Sylvan Esso

Everclear: A Ride Through the 90s and Beyond

Everclear, a rock band hailing from Portland, Oregon, burst onto the scene in 1991. Fueled by the songwriting, vocals, and guitar prowess of Art Alexakis, they quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. The core lineup, solidified by bassist Craig Montoya and drummer Greg Eklund, defined the band's most popular era.

Their debut album, "World of Noise," was a promising start, but it was their first three releases on Capitol Records that truly catapulted them to stardom: "Sparkle and Fade," "So Much for the Afterglow," and "Songs from an American Movie Vol. One: Learning How to Smile." These albums achieved platinum status, cementing their place in the 90s alt-rock landscape.

However, the following two albums, "Songs from an American Movie Vol. Two: Good Time for a Bad Attitude" and "Slow Motion Daydream," failed to capture the same critical and commercial success. This shift in momentum led to Montoya and Eklund departing the band in 2003.

Undeterred, Alexakis continued to champion the Everclear name, recruiting new musicians and releasing two more albums: "Welcome to the Drama Club" and "Invisible Stars." He also took the 90s nostalgia wave by storm, launching the Summerland Tour in 2012, which features Everclear alongside other iconic bands from that era.

In 2015, Everclear released their ninth studio album, "Black is the New Black," proving their enduring appeal. And in September 2023, they added another chapter to their story with the release of their live album, "Live At The Whisky A Go Go," a testament to their enduring energy and fan-favorite performances.

Everclear's journey has spanned over three decades, a testament to their resilience and the enduring power of their music. From their 90s heyday to their ongoing presence in the world of rock, Everclear continues to resonate with audiences, proving that their sound remains as relevant as ever.

Thin Lizzy: A Dublin-Born Hard Rock Titan

Thin Lizzy, the legendary Irish hard rock band, emerged from the streets of Dublin in 1969. Led by the charismatic Phil Lynott, who was not only the group's bassist and lead vocalist, but also the primary songwriter, Thin Lizzy initially featured drummer Brian Downey, guitarist Eric Bell, and keyboardist Eric Wrixon. However, Wrixon's tenure was short-lived, leaving the band within a few months.

Bell, a key part of the band's early sound, departed in 1973, paving the way for a whirlwind of guitarists. Gary Moore briefly filled the void, only to be replaced by the twin-guitar attack of Scott Gorham (who remained with the band until their disbandment in 1983) and Brian Robertson (who stayed until 1978, when Moore made a second brief return). Moore's second departure led to the arrival of Snowy White in 1980, who was then followed by John Sykes in 1982. Further bolstering the band's sound, keyboardist Darren Wharton joined in 1980.

This constant evolution of guitarists, coupled with the steadfast rhythm section of Downey and Lynott, contributed to Thin Lizzy's dynamic and energetic sound. Their music, a potent blend of blues, soul, psychedelic rock, and traditional Irish folk influences, is often categorized as hard rock or heavy metal.

Thin Lizzy's impact on the rock world is undeniable. They scored international hits with singles like "Whiskey in the Jar" (1972), "The Boys Are Back in Town" (1976), and "Waiting for an Alibi" (1979), and achieved numerous top ten albums in the UK.

Lynott, a trailblazer for Black Irish musicians in rock, guided Thin Lizzy through their fourteen-year recording career, writing or co-writing virtually all of their material. The band's diverse lineup, drawn from both sides of the Irish border and both the Catholic and Protestant communities, further underscores their unique place in rock history, especially during the turbulent period of "The Troubles."

Thin Lizzy's legacy continues to inspire, demonstrating the power of music to transcend boundaries and create a lasting impact on generations of rock fans.

Radiohead: A Sonic Revolution

Hailing from the quaint English town of Abingdon, Oxfordshire, Radiohead emerged in 1985, forever altering the landscape of alternative rock. This sonic force is comprised of the enigmatic Thom Yorke (vocals, guitars, keyboards), the multi-talented Greenwood brothers, Jonny (guitars, keyboards, and a myriad of instruments) and Colin (bass), the melodic Ed O’Brien (guitars, backing vocals), and the steady rhythm section of Philip Selway (drums, percussion).

Since 1994, they’ve collaborated with the visionary producer Nigel Godrich and the enigmatic cover artist Stanley Donwood, creating a signature sound that pushes boundaries and inspires awe. Their relentless experimentation has propelled alternative rock into uncharted territory, challenging conventions and captivating audiences worldwide.

Signed to EMI in 1991, Radiohead unleashed their debut album, Pablo Honey, in 1993. The album’s breakout single, “Creep,” became a global anthem, propelling them into the spotlight. Their critical acclaim grew further with The Bends in 1995, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with.

Then came OK Computer (1997), a landmark album that remains a titan of modern music. This masterpiece, with its complex production and themes of alienation in the digital age, is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time.

Radiohead continued to defy expectations with Kid A (2000), a radical departure that blended electronic music, jazz, classical, and krautrock influences. While polarizing listeners upon release, it was later hailed as the best album of the decade by numerous publications. The follow-up, Amnesiac (2001), was recorded during the same sessions, showcasing their unwavering creative spirit.

Radiohead’s legacy extends far beyond individual albums. They are a band that has constantly evolved, challenged, and inspired generations of artists and listeners. They are a sonic revolution, a testament to the power of artistic vision and the enduring influence of music that resonates on a deeper level.

