BIOGRAPHY
Winnebago Deal. Hailing from Oxford, the group began as a quartet however, during 1999. With a sound comparable to classic Sub Pop bands and Queens of the Stone Age (when Nick Oliveri mans the mic), two of the original members exited shortly thereafter, leaving Ben Perrier (vocals, guitar) and Ben Thomas (drums) to fend for themselves.
Making a name for themselves the old-fashioned way (touring incessantly via van for very little pay and handing out demos), the duo eventually began building a loyal following, which led to a gig supporting Fugazi at London's Forum, which in turn got the attention of the head of indie label Fierce Panda Records.
This led to the release of the duo's debut EP, Plata O Plomo, in March of 2003, and as a result, racked up accolades (including being nominated 'Best British Newcomer' at that years' Kerrang Awards).
2003 was a busy one for the Ben's, as they played well over a hundred gigs (including a spot at the Reading/Leeds festivals, and playing alongside the likes of Burning Brides and Nebula).
Several singles and EP's found their way into the shops during late 2003 and early 2004 Manhunt, a split 7" with tour mates Nebula, and the George Dickel EP, while Winnebago Deal was invited to take part in one XFM and two Radio One sessions.
A new recording contract with Double Dragon Music soon followed, as the duo hooked up with renowned Sub Pop producer Jack Endino (best known for working with both Nirvana and Soundgarden early on).
The resulting debut full-length, Dead Gone, appeared in September 2004, which was prefaced by a few gigs supporting Mondo Generator. A month after their debut's release, Plata O Plomo was reissued in Australia, with an expanded track listing.
PHOTOS / REVIEWS
Sputnik Music (Dead Gone)
It is ridiculously catchy and a lot of the songs grab you by the balls as soon as they start. It’s very addictive stuff indeed. The song “Did It, Done It, Doing It Again” contains the power the album presents. From the opening, Ben shouts out the title with such force and sings most of the song as if he’s extremely pissed off. It also holds some of the album’s best guitar riffs and neatly following onto that is the enormously hot “Afterburner”.
bbc.co.uk (live Review)
'Deal have got a mosh-pit going that most of the main stage bands would kill for. Their set is a relentless bare-back gallop into Kentucky-fried rock Hades. It's like being repeatedly beaten over the head with a guitar while being dragged through a hedge backwards by Geoff Capes…in a stetson…in a good way.
Comparisons could be made to riff-slingers like The Hellacopters or Fu Manchu, but this doesn't capture the sheer savagery of the delivery. With their raw, abrasive thrash 'n' roll noise, The Winnebago Deal are the kind of band that anyone who's ever picked up a guitar or a pair of drumsticks has always wanted to be in.
DISCOGRAPHY
Albums
Dead Gone
Singles
George Dickel EP
Did it, Done it, Doing it again
Cobra
