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This Mesa , Arizona , USA-based band was formed
in 1994 by Jim Adkins (b. 10 November 1975; guitar/vocals),
Tom Linton (b. 8 August 1975; guitar/vocals),
Mitch Porter (bass) and Zach Lind (drums). Their One,
Two, Three, Four EP and self-titled debut
album, with Linton handling the majority of the
vocals, were released on the Wooden Blue Records
label the same year. Split-singles with Christie
Front Drive , Emery and Blueprint followed. Porter
had been replaced by Rick Burch by the time the
band signed a recording contract with Capitol
Records. Their major label debut, 1996's Static
Prevails, featured a more polished take on the
debut's melodic hardcore. Lead vocals on the
album were shared between Adkins and Linton.
Further split-singles with Mineral and Jejune
preceded the band's second major label release,
Clarity. Adkins' lead vocals added a perfect
sheen to the band's intense power pop, while
remaining true to their underground roots. The
album was also released on vinyl by Big Wheel
Recreation but marked the end of their tenure
with Capitol. The quartet signed a new recording
contract with DreamWorks for the release of 2001's
Bleed American although the vinyl version was
released by Grand Royal. The album, the band's
bestselling release yet, placed them at the forefront
of the new wave of so-called emo (emotional hardcore)
bands breaking into the mainstream. The track "The
Middle" also broke into the Top 5 on the
singles chart in summer 2002. |
