Downer Buzz was a fast-punk noise band from Te Whanganui-a-Tara/ Wellington, known for their abrasive, overblown instrumentation and vocals reminiscent of Japanese harsh noise acts. Formed in 2014 as a recording project by Sam Thurston (guitar, bass, vocals) and John Dimery (drums), the duo began jamming at Turret House before recording seven tracks at Scumbag College. These tracks were released as a self-titled 12” EP in January 2015. By then, the band expanded into a live act with Rupert (Unsanitary Napkin) on guitar and Mitch (Stress Ghetto, Ripfacer) on bass, debuting at Valhalla on March 14, 2015.
Despite their intense sound, Downer Buzz remained a side project due to members’ commitments to other bands, including Sam’s tours with Meth Drinker in Europe (2015) and Rogernomix in Southeast Asia (2016). They performed notable gigs like Punkfest 2015 at Christchurch’s Trike Club and a set at Take Shelter 2016, held in a World War II-era bunker at Breaker Bay, Wellington. Downer Buzz’s last show was in May 2017 at a fundraiser for Shakti held at the Innermost Gardens hall in the Mount Vic. town belt.
Origin
Newtown, Turret House
Genre
hardcore noise-punk
Years Active
2014 – 2017
Labels
Always Never Fun
Associated Acts
Rogernomix, Stress Ghetto, Unsanitary Napkin
Past Members
John Dimery (drums) Rupert Pirie-Hunter (guitar) Mitch (bass) Sam Thurston (vocals, guitar)
