The British act Gonga was formed as Octane Bud during 1998 by founding members Will Smalley (bass), Thomas Elgie (drums) and George Elgie (guitars). Soon to join was frontman Joe Volk. Switching name to Temple they made their live debut at the Shambala Festival in Somerset, England. As Gonga they released their eponymous debut album on Invada Records in 2003. After a 2004 tour in support of Mondo Generator Smalley parted ways with the band. A temporary replacement was found in Hugo (The Heads) but he did not stay for long.

In January 2006 Hallam Kite was recruited as the new bassist and Gonga entered the studio to record their sophomore album. However, in the midst of the recording sessions Kite also left the band. Chris West (Solomon Kane, Taint) was brought in to finish the album and in 2007 the band found a new steady bass player in Peter Theobalds, previously active in the controversial black metal act Akercocke. On May 13th, 2007, the new line-up debuted at the Bierkeller in their hometown of Bristol to support Orange Goblin and Solace.

(Source: http://www.tartareandesire.com/bands/Gonga/6717)