This is perhaps a reference to the animated television program, Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, whose band "The Junk Yard Gang" also performed on improvised instruments.
Far from being a novelty act, "Junk Yard" can be thought of as the creators of the "new school" in terms of their contribution to the world of go-go.
Early Junk Yard had none of these but instead developed a characteristic layered percussion sound based on improvised instruments.
That year, the band scored their first major hit, and arguably their signature song, "Sardines," which earned them airplay outside of the D.C. market.
No longer viewed simply as a novelty act, the group performed at such prestigious venues as the Kennedy Center and the Apollo Theater.