THONK

Thonk biography
THONK are an RIO/ Avant Prog band from Switzerland that released one album in 2001 "Earth Vision Impact". The band were formed initially as a DEEP PURPLE cover band in 1998, then formed into the Avant Prog band THONK. The style was in the beginning a progressive rock and jazz fusion style, then it changed into art rock, though with strong jazz influences remaining. In May 2000 the founder bassplayer of THONK, Theo Gamper left the band, so Fredy Schnyder joined the band as a replacement.

Over the years the band members have consisted of the following: Marc Grassi (Piano Keys), currently with RAK, and who has collaborated with many bands on the live stage such as SELDOM and DOUBLE HEART. He is influenced by keyboard musicians such as EDDIE JOBSON, JON LORD and HERBIE HANCOCK.

Flavio Mezzodi (Drums, percussion) has played with his previous bands CRITICAL and TRAVEL MIND. His inspiration comes from drummers such as TERRY BOZZIO, DAVE WECKL, SIMON PHILLIPS.

Theo Gamper (bass, guitars) Is a huge FRANK ZAPPA fan and has even tried to emulate his style. Fredy Schyder, the new bass player joined to tour and played on the sole album "Earth Vision Impact".

Zoz (Dave Thwaites), also with RAK, is a vocalist, writer, for the band and has performed in SOUL SPIN and SONIC SMILE, and THE LOVE FREQUENCY. His influences range from early GENESIS, YES & KATE BUSH, and the likes of U2, RADIOHEAD, SUPER FURRY ANIMALS & THE WATERBOYS.

The band are now a trio and come from higher education schools; Marc studies piano at the jazz school and industrial design, Flavio is a student in a drum school, and Fredy is a university student.

THONK released a live official bootleg in January 2003 called "circle by THONK", recorded live at the progsol 02 festival on October 26 2002. The piano'-driven music will appeal to fans of the band's influences and Avant Prog fans.

---AtomicCrimsonRush (Scott Tuffnell)---