Blame My Youth

Hailing from the grit and grime of Staten Island, New York, Jigsaw Youth is an all-female punk/grunge force that's injecting a fresh dose of raw distortion and 90s alternative rock into the music scene. Led by the powerful vocals and basslines of Maria Alvarez, with Nastacha Beck unleashing ferocious guitar riffs and Alex Dmytrow providing the driving rhythm on drums, Jigsaw Youth is a band that packs a punch.

Hailing from Richmond, VA and Bloomington, IN, The Barbed Wires are no strangers to the punk scene. Having already made a name for themselves with previous bands like Pink Razors, Strike Anywhere, and Cloak / Dagger, they now bring their signature blend of aggression and melody to the forefront with their 2023 debut on Lets Pretend Records. This is raw, edgy punk rock with singalong hooks reminiscent of The Wipers and Adolescents – if you crave straightforward, no-frills punk, this is for you.

We Came as Romans: A Metalcore Journey from Michigan to the World

We Came as Romans, often shortened to WCAR, emerged from the metalcore scene in Troy, Michigan, in 2005. The band's journey has been marked by both a name change and multiple lineup shifts, showcasing their resilience and evolution. They signed with Equal Vision Records in 2009, releasing a string of successful albums that propelled them to prominence in the metalcore scene. In 2016, they moved to SharpTone Records, marking a new chapter in their journey.

From This Emergency to We Came as Romans

The band's roots lie in a high school band called This Emergency, formed by Sean Zelda, Dave Stephens, Jonny Nabors, Mark Myatt, and Joshua Moore. Stephens was initially a multi-instrumentalist, handling guitars, keyboards, and backing vocals. Early performances in the Detroit area helped the band hone their sound. Nabors left the band in 2005, replaced by Sean Daly, but a year later Zelda departed to pursue higher education. The band underwent a significant change in the summer of 2006, welcoming Larry Clark as the new vocalist and rebranding themselves as We Came as Romans.

A New Vocalist and Early EPs

Clark's tenure was short-lived, ending in late 2007. The band then welcomed Chris Moore as their lead singer, solidifying the lineup that would release their first EPs, "Demonstrations" and "Dreams," both in 2008. These early releases showcased their signature metalcore sound, blending heavy riffs with melodic vocals and powerful breakdowns.

Six Albums and Continued Evolution

We Came as Romans have released six studio albums, each building on their previous success and showcasing their musical growth. From their debut album, "To Plant a Seed" (2009), to their latest, "Darkbloom" (2022), the band has consistently pushed boundaries, experimenting with different textures and tempos while staying true to their metalcore roots. The band also released three more studio albums in between: "Understanding What We've Grown to Be" (2011), "Tracing Back Roots" (2013), and "We Came as Romans" (2015), further solidifying their position as a major force in the metalcore scene.

The Impact of We Came as Romans

Their music has resonated with fans worldwide, earning them a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. Their powerful lyrics, often exploring themes of struggle, resilience, and self-discovery, have resonated with listeners across generations. We Came as Romans continues to evolve and inspire, solidifying their legacy as a metalcore band that has left an indelible mark on the music world.

Pavement: The Indie Rock Pioneers Who Defined the '90s

Pavement, the legendary indie rock band, emerged from the fertile underground scene of Stockton, California in 1989. Formed by the enigmatic Stephen Malkmus (vocals, guitar) and the equally brilliant Scott Kannberg (guitar, vocals), the group quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with, their sound a unique blend of slacker apathy, melodic hooks, and a distinctly "lo-fi" aesthetic.

Initially conceived as a recording project, Pavement eschewed mainstream media and live performances, opting to build a loyal following through their raw, independent releases. Their early work captured the zeitgeist of the era, resonating with a generation disillusioned with the polished gloss of mainstream rock.

As their career progressed, Pavement gradually evolved into a more polished, yet still undeniably unique band. Over a decade, they released five studio albums and ten EPs, solidifying their place as a cornerstone of the indie rock movement. Their influence extended far beyond the underground, reaching a wide range of musicians and spawning a legion of imitators.

While they never quite achieved mainstream superstardom, Pavement's impact on the music scene was undeniable. Their refusal to compromise their artistic vision and their commitment to independent music made them icons for a generation. They were also praised by influential critics like Robert Christgau and Stephen Thomas Erlewine, who hailed them as the best band of the '90s.

