Kiss My Poodles Donkey
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Defunct | 1995 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
Kiss My Poodles Donkey was a rock ensemble originating from Australia, established in 1991. Their discography includes two records: the eponymous EP Kiss My Poodles Donkey released in 1991, followed by the full-length album New Hope for the Dead in 1993. The group dissolved in 1995.
History
The band came together in Sydney with members Richard Berckelman on drums, Dave Bullock handling percussion and samples, Glenda on bass, Doug Ironside playing guitar, Paul Kidney as vocalist, and Chris Townend contributing guitar and vocals. Their sound was a fusion of hard rock, experimental funk, swamp blues, and free jazz improvisation. The initial six-track EP titled Kiss My Poodles Donkey was launched in late 1991 through Hot Records, featuring compositions exclusively by Townend. In 1992, Angela Chenowyth (formerly of Stone Circle) took over bass duties from Glenda.
October 1993 saw the release of their album New Hope for the Dead, predominantly written by Townend except for a rendition of Prince’s "Gett Off". Production took place at Sydney’s Big Jesus Burger studios. The album combined aggressive hard rock with funky rhythms. In early 1995, the band opened for Kim Salmon and the Surrealists at the Phoenician Club, delivering a set noted for its hypnotic and enveloping atmosphere.
Side-projects and later work
Prior to Kiss My Poodles Donkey, Townend had formed the rock duo Crent alongside guitarist Kent Steedman of the Celibate Rifles in 1989. Crent produced an EP named Crent in 1990 and followed up with Pink Album in 1993 before Steedman returned to his primary band. By 1994, Townend ventured into improvised noise, free jazz, and ambient genres with his group Whore, releasing a self-titled album in 1996. Additionally, he composed music scores for television and film projects.
During the 1990s, Bullock collaborated with Steedman and Alan Dargin, working alongside drummers Simon Cox (from Died Pretty) and Nik Rieth (of the Celibate Rifles) to record "Feet Up" for the EP Fine Fellows released in 2019. In 2009, Paul Kidney established the progressive rock outfit Paul Kidney Experience.
Members
- Richard Berckelman – drums
- Dave Bullock – percussion, samples
- Glenda – bass guitar
- Doug Ironside – guitar
- Paul Kidney – vocals
- Chris Townend – guitar, vocals, bass guitar
- Angela Chenowyth – bass guitar
Studio albums
- New Hope for the Dead (October 1993) – Hot
Extended plays
- Kiss My Poodles Donkey (late 1991) – Hot