King Snake Roost
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1985 in Adelaide, Australia |
| Defunct | 1990 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Noise rock music |
King Snake Roost (KSR) originated as an Australian noise rock ensemble formed in 1985 in Adelaide before relocating to Sydney in 1987. The group concluded their activities in 1990 following a two-month tour across the United States. Throughout their career, KSR performed alongside prominent 1980s noise rock bands such as Sonic Youth, Big Black, Mudhoney, Helmet, Babes In Toyland, Lubricated Goat, feedtime, and The Mark of Cain. Their live appearances included renowned American venues like CBGB and Maxwell's.
Their sophomore album, Things That Play Themselves, was issued in 1989.
1985–1986
- Charlie Tolnay, guitar
- Key figure from the Adelaide post-punk group Grong Grong
- Had a brief stint with blues-punk band Bloodloss alongside Guy Maddison of Mudhoney; contributed to recordings with Lubricated Goat
- Participated in the 1989 Tumor Circus album featuring members of Steel Pole Bathtub and Jello Biafra of the Dead Kennedys
- Featured on both recordings by Bushpig with Steve Turner and Mark Arm of Mudhoney
- Trigger (Steve Tregilgas), vocals
- Michael Raymond, bass
- George Klestines, drums, previously associated with Grong Grong and Perdition
1986–1987
- Charlie Tolnay, guitar
- Peter Hill, vocals & feed harp, also affiliated with Bushpig
- Bill Bostle, drums, formerly of Half
- Michael Raymond, bass
This formation was responsible for KSR's debut release, From Barbarism to Christian Manhood. Following Raymond’s exit, bass duties were briefly managed by 'Uncle Egon'—who played pre-recorded bass tracks from tape—most notably during a performance at Adelaide University Union supporting Big Black. Additionally, Dave Taskas from Grong Grong handled bass at multiple shows in Melbourne.
1987–1989
- Charlie Tolnay, guitar
- Peter Hill, vocals, guitar, feed harp
- Bill Bostle, drums
- David Quinn, bass (also involved with Deathless and formerly Madroom)
- This lineup recorded all later King Snake Roost material and conducted the US tour.
1989–1990
- Charlie Tolnay, guitar
- Peter Hill, vocals
- Gene Rivet, bass
- Craig Rossi, drums (also part of Box Of Fish)
- This ensemble had a short tenure.
Guest Musicians
- Lachlan McLeod (Salamander Jim, Thug)
- Dave Boyne (from 1960s garage band The Missing Links)
- Adrian Symes ('Sax Adrian', active during the 1980s)
- Tom Sturm (feedtime)
- Michael Farkas (Grong Grong)
Discography
- Studio albums
- From Barbarism to Christian Manhood (1987, Aberrant)
- Things That Play Themselves (1988, Aberrant)
- Ground Into the Dirt (1990, Amphetamine Reptile)
- Singles
- Raw Cuts (1987, Satellite)
- Top End Killer/A Storm Brewin' (1988, Aberrant)
- Buffalo Bob/More Than Love (split release with feedtime) (1988, Aberrant)
- School's Out/Nutbush City Limits (split with Bloodloss) (1989, Crack)
- Compilation contributions
- Hard to Believe: Kiss Covers Compilation (1989, Waterfront)
- Dope-Guns-'n-Fucking in the Streets: Volume 3 (1989, Amphetamine Reptile)
- Dope-Guns-'n-Fucking in the Streets: Volumes 1–3 (1990, Amphetamine Reptile)
- Dope Guns & F*cking Up Your Video Deck: Volume One (1990, Amphetamine Reptile)