Biography

Goldfinger sprang from a new wave of ska-punk bands formed in California, USA, in the wake of Green Day and the Offspring's international breakthrough. Based in Los Angeles, Goldfinger blend elements of ska and punk (a la Rancid and Reel Big Fish) with emocore (as pioneered by Guy Piccoloto's pre-Fugazi group, Rites Of Spring). The band was formed by guitarist Charlie Paulson, vocalist/guitarist John Feldmann, drummer Darrin Pfeiffer and bass player Simon Williams. In keeping with the traditions of the west coast punk scene (as opposed to its east coast and British counterparts), the quartet are wary of any "radical punk" tag: "Punk was about being different, about being against the establishment. We're on the Warped Tour. We're on MTV. How fucking against the establishment can we possibly be?'. It took Goldfinger some time to break through, however. Rick Rubin of American Records was among many who turned down their demo tape, stating that they were too close in sound to Green Day. Eventually, they signed with Mojo Records. Instead of political subjects, Feldmann's lyrics focus on the time-honoured frustrations of boy-girl relationships - he pointed out that: "I write what I know. Relationships affect me like the IRA probably affects Bono." He also confessed that one particular girl provided the inspiration for much of Goldfinger's debut album; "Only A Day" was about "Wishing I could be with her", and the radio hit "Here In Your Bedroom" about spending time with her. Williams was replaced by Kelly Lemieux after the recording of the 1997 follow-up, Hang-Ups. Despite their punishing live schedule, the quartet also found the time to record the celebratory cover versions mini-album, Darrin's Coconut Ass: Live From Omaha. The band pursued a broader music palette with Open Your Eyes in the hope of reaching a wider market.
DISCOGRAPHY: Goldfinger (Mojo 1996)***, Hang-Ups (Mojo 1997)***, Darrin's Coconut Ass: Live From Omaha (Mojo 1999)***, Stomping Ground (Mojo 2000)**, Foot In Mouth (Goldfinger 2001)***, Open Your Eyes (Mojo/Jive 2002)***.

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