Insane Clown Posse: The Horrorcore Kings

Forget what you think you know about hip-hop. Insane Clown Posse (ICP), a Detroit-born duo consisting of Violent J (Joseph Bruce) and Shaggy 2 Dope (originally 2 Dope; Joseph Utsler), ain't your average rap group.

ICP's signature sound is hardcore hip-hop with a heavy dose of horrorcore, a subgenre they helped pioneer. Their music is a dark, twisted carnival ride through the minds of two guys who aren't afraid to embrace the macabre and the bizarre.

But it's not just the music that sets them apart. ICP's live shows are legendary. They're an over-the-top spectacle of masks, face paint, pyrotechnics, and a whole lot of chaotic energy. Think mosh pits, crowd surfing, and an experience that's more like a religious revival than a concert.

They've earned two platinum and five gold albums, and their catalog has sold a staggering 6.5 million units in the U.S. and Canada. But the numbers don't tell the whole story. ICP has amassed a fiercely loyal fan base known as Juggalos, a legion of devoted followers who consider themselves family.

Before they were ICP, the duo was known as JJ Boyz and later Inner City Posse. But it was the supernatural and horror-themed lyrics that truly set them apart. They founded their own record label, Psychopathic Records, and starred in the cult classic films "Big Money Hustlas" and "Big Money Rustlas."

ICP even launched their own pro-wrestling promotion, Juggalo Championship Wrestling, proving that their influence extends far beyond music. They've collaborated with a diverse range of artists from the worlds of hip-hop and rock, constantly pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.

At the heart of ICP's music lies the mythology of the Dark Carnival, a metaphor for the afterlife where the lives of the dead are judged by a host of enigmatic entities. This haunting concept permeates their lyrics, creating a world both familiar and terrifying, and solidifying their place as one of the most unique and enduring forces in music today.

Holding Absence: A Welsh Rock Band Carving Their Own Path

Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Cardiff, Wales, Holding Absence emerged in 2015, ready to inject a potent dose of post-hardcore into the world. The band consists of the powerful vocal presence of Lucas Woodland, the sonic architect Scott Carey on guitar, the rhythmic backbone of Benjamin Elliott on bass, and the driving force of Ashley Green behind the drums.

Their initial foray into the music world came with a series of singles in 2017, establishing their raw energy and undeniable talent. This momentum carried them into 2018, where they collaborated with fellow heavyweights Loathe on a split EP, further solidifying their place within the UK's burgeoning underground scene.

Finally, in 2019, Holding Absence unleashed their debut record, bearing the same name as the band itself. This self-titled album marked a significant milestone, showcasing their matured sound and lyrical depth. The band's commitment to their craft caught the eye of SharpTone Records, a leading force in the US heavy music scene, and soon they were signed, ready to take their music to a global audience.

A Story of Evolution and New Beginnings

Holding Absence's journey is not without its twists and turns. The band's initial lineup featured vocalist Zac Vernon, who contributed to their early recordings like "Immerse" and "Luna." However, Vernon eventually parted ways to form Parting Gift, leaving the door open for Lucas Woodland to join the fold.

Woodland, previously known for his work in the band Falling With Style, brought a fresh perspective to the group. His arrival marked a turning point for Holding Absence, with their debut single "Permanent" showcasing a new era for the band. This was quickly followed by the contrasting "Dream of Me," a track that caught the attention of SharpTone Records and set the stage for their future successes.

The Legacy of Hammock and a Name That Resonates

The name Holding Absence is a direct nod to the Hammock song "Holding Your Absence," a testament to the band's admiration for the atmospheric soundscapes created by the American duo. The name itself evokes a sense of longing, a yearning for something lost, a feeling that resonates deeply with the emotional core of their music.

Holding Absence is not just a rock band; it's a story of resilience, evolution, and artistic ambition. From their formative years in Cardiff to their international rise, they've proven their commitment to pushing boundaries and forging their own path within the world of heavy music. With SharpTone Records behind them, the future is bright for this Welsh band, ready to take their music to new heights.

Glass Animals: From Oxford to Global Stardom

Glass Animals, the indie rock quartet hailing from Oxford, England, burst onto the scene in 2010. The band's lineup boasts Dave Bayley (vocals, guitar, keys, drums, songwriting), Drew MacFarlane (guitar, keys, backing vocals), Edmund Irwin-Singer (bass, keys, backing vocals), and Joe Seaward (drums).

Their debut album, "Zaba" (2014), propelled them into the spotlight with the platinum-selling single "Gooey." This success paved the way for their sophomore album, "How to Be a Human Being," which garnered critical acclaim and won them coveted awards: UK Album of the Year and Self Producing Artist of the Year at the 2018 MPG Awards. They also received a prestigious Mercury Prize nomination for this album.

Their third album, "Dreamland," reached number two on the UK Albums Chart and number seven on the US Billboard 200. This solidified their position as a major force in the music scene.

However, it was their hit single "Heat Waves" that catapulted them to global fame. The track went viral on TikTok, topping the charts in Australia and being crowned number one on the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2020. It has since surpassed two billion streams on Spotify and achieved the pinnacle of success, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the UK Singles Chart.

The band's critical acclaim continued with two Brit Award nominations in 2022: Best British Alternative/Rock Act and "Heat Waves" for Best British Single. They also received their first Grammy nomination for Best New Artist at the 2022 Grammy Awards.

Early Days: 2010-2015

The four band members, all graduates of St Edward's School in Oxford, forged their musical bond during their formative years. This shared history serves as the foundation for their unique blend of indie rock, electronic, and psychedelic sounds.