Root! (stylised ROOT!) is an Australian rock group from Melbourne formed in 2007. Their music combines alt-country, blues and indie rock with elements of spoken word, satire, social commentary and post-modernism. They have gained attention through a band member being a former member of Melbourne band TISM.^[1]

History [link]

Some time in 2004-05, Root! began as a series of demos written solely by lead singer DC Root. In late 2006, guitarist Henri Root was hired as a tradesperson to build a set of shelves for DC. "Henri came 'round to my house to build me some shelves and I discovered that he was a jazz trained musician".^[2] During 2006, the group was fleshed out with Steve Root on keyboards and Barnaby Root on drums.

Their first concert as a group was made at the closing party of Melbourne’s Spanish Club on June 17, 2007. Although barely announced, word that an alleged member of TISM was unveiling a new project led to a large, expectant crowd assembling. From there, word of mouth spread, leading to heavy traffic on the band's nascent MySpace page, the creation of a fan website entitled The Root! Compendium, and growing demand for an album.^[3]

Root! appeared at a handful of other performances over the next few months, whilst re-recording tracks for their debut album, Root Supposed He Was Out Of The Question. In 2008, the band played live with additional musicians Joe Talia (aka Joe Root, pedal steel and banjo) and Douglas Lee Robertson (aka Doug Lee Root, bass).^[4]

The album, Root Supposed... was released in December, 2007 and featured no singles. During 2008 tours, new material was played including "Get Up Yourself" which became the first single from the follow-up album Surface Paradise (formerly Root Is The Money Of All Evil)^[5]

In 2009, drummer Barnaby Root left the band and was replaced with Smiley Root on drums. After playing several gigs and appearing in the video for "My Other Bumper Sticker is Intelligent," he left the band to be replaced by Owen Root. Around this time, the album Surface Paradise was released.

After a handful of gigs in mid-2010, Root! announced they would be playing their "Last Ever Show" on August 20, 2010. Although the press release concluded with "... is there a new project on the way? All will be revealed soon. Stay tuned."^[6]

Currently DC Root, Doug Lee Robinson and Henri Root are performing as a trio under the name The DC3. For their one-year anniversary, Root! reformed to open for The DC3 at the Regal Ballroom, February 3, 2012.^[7][8]

Musical style and influences [link]

DC Root and Henri Root claim that their initial common musical ground was the Flying Burrito Brothers^[9] and Mark E. Smith. DC describes Root! as made up of all the things he loves about country that has been mixed with other genres. It is the "long-winded musical excursion" with "a little wit as well"^[9] inherent in country music that allows DC Root to employ poetic, literary imagery and then undercuts it with self-effacing references.

Judging by some of the international “friends” on Root!'s MySpace site,^[10] DC Root would appear to have an affection for classic British pop, such as XTC, The Auteurs, Super Furry Animals and Robyn Hitchcock. Comparisons are possible between all of these and DC Root’s use of humour and the glorification of the joys and absurdities of everyday life. However there are few antecedents of DC Root’s style in Australia, especially given his determination to ground his stories in local reference. Paul Kelly is the most famous and celebrated practitioner of this style, although his stories are generally more heroic and conventionally emotional.

Originally, the sound of Root! was easy to categorize under the label “alt-country” – that is, a modern, “alternative” approach to traditional country music. However, whilst the elements of country were there, the band has since moved toward a more "straight-rock" style.

Members [link]

• DC Root (aka Damien Cowell^[11][12]) – vocals, samples
• Henri Root (aka Henri Grawe^[13]) – guitar, vocals
• Doug Lee Root (aka Douglass Lee Robertson^[4]) - Bass, vocals
• Steve Root (aka Steve Paix^[14]) – keyboards, vocals
• Owen Root (aka Owen Smythe^{[citation needed]}) - drums - Former drummer for Grin Dogs and Splurge.

Former Members

• Barnaby Root (aka Barnaby Gold^{[citation needed]}) – drums, vocals
• Joe Root (aka Joe Talia, played live only) - slide guitar, banjo
• Smiley Root (aka Derek Smiley, former drummer for Ice Cream Hands)

Discography [link]

Albums [link]

• Root Supposed He Was Out Of The Question... (2007)
• Surface Paradise (2009)

Singles [link]

• Get Up Yourself (2008)

Music Videos [link]

• My Other Bumper Sticker is Intelligent (2009)

DVD [link]

• The Making of Surface Paradise (2010)

References [link]

External links [link]

• Root! on Myspace