Heralding their own brand of blues infused rock, two-piece band The Fumes was born in 2004. Front man Steve Merry had just returned from a twelve month stay in the US learning the tricks of the trade from renowned bluesman Bob Brozman and was itching to show off his newly honed finger-picking and slide guitar skills. Enter drummer Joel Battersby (formerly of the Beautiful Girls) and the duo began gigging around Sydney. Over the next year The Fumes built up a grassroots following by touring relentlessly, and in July 2005 released their debut single Oh My Babylon. After a series of successful festival appearances, The Fumes ended 2005 with a bang - taking out Music Oz Award's Blues Artist of the Year. After signing with Silent Partner records the boys headed into the studio to record debut album Guns of Gold, released July 2006. Continuing to boost their reputation through touring and energetic live shows, the Fumes look to become an institution of the Australian blues scene.