After a somewhat acrimonious split in 1999, Pavement reunited in 2010 for a highly successful tour, further solidifying their legacy and demonstrating their enduring influence. They returned to the stage in 2022-24 for another international tour, proving that even after all these years, their music still resonated with fans across the globe.

Pavement's music continues to be celebrated for its originality, its undeniable hooks, and its lasting impact on the world of indie rock. They remain one of the most influential and enduring bands to emerge from the American underground, forever leaving their mark on the '90s and beyond.

Garbage: A Rock Band Story

Garbage, a formidable force in the alternative rock scene, emerged in 1993 from the unlikely pairing of Scottish singer Shirley Manson and American musicians Duke Erikson, Steve Marker, and Butch Vig. This dynamic quartet, each contributing to songwriting and production, has remained intact since their inception, solidifying their unique blend of dark, angular pop and electronic influences.

Their self-titled debut album, released in 1995, was a critical and commercial smash, selling over four million copies worldwide. This success was fueled by a string of chart-topping singles, including the iconic "Stupid Girl" and the haunting "Only Happy When It Rains". The album achieved double platinum status in the UK, US, and Australia, firmly establishing Garbage as a force to be reckoned with.

Following the success of their debut, Garbage continued to push boundaries with their sophomore effort, "Version 2.0", released in 1998. This album, a testament to their commitment to sonic experimentation, topped the UK Albums Chart and garnered two Grammy Award nominations. The band further cemented their status by contributing the theme song to the 1999 James Bond film "The World Is Not Enough".

While their third album, "Beautiful Garbage", received critical acclaim, it didn't quite reach the commercial heights of its predecessors, despite selling over a million copies in its first three months. The band faced internal struggles during the production of their fourth album, "Bleed Like Me", leading to a brief disbandment. However, they ultimately reunited and released the album in 2005, achieving their highest US chart position with a number four debut.

Despite the success of "Bleed Like Me," Garbage abruptly cut short their tour and announced an indefinite hiatus. They emphasized that they weren't disbanding but rather seeking individual creative pursuits. Despite their hiatus, Garbage has continued to leave an enduring legacy on the rock music landscape, inspiring generations of artists with their innovative sound and undeniable talent. Their impact on the music industry is undeniable, and their devoted fanbase eagerly awaits their return.

My Bloody Valentine: Shoegaze Pioneers and Sonic Innovators

My Bloody Valentine, often stylized in all lowercase or abbreviated as MBV, are a legendary alternative rock band hailing from Dublin, Ireland. Formed in 1983, the band has remained a core unit since 1987, consisting of founding members Kevin Shields (vocals, guitar, sampler) and Colm Ó Cíosóig (drums, sampler), joined by Bilinda Butcher (vocals, guitar) and Debbie Googe (bass).

Widely recognized as pioneers of the shoegaze genre, My Bloody Valentine's signature sound is characterized by ethereal and hypnotic textures, achieved through dissonant guitar layers, subdued and androgynous vocals, and innovative production techniques that blurred the lines between instrument and effect.

Their journey to sonic prominence began with a series of early releases and lineup changes. After signing with Creation Records in 1988, they released a string of successful EPs and two landmark albums, Isn't Anything (1988) and Loveless (1991). The latter, considered their magnum opus and a cornerstone of alternative rock history, achieved critical acclaim but also marked a turning point for the band.

The album's extensive production costs, pushing the boundaries of sonic experimentation, led to their parting with Creation Records. In 1992, they signed with Island Records, accumulating a wealth of unreleased material, but largely retreated from the public eye.

By 1995, Googe and Ó Cíosóig left the band, followed by Butcher in 1997. The weight of following up Loveless proved too much for Shields, who, in his own words, "went crazy" in the years after.

A long-awaited reunion in 2007 saw them embark on a global tour, reintroducing their music to a new generation of fans. In 2012, they released the compilation EP 1988-1991, showcasing the evolution of their sound through their early years.

My Bloody Valentine's impact on alternative music is undeniable. Their sonic explorations, particularly on Loveless, continue to inspire and influence musicians across genres. They stand as a testament to the power of experimentation and the enduring impact of a sound that redefined the boundaries of rock music.