Gonga was formed 1998 by Will Smalley, Thomas Elgie and George Elgie and originally called themselves Octane Bud. They cite their influences as "Iron Monkey, Earth, Jimi Hendrix, Melvins, The Who, Obituary, Kyuss, Burning Witch and many other earth/soul moving bands/thoughts....." They were originally a purely instrumental group until they were joined Joe Volk, who became their part-time vocalist. Their first album was realised in 2003 by Invada Records with Joe now a full-time vocalist. In early 2004, one of thier founding members, Will Smalley left the band to be replaced by The Heads bass player Hugo Morgan. However, due to band committments with The Heads later in the year, Morgan left. Another bass player, Hallam Kite, stepped into the position in 2006, but left later in the year as their eagerly awaited second album was being mixed. The open bass position briefly went to Chris West (of Taint), before being filled by Peter Theobalds (ex-Akercocke) in mid 2007. The band's second album - "II Transmigration" is due for realease on the 9nd June 2008 on Invada records The current line up is: George Elgie- Guitar Thomas Elgie- Drums Latch - Bass Information and quotes taken from the Gonga bio on their myspace site. https://www.facebook.com/gonga.official
