The Donkeys have somehow reversed the over-familiar rock band paradigm. What began as a tepid joke has since become a thundering epic. In the beginning, Eric Gaucher (vocals) and Brad MacLean (guitar) had come up with a band concept that they pushed and hyped as the second coming. Half kidding/half serious, they talked about forming a band heavier than gravity and sexier than nuns in a tug-of-war. Tired of a lot of talk and not much action, Bionic frontman Jonathan Cummins played their bluff. He offered them a gig on short notice, and to save face, they accepted. They were given one month to complete the band’s line-up and write a set worth of songs. Dean Blaser was recruited on bass and Keith Marchand was brought in on drumset. And oh yes indeed, they pulled it off – and Montreal shook with their arrival! They rocked the audience with an intensity and fervor that would have put most Appalachian Snake Handlers to shame. With better pedigree than the Vanderbilts, the Donkeys descend from a fine rock 'n' roll heritage. Ultra Violet Booze Catastrophe (Man's Ruin), Perm, Sofa (Constellation), Carl's Auto Parts and the DelMarva Scheme are just a few of the outfits that helped hone the eviscerating oeuvre of our gentle heroes. Often compared to classic bands like the Stooges, the Saints, MC5, the Birthday Party and the Jesus Lizard, the Donkeys are probably best described as a high-energy rock act without frills, gimmicks or personal stylists. The Donkeys continue to build an enthusiastic following with raging live shows. Notably, devoted fans are beginning to show up at gigs with homemade Donkeys paraphernalia, including t-shirts, hats and panties. And this spring, they will appear at the renowned Victoriaville Music Festival (Festivale International de Musique Actuelle de Victoriaville) as part of a headline concert. Two exclusive Donkeys tracks appear on the "Trans-Canada Beaver Cook-Off" compilation (Catch & Release Records). The Donkeys also appear with noted experimentalist Sam Shalabi on his second solo recording "Osama" (Alien-8) and have recently released a limited edition, self titled E.P. The Donkeys are now set to record a full-length LP in 2004 – working titles: "Tears of Heaviness" or "The Longest Yardbird." This record promises to reflect the band’s current direction, melding lead-heaviness, blistering energy and absurdist experimentation.