Carburetor Dung
Carburetor Dung is a Malaysian punk rock band formed in 1991 in Kuala Lumpur. Known for their politically charged music and blending genres like hardcore punk, ska, and reggae, the band has been a major influence in the Malaysian punk scene. The band’s name is inspired by Lester Bangs’ book Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung. Originally formed as Stormfish by bassist Fendi, the name changed to Carburetor Dung when guitarist Joe Kidd joined.
History
Formation and Early Releases (1991–1999)
Carburetor Dung released their debut album, Songs For Friends, in 1993. The original lineup consisted of Fendi (bass), Joe Kidd (guitar), Shahlan (vocals), Lan Bear (drums), and Pari ‘rasta’ Fari (lead guitar). The album featured a mix of punk rock and politically driven lyrics, establishing the band’s sound.
In 1999, the band released a mini-album titled The Allure of Manure, featuring tracks like “Our Voice/The Flag” and “Pay Day”. During this period, the band went through several lineup changes, with new members Ollie (drums) and Lee (vocals) joining. Some tracks from this mini-album appeared on a 7-inch single released in London in 2000, titled Sheepfarming in Malaysia.
Hiatus and Return (1999–2005)
After a brief hiatus from 1999 to 2002, Carburetor Dung returned with new energy. They played a few shows and contributed to soundtracks like that of the movie Dari Jemapoh ke Manchestee. In late 2003, the band reformed with new members: Apuk (drums) and Alak (vocals). By 2005, Bullet had joined on drums, and the band began recording new material for a compilation album.
Touring and International Success (2008–2011)
In 2008, the band embarked on a 10-day tour of Java, Indonesia, playing in cities like Jakarta, Bandung, and Yogyakarta. This tour was followed by shows in Malaysia and Singapore. They continued to play at various local and international venues, including a short tour in the Philippines in 2010, where they released a special compilation CD-R for the occasion.
In 2011, the band released their third album, Inginku Rejam Raksasa Kejam, on 10-inch vinyl through a Berlin-based label. This release marked a shift in the band’s name, shortening it to DUNG, though they continue to use the full name occasionally.
Recent Years and New Releases (2012–2021)
Throughout 2013 and 2014, DUNG recorded new material in their own studio, KerbauWorks. In 2015, they released a split-7″ with Chinese punk band SMZB, featuring tracks like “Mata Buta” and “Potong Nama, Tutup Buku”. The band has remained active, playing shows in both Malaysia and abroad, and continues to release music that resonates with their politically charged ethos.
Discography
Albums
- Songs for Friends (Audio Cassette, 1993)
- Boo Hoo Clapping Song
- Don’t Know
- Labour Of Hate
- Carburetor Dance
- Slam Safe Today
- Property Properly
- Song For A Friend
- Liar
- Cruel Blue Van
- Bucknaked
- Oppression
- You’re A Problem (Not A Solution)
- Jump Down Lemonade
- Farewell
- The Allure of Manure (Audio Cassette, 1999)
- Our Voice/The Flag
- The Line
- Pay Day
- Wide Awake
- Do Nothing
- Don’t Wanna Be You
- Happy
- Hole
- Inginku Rejam Raksasa Kejam (10-inch Vinyl, FAMED Records, 2012)
- Mata Buta
- Potong Nama, Tutup Buku
- Semua Sama, Semua Bosan
- Macam Celaka!
- Punk Gampang
- Hanturaya Putrajaya
- Aku, Buku & AUKU
- The Fine Line of Numb
EPs
- Macam Celaka/Hanturaya Putrajaya (CDREP, 2008)
- Split-7″ with SMZB (2015)