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DUMPTRUCK
Photo By: Bruce Dye
BAND
Dumptruck formed in Boston MA in the mid-80's. Their sound blends jangle pop, country, and post-punk, often drawing comparisons to bands like R.E.M. and Television. They released three critically acclaimed LP's but were then sidelined by a three year lawsuit with their former label. In the early 1990s, founding member Seth Tiven moved to Austin TX, where he continued to record and release four more Dumptruck albums, a greatest hits compilation, and a solo record. Dumptruck relocated to Albuquerque NM in 2024 and remains active, playing and producing new music.
MEMBERS
Seth Tiven - Vocals & Guitar
Al Durham - Guitar & Vocals
Terry Bluhm - Bass
"JB" Brown - Keys & Vocals
Billy White - Drums
Band
MUSIC
"For the Country" (1987) is widely considered their masterpiece. Many critics, like PopMatters, call it one of the "10 best discs of the 1980s." AllMusic describes it as Tiven's "strongest and most well-crafted songs yet," praising its ability to "pack a serious wallop."
Furious.com calls it an "amazing record: bleak and sometimes angry, but completely uplifting."
"For the Country" is often regarded as a hidden gem of 1980s college rock and a precursor to alt-country.
PopMatters, lauded "Terminal" as a "ballsy blast that strips away the subtleties of 'For the Country' in favor of a bracing vitriol."
Furious.com called "Terminal" "melodic and sweet, loud and angry, raucous and genteel. It is quite simply a memorable and exceptional album."
"Days of Fear" has a distinct sound compared to their earlier work, with tracks like "Days of Fear" and "Turn Away" described as taking a "beautiful dusty country stroll."
College Radio Success and Industry Buzz: "Positively Dumptruck" was heavily embraced by college radio stations across the US. This widespread airplay led to critical acclaim and increased interest in the band. It won the Best Independent Album Award at the Boston Music Awards, a significant recognition at the time.
"The record starts with three winners in the poppier “Cellophane” and “Smile” and the heavier, more jagged “Talk.”" These tracks immediately set a positive tone for the album.
"Dangerous Kind" is cited as having "a hook to die for and is one of Tiven's best ever."
For those who grew up with Dumptruck's earlier work, "Wrecked" offers a satisfying continuation of their sound and vision. It demonstrates that the band's core essence remains intact.
Music
VIDEOS
DUMPTRUCK "Bad Day"
Bad Day - Days Of Fear 1994
Dumptruck - Going Nowhere (1987)
Going Nowhere - For the Country 1987
"Given Up?" Dumptruck
Given Up - Self Release 2020
Dumptruck - Back Where I Belong
Back Where I Belong - Positively Dumptruck 1985
Video
LIVE
Live
Contact
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