The band was formed by singer/guitarist Lenny Lashley, drummer Eric Edmonston, and bassist Mike Gurley in 1996 and developed a large following around Massachusetts. In 1997 the band recorded a nine-song demo tape, and in 2000 released their debut album, 22 Songs You'll Never Want To Hear Again! The album instantly cemented their reputation in the Boston punk scene, filled with songs about beer, being a loser, and even a few juvenile-but-hilarious potshots at other local bands (and even the group's own members).
That same year the band added a second guitarist, Paul Delano. In addition, Danny O'Halloran replaced Edmonston as the group's drummer a few months later, and it was this lineup of Lashley, Gurley, Delano, and O'Halloran which won the WBCN Rock & Roll Rumble that year.
In 2001 the band recorded five songs for a split EP with Tommy and the Terrors. The new songs received mixed reviews from the group's fans, some of whom felt that the new songs were "too serious." Lashley decided to break up the band the same week, following a grinding month-long U.S. tour.
In 2003 all of the ex-members of the group (including Edmonston) reunited for a few shows, and began recording a new album in 2004, though Delano left the band shortly before recording commenced. The new album, A Weakness For Spirits, strikes a balance between the more mature subject matter of the split EP and the cheap laughs of the first album, while displaying Lashley's knack for writing concise, catchy punk rock songs to fine effect. Indeed, Darkbuster embodies the concept that "brevity is the soul of wit" since many of the band's funniest songs clock in at under a minute in length.
In May 2005, Lashley injured his left hand in a construction accident at Boston University, leaving him unable to play guitar for several months. The band brought Amy Griffin (Raging Teens/Avoid One Thing) onboard as a second guitarist. A DVD containing concert footage of Darkbuster and Lenny and the Piss Poor Boys was released shortly after the accident, with proceeds set aside to help Lashley with his medical bills. A 2005 benefit concert featuring both of Lashley's bands performing with guest singers also raised money to help cover his medical bills.
In December 2005 it was announced that Edmonston would again be leaving the band at the end of the year, with Griffin becoming a full member and Lashley returning to guitar duties.
In May 2006 the band signed with I Scream Records, who re-released A Weakness For Spirits in August 2006. The band is also currently compiling footage for a 10th anniversary DVD.
Currently the band is on hiatus, although an official breakup has not been announced.
The band returned to the stage with the Mighty Mighty Bosstones in Dec. 2009, to quote their myspace page, "heard you missed us, we're back!"
Shoulda Known Better
Darkbuster Lyrics
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It was right in front of me.
My every thought, my every incarnation
is to stop a killing spree, but my self-esteem and confidence were lost along the way.
Should've known better.
I should have known. Should have known. Should have known. Should have known.
before it all went black. And that's ok.
You're a shamrock wearing devil
I'm gonna violently attack.
You're a they say a you're a man you will threaten me with harm.
Should've known better.
I should have known. Should have known. Should have known. Should have known.
The lyrics of Darkbuster's song Shoulda Known Better describe the regret and self-blame of losing something precious due to one's own mistakes. The singer is mourning the loss of his love and inspiration that were right in front of him, but he failed to appreciate and cherish them. He reveals that his ultimate goal in life is to prevent a "killing spree," suggesting that he wants to make a positive impact but feels powerless to do so. He acknowledges that his low self-esteem and confidence contributed to his downfall and admits that he should have known better.
The next verse speaks of a past opportunity that the singer failed to seize. He expresses resignation that "it all went black," implying that he missed his chance for a happy ending. He compares his adversary to a "shamrock wearing devil" and vows to "violently attack" him. However, he also reveals his vulnerability by admitting that the other person threatened him with harm. Again, he regrets not having the foresight to avoid this situation and blames himself for it. The repeated phrase "Should've known better" emphasizes the singer's feeling of being a failure.
Line by Line Meaning
I lost my love, I lost my inspiration.
I have lost the person I loved and who inspired me.
It was right in front of me.
I failed to appreciate what I had, despite it being obvious.
My every thought, my every incarnation is to stop a killing spree, but my self-esteem and confidence were lost along the way.
My ultimate goal is to prevent violence, but I have lost my confidence and self-worth in the process.
Should've known better.
I should have been smarter and made better decisions.
There was a will, there was a way to always make it better before it all went black. And that's OK.
There was potential for me to improve and avoid failure, but it's alright.
You're a shamrock wearing devil I'm gonna violently attack.
You may seem harmless, but I am ready to defend myself viciously.
You're a they say a you're a man you will threaten me with harm.
You are rumored to be dangerous and harmful towards me because I am less powerful.
Should've known better.
I really should have known better and been prepared for the worst.
I should have known. Should have known. Should have known. Should have known.
I repeat to myself over and over again how I should have anticipated the outcome.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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