Loudhouse
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1989 in Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Defunct | 1992 |
| Headquarters | Detroit , United States |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Loudhouse was a rock group originating from Detroit, Michigan in 1989. The initial roster featured lead singer Kenny Mugwump, drummer Vinnie Dombroski, bassist Tim Cross, and guitarist Mike Cross, with Joey Mazzola joining as a second guitarist shortly before the band's dissolution. They issued a single studio album in 1991 and disbanded the following year. Afterward, all members except Mugwump formed the band Sponge, with Dombroski transitioning from drums to lead vocals.
History
Prior to Loudhouse, drummer Vinnie Dombroski was part of the heavy metal outfit Warp Drive, which released one album before splitting up. In 1989, he established Loudhouse alongside vocalist Kenny Mugwump, bassist Tim Cross, and guitarist Mike Cross. Their musical style blended alternative and industrial rock elements, often drawing parallels to Jane's Addiction.
Loudhouse recorded a rendition of Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" for the soundtrack of the July 1991 film Point Break. This track was promoted through a music video featuring funk legend George Clinton, directed by Mugwump together with the band. Their debut album, For Crying Out Loud, was launched in mid-1991 via Virgin Records with producer Joel Martin at the helm. The band also released singles and videos for "Faith Farm" and "Super Soul Killer," while a remixed version of "Smoke on the Water" appeared on the album. Loudhouse supported their releases by touring with groups such as Bad Brains, Ramones, and Monster Magnet.
Although some tracks received airplay on U.S. radio stations, none entered music charts. Following disappointing sales, Virgin Records terminated their contract in 1992. After adding guitarist Joey Mazzola, Loudhouse began working on a follow-up album and issued a promotional video for "Straw Man," but disbanded later that year.
During the 1990s, Mugwump shifted focus to directing and acting while creating Mog Stunt Team, which produced two albums under underground label Amphetamine Reptile Records with Joel Martin as producer. Meanwhile, Dombroski, the Cross brothers, and Mazzola formed the post-grunge band Sponge, recruiting drummer Jimmy Paluzzi as Dombroski moved to frontman duties. Sponge gained widespread recognition with hits including "Plowed", "Molly (16 Candles Down the Drain)", "Wax Ecstatic (To Sell Angelina)", and "Have You Seen Mary". Since 2004, Dombroski has been the only remaining founding member; however, all five original members reunited briefly at the Detroit Music Awards in 2018.
In 2021, Mugwump collaborated with Mike Cross on his solo venture MC Roads by directing the music video for "Stoned in Love" from the EP No Nostalgia. On March 9, 2022, Sponge announced that Mike Cross had passed away at age 57.
Discography
- "Smoke on the Water" (1991, Single)
- For Crying Out Loud (1991, LP)
- "Faith Farm" (1991, Single)
- "Super Soul Killer" (1991, Single)
Members
- Kenny Mugwump – vocals (1989–1992)
- Vinnie Dombroski – drums (1989–1992)
- Tim Cross – bass (1989–1992)
- Mike Cross – guitars (1989–1992); died 2022
- Joey Mazzola – guitars (1992)