The Gerbils
The Gerbils were an
indie rock band that formed in
Athens, GA in 1998. Part of
the Elephant Six Collective, the band released two albums and toured nationwide during their tenure.
The band consisted of Scott Spillane, John D'Azzo and Will Westbrook, college roommates in
Ruston, LA. Along with sometimes-
cellist Penny Burbank, they released a couple singles on a variety of record labels from 1996-1998 before recording an album (which included the four previously-released songs) in 1998 on
Hidden Agenda Records.
Spillane's
Neutral Milk Hotel bandmate
Jeremy Barnes eventually joined as drummer, which drove the somewhat
twee pop sound of the band's first album towards a more energetic hard rock. The members of the band decided to unofficially call it quits with a farewell show in 1999 in Athens. While D'Azzo pursued interests in California, Spillane and Westbrook (with the help of members of
Of Montreal,
Elf Power, and
Neutral Milk Hotel) finished mixing the album that was completed with Chris Bishop prior to their separation. Once
The Battle of Electricity was finished, the Gerbils did a national tour with Elf Power before again separating. Once again, the band has reformed, playing regularly and becoming fully active.
Along with various contributions to compilation albums, the Gerbils have released two albums and three singles on a variety of labels.
Albums
*
Are You Sleepy? (CD/LP) - Hidden Agenda - 1998
*
The Battle of Electricity (CD/LP) -
Orange Twin - 2001
Singles
* "Grin"/"Crayon Box" (7") - Spare Me - 1996
* "Glue"/"Is She Fiona" (7") - Hidden Agenda - 1997
* "Lucky Girl"/"Big White Limo" - Earworm - 1997
