From Minnesota’s Iron Range, the pine and lake country that Bob Dylan still quietly returns to comes Junkboat. Junkboat’s Americana, Pop-Rock stew includes Classic Country’s lonely days and lonely nights, Rockabilly’s ass-shaking catharsis, Punk’s defiance and (perhaps most surprising) 60’s California Pop. Their dark, earthy guitars, in the pocket rhythm section and kitten with claws vocals are the polar opposite of the current crop of emaciated Country waifs. Duane Eddy, X and Wanda Jackson would approve.

The band consists of: Germaine Gemberling (lead vocals, acoustic guitars and songwriting), Rich Mattson (lead guitars, background vocals and production), Al Schroeter (bass) and David K. Loy (drums). Over the past twenty-five years these four musicians have individually played in some of the Twin Cities best bands, including: SMUT, Shotgun Daisy, Ol’ Yeller, The Glenrustles, Otto’s Chemical Lounge, Blue Hippos, Widgets, and (the legendary) Urban Guerrillas. The bottom line is that they’ve all paid their dues and are simply doing this out of their all-consuming love of Rock and Roll.

Is there anything else you’d like to know? If you are a fan of American music, Junkboat might be the house band in the backwoods roadhouse of your dreams. The creaky structure is surrounded by Harleys and muscle cars and is a little intimidating to walk into. Will you wake up in an unfamiliar place? It’s possible, but it’s even more likely that you’ll have a ball dancing and partying with the locals.

Author’s Notes 2014:

Germaine Gemberling wrote all of the songs on this cool album.

The band’s name is taken from the junk boats that travel up and down the rivers in Thailand. Junk boat excursions are an inexpensive way to get around the country for adventuresome travelers like Junkboat drummer David Loy.

The cover photo was taken by Rich while on a walk around his Northern Minnesota neighborhood. His neighbors have no idea that their muscle car and trailer are featured on an album cover.

Purchase Junkboat here.