At 25, vocalist Joe McGuigan has been playing in bands for almost a decade. He formed Ground Components with Indra Adams (bass), Dallas Packard (keys) and brother Simon (drums) in 2002. The band quickly built a reputation for unpredictable and often manic live sets and word began to spread around Melbourne. The release of their debut EP (November 2003) cemented this reputation and saw them filling local venues and opening for touring acts such as Spoon and M Ward.

The EP also got them a spot at the 2004 South by Southwest festival in Austin followed by dates in the US and UK. They returned to Australia to release their second EP, play Splendour in the Grass and a 20-plus date tour of the country. Selected as the opening act on Spiderbait’s national tour in September, they ended the year with their second appearance at the Meredith Music Festival. 2005 began with their biggest shows yet – opening for Powderfinger’s national tour and a spot at the Big Day Out.

Fast forward to now.

While many bands pump out an album within their first year, Ground Components have taken the time to put together a collection of songs that have stood the test of extensive touring, rehearsal and recording, the result debut album An Eye for a Brow, a Tooth for a Pick. Following on from two previous EPs, this is the first full-length release from the band. The album, which for the first time saw Packard and Adams show off their multi-instrumental talents was, received to high praise. JJJ made it their album of the week, while a number of National music Press also the featured the album as their pick of the week

The album reflects the bands diversity with a bunch of originals, a collaboration with local MC Macromantics and covers including Paul Kelly’s Our Sunshine and Bob Dylan’s Its Alright Ma.

The future is bright for the Groundies and they are currently (and finally) headlining their own tour around Oz at the momenet. Check out their events to see when they’re hitting your town!