(c’88-’89) Dylan Owen (vocals), Luke Randall (guitar), Matthew ? (bass) and Mark Ward (rhythm guitar).

Originally using the Ramones’ inspired Teenage Labotomy moniker, the Napalm Groove Squad boys played a number of reimagined covers and self-penned tracks that included ‘Long Lost Friend’, “Flesh”, “Brand New Mini” and “Wildcat”. Rumored to have split in June ’88, they were looking for a bassist in July, having ousted Matthew – apparently he was too sensible – but eventually moved Ward to the 4-string. They were a regular feature at The Cricketers, Westfield and in September ’88 they played ABC Music’s Showcase ’88, at Woking Centre Halls. This event was originally pitched as Woking Live Aid and Naplam Groove Squad were the first confirmed act by gig organizer Kim Joseph. The band returned to the Centre Halls later that year, supporting Van Gogh and the Earlobes at the Brooklands College Ball.

Backstage Pass for The Devil’s Dance Party, 23 March 1989, that included Napalm Groove Squad. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks

The band had just recorded the three-track demo EP entitled “Live and Raw”, which opened with the instrumental “Brand New Mini” leading straight into “Daddy Loves Mummy,” and wrapped up with the 7 minute 1 second long “Long Lost Friend”. Reports revealed that at least one big name label requested a copy of “Live and Raw,” and others seemed set to follow. The demo, no doubt, also helped with their desire to secure more gigs on the London alternative circuit, with one band member openly admitting to not wanting to be labelled a Woking band. “Brand New Mini” went on to win PG Tips’ “Best Track of ’88”. More split rumors emerged in early ’89, but the band appeared at The Devils Dance Party at the Civic Hall, Guildford in March and were up at the Rock Garden, Covent Garden on 22 July for a noon gig.

August 18th 1988 Gigs Column from Soundscene
Naplam Groove Squad, Body Politic, Great Garden, & Dance Factory possibly in Woking Live Aid line-up (Soundscene – August 4th 1988)
July 28th, 1988 Soundscene sparks rumours of Body Politic reformation, and suggests NGS will be part of Woking Showcase gig
From the July 7th 1988 Soundscene Gig list
A little mention of Naplam Groove Squad in this July 7th ’88 Soundscene piece by Phil Gibby
A little snippet from Soundscene’s PG Tips, May 26th 1988.
Soundscence, June 9th 1988
Soundscene’s PG Tips – July 14th 1988
Clipped from Soundscene’s PG Tips July 28th,1988
Soundscene lead story August 4th 1988…
Soundscene – September 1st 1988: Napalm Squad in the raw
BB reviews Napalm Groove Squad at Brooklands College Gig held at Centre Halls, Woking with Van Gogh headliing. Year unknown, but probably ’89. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks
Napalm Groove Squad colected two awards in PG Tips December 1988 honors list;
Review of The Devil’s Dance Party from Soundscene (30 March ’89 column), that included Napalm Groove Squad. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks
Napalm Groove Squad were the 5th Band on at Showcase ’88, held at Centre Halls, Woking in Sept ’88. Picture courtesy of Daniel Hiscocks