Melbournes original wild beat combo The Bo-Weevils were one of the first Australian bands of the 1980s to play raucous, 1960s-inspired garage-punk (alongside the likes of Wet Taxis and Lime Spiders). During their formative years – in true garage band fashion – the band members were barely able to play their instruments, but they never let that get in the way of their enthusiasm. Over the course of 15 years the band embraced a more varied approach by incorporating psychedelic and hard rock elements.

  Ian Hill (vocals, organ, guitar), Neil Rogers (bass), Steve Anderson (guitar) and Mark Jenkinson (drums) comprised the nascent 1985 line-up. They shared stages around inner-city Melbourne with the likes of the Shindiggers and hard-edged grunge outfit Cosmic Psychos. Hill and Anderson left in April 1987 to be replaced by Davern White (keyboards, guitar, vocals) and Nino Spadaro (guitar, vocals). 

 Their early releases (1986-88) showed off their trashy garage-punk roots. Subsequent albums Where Particular People Congregate (1989), Destroyer Of Worlds  and the live If God WasAn Astronaut saw them stretching out under the influence of contemporary roots-rock Americana outfits such as Green On Red and The Rain Parade, with nods to seminal groups like The Doors and The Modern Lovers. Past Lives, Destroyer Of Worlds and Planetarium are prime examples of the style. Reap and Burn focused on a straight-ahead, guitar rock sound with strong power pop elements –Fresh Daily, Closer Still, Wake In Hell.

 While they remained underground legends in Australia, The Bo-Weevils picked up a cult following in European territories such as Belgium and France. The compilation Get On Down is a good place to get acquainted with the groups inspirational sound.