Strictly Ballroom

Strictly Ballroom was founded in late 1994 by a bunch of former KXLU DJs — guitarist/singer Chris Gunst, second guitarist Paul Larson, bassist Jimmy Tamborello, drummer Ian MacKinnon, and keyboardist/percussionist Jimi Hey.

The band’s sound was described as “Enocore” by the press and fans at the time, due to their Brian Eno-like soundscaping merged with the sounds of hardcore. Signed to the Waxploitation label, the quintet issued the album Hide Here Forever in 1998.

Not much was heard from the band after the album’s ensuing tour, and many assumed the band had broken up when a few bandmembers joined other groups (Gunst — Beachwood Sparks, Tamborello — Figurine). But by the time their debut was reissued on Better Looking Records in 2001, all five original members had reunited under the new name Arca.

Members: -
Chris Gunst - vocals, guitar (1994-99)
Jimmy Tamborello - bass (1994-99)
Paul Larson - guitar (1996-99)
Jimmy Hey - keyboards, percussion (1997-99)
Chris Hathwell - drums (1998-99)

Past members:-
Ian MacKinnon - drums (1995-98)
Brian Tamborello - drums (1994-95)
Jose Salguero - turntables (1996-97)
Koji Motonishi - guitar (1995-96)