, Nirvana Beasts of Burbon, Tumbleweed and played regular shows up and down the east coast of Australia. They disbanded in 1993 when Ivan upped and moved to the USA. They briefly got back together in 1995 when Ivan came back to Australia but by then the fuel was spent and they came to a grinding halt…aye, there’s the rub. Check ‘em out if you like music to assault, yet cleanse, your senses.