We played our first gig at school, then the next one at school, followed by Cal Aid, Lot 39, Yuddah Festival and Suburban Festival. Song after song came, except Karina's Song, which has been put on a shelf (read the member's bio's for reasons). Pacer is as a strong as ever, still putting out the rocking songs, still angry with skinny, trendy boys and still keeping the tradition of "Sick in Milk" alive.

Karina's Version

Pacer formed when Karina Utomo (vocals) decided to approach the only available guitarist (Ashley Pegram) at her high school and ask him if he was interested in starting a band. Gareth Hill (bass) was discovered in Garema Place, introduced to Karina by a former girlfriend. Sam Johnstone (drums) later joined the band on the first day of school at Narrabundah College to complete the Pacer line-up. Pacer’s music is classified as indie-alternative, with a touch of chick-rock. Their original songs vary from a combination of punk rock, slow and mellow to just plain alternative.

Ashley is the main songwriter, he thinks of the riffs (we also use most of his lyrics) while Karina thinks of the melodies and Gareth and Sam applies their bass and drum bits as final touches to the song.

Gareth's Version

A long time ago four children came into this world. First came the one called Gareth, then the other three; Karina, Ashley and Sam. An ancient prophecy described how a special four would come together to save the world. Knowing this the most powerful warlords and kings banished newborns to the four corners of the globe. Ashley was sent to the harsh desert. Karina was sent to the dense jungles. Sam was sent to a remote island and Gareth was sent to the frozen north. The four babies survived only on the small mammals they managed to kill and eat. From the beginning the world was against the special four.

On his small and remote island Sam toiled under the hot sun. He began to develop his beating skills on the coconuts that he would pick from the palms on the beaches. Although Sam had lived on his island for all of his life, he was unaware that he was not alone there. A group of natives had lived in fear on the strange boy that had arrived on their shores and had remained hidden all this time. The natives had heard of the prophecy and as time went on it became obvious that Sam was one of the four. They made contact with child and brought him into the fold of the tribe. In the tribe Sam learned still more drumming skills and acquired a taste for the unique coconut beer, a speciality of the island.

In the Jungle Karina soon became bored with the distinct lack of people, especially boys. She trekked over high mountains and dangerous canyons in search of civilisation. She manged to reach a city and although the ruler of the city was very rich, his servants were poor. Karina found work as rug weaver and became very skilled at weaving. She began to cultivate her vocal skills by singing while she worked. Soon people from all over the city would come to see her beautiful rugs and hear her sing. Quickly word of this singing weaving beauty reached the king and he rushed to meet her. Karina seduced the king and made off with his riches, in search of yet another gullible ruler.

Ashley wandered through the desert for years in search of water and provisions, until a band of thieves befriended him. During a heist Ashley steal as many musical instruments as possible and back in the thieves lair he would teach himself how to play them. So good did Ashley become at stealing and playing he became known as the Thieving Minstrel.

In the harsh artic environment Gareth found it hard to survive. The cold sleet chilled him to the bones. An artic explorer ran into the small child and brought him home with him. Living with the explorer Gareth received the best education and became very intelligent. He began to play double bass with the local orchestra.

While studying one day Gareth came across an old manuscript describing the prophecy of the four children. Instantly he knew what he must do, find the other three. He borrowed the explorer’s aeroplane and started to search the globe. He came across Sam’s island and landed. He met with Sam and convinced him to join him on the search.

To cover more area they split up and searched individually. Sam went in search of Ashley. He heard word of the Thieving Minstral and knew it must be Ashley. He hid himself in a harpsichord and waited. After a few months Ashley came across the harpsichord and took it and Sam away. When Ashley got back to the lair he opened the harpsichord’s lid and out jumped the famished Sam. Sam told Ashley of Gareth and the prophecy, and Ashley agreed to come with him.

To find Karina Gareth dressed as a wealthy nobleman and within three hours Karina had already introduced herself to him and offered to buy him a drink. Gareth took off his disguise and told Karina about Sam and the prophecy. Although she was disappointed Karina agreed to come with Gareth to meet the other two.

They all met up at Narrabundah College and formed a band. The vowed never to talk of their adventures again and became known as the Pacer four.