The Good Germans came together in an earlier band called The Balloon Animals that played many gigs around the Heckmondwyke area. Starting in and around 2008. They were usually a 3 piece with Drummer Andy Laycock (also in Geek), in its most consistent line up, although Andy left due to gastronomic differences and a number of other drummers were tried, but could not cope with the content of the music. So eventually the animals became a two piece with a drum machine. However it was at this time that Jules and Simon became increasingly interested in moving away from just guitars and bass and started to move onto using synths. Initially a Korg was tried and an early attempt was made to play Kraftwerk’s Autobahn. This utilised a camping table for the keyboard and Kaosillator. The performance was memorable, but probably not for the music. Anyway, Jules made a major purchase of a Miniak keyboard and synth and once he had learned how to play it, the Good Germans were born. The name being a nod to Kraftwerk and Krautrock, but a reincarnation in a Yorkshire environment.
Several open mics demonstrated that the modus operendi was good and a gigs and a small tour of the East Riding followed. This has taken the band to the release of its first EP -Translation by The Good Germans. Release scheduled for late July 2019.
But inevitable just as you think you are set on one route musical influences such as gigs take you in another, so although The Good Germans will always look at synth music for inspiration, we can only stay away from guitars for so long- watch this space.
The Good Germans 