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Before Sean Tillmann gained popularity as Har Mar Superstar, he was a member of Minneapolis trio Calvin Krime, along with Jon Kelson and Jason Ralph. All Music Guide described their style as “cranky noise pop”.
Future members of the band met at Perpich Center For Arts And Education and their primary audience was in the punk and hardcore scenes of Minneapolis, according to Minnewiki website. They debuted in 1995 with “Pretty In Pink” seven-inch and “Kids Incarcerated”, another single that followed a year later.
The band’s proper debut was 1997 “Dress For The Future”, which was described by Space City Rock website as “a brief, explosive ride full of quick rhythmic changes, plenty of fuzzed-out bass, tortured howling, and jagged guitars, somewhat reminiscent of Hammerhead, Steel Pole Bathtub, or maybe Houstonians Cedar Of Lebanon.”
1998 “You’re Feeling So Attractive” was described by AMG as “An unfocused but volatile sophomore album” and a “fractured continuation of the band’s cranky noise pop, with the addition of keyboards and violin fleshing out the sound.”
AMG concluded that “You’re Feeling So Attractive is an interesting record that tinkers with the DNA of post-punk and synth pop, but the band’s idea process was still gestating, leaving behind a confusing record pocked with superfluous instrumental interludes and a general sense that business has been left unfinished.”
The final document of the band’s existence was  “3×3 for 1/2” single, which came out in 1998 on Polyvinyl label (much of the previous band’s material was on Amphetamine Reptile). AMG commented on “3×3” – “The songs are three of the band’s best, with Jon Kelson’s out-of-control screaming and guitar rock, Sean Tillman’s melodic yelp and fuzz-charged bass, and Jason Ralph’s drum kit destruction coalescing underneath some seriously weird keyboard wank. “Mascara” and “This Sad Horse” are trademark CK melody-infused noise rockers, while “Get Off It” is an eight-minute-plus exercise in post-punk synthesizer groove. Proponents of witty puns from the start, the great irony of Calvin Krime’s last and arguably best material is that it was released with a label outside of Amphetamine Reptile.”
11 years after their break-up, Calvin Krime played a secret reunion show at the Uptown Bar in Minneapolis.
Band Members:
Sean Tillman (Har Mar Superstar, Sean Na Na)

Jon Kelson
Jason Ralph
Discography:
Pretty In Pink 7″ (1995)
Kids Incarcerated 7″ (1996)
Dress For The Future CD (Amphetamine Reptile, 1997)

You’re Feeling So Attractive CD (Amphetamine Reptile, 1998)
3X3 For 3 1/2 CD (Polyvinyl, 1998)
Compilation Tracks:
“Fight Song” on Dope, Guns ‘N F—ing In The Streets Volumes 8-11 (Amphetamine Reptile, 1997)

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RC is a Chicago, IL instrumental rock band that were formed out of ashes of another instrumental outfit called Dakota/Dakota. Since their formation in 2004, the band toured along with the likes of Mono, Pelican and Minus The Bear and they also opened for Tool during their UK tour in 2007.

Formed in 2004, the band initially consisted of Colin DeKuiper, Mike Sullivan and Dave Turncrantz. They first recorded a self-titled EP, which was followed by a debut full-length – 2006 “Enter” that came out on Flameshovel label.
All Music Guide commented on the album – “Comparisons to Pelican and Isis have been tiresome at best — and inaccurate at worst — as RC differ in key ways. The construction of their tunes is more intricate, not reliant as much on the heavy riff and the elegant phrase — though it’s not quite as delicate as Explosions in the Sky or Growing, either.”
Further on, AMG compared the album to “a form of instrumental poetry, woven, articulated slowly and deliberately. and concluded that “the buzz on this band in Chicago has been big and it’s easy to see why. Enter is a very impressive debut.”

In 2007, DeKuiper was replaced with Brian Cook (Botch / These Arms Are Snakes) and in the following year the band produced “Station”, their second full-length. The album was produced by Matt Bayles (Isis, Soundgarden, Botch, Mastodon) and was their first record for Seattle, WA label Suicide Squeeze.

AMG commented on the album – “Texture and dimension have become a big part of Russian Circles sound on this six- track album. They’ve tried to get themselves out of the post-rock “build up and up and up and finally explode” equation that has actually hampered the growth of the music. They haven’t left metal behind, but have tempered it somewhat with some softer sounds, a more gradual expansion, and layered textures on any given theme, or some set thereof. About half the album relies on this technique, and admittedly, it can be a bit frustrating on first listen because there are so many parts folded into one another it simply isn’t as obvious as Enter was.”

In the end, AMG concluded that “The bottom line is that this diversity is not a lack of focus, but growth and development that make the band stand out from the pack, making the effort to spin this a few times yield very big rewards.”

The band’s latest effort (as of 2009) is “Geneva”, which, like its predecessor, also came out on Suicide Squeeze. AMG commented on the album – “On Geneva, their third full-length outing, we find a band that has matured as songwriters. With a larger, more atmospheric set of tools at their disposal, the band crafts songs that are more about buildup than release. Instead of down the usual “build, build, build, destroy” route that’s so common, the songs grow organically, with changes unfolding so naturally that the big finish is more of a logical conclusion than an explosion.”
AMG concluded that “Geneva is an album that builds like an old building being demolished, starting out with an explosion and ending with the dust clearing to reveal a changed landscape that’s ready for something new, as if the band is symbolically clearing away their old sound in favor of something new and exciting. If you weren’t already on the Russian Circles bandwagon, this is the perfect opportunity to jump on.”
Current Line-Up:
Brian Cook (Botch, These Arms Are Snakes)
Dave Turncrantz
Mike Sullivan
Former Members:
Colin DeKuiper (Like Young)
Discography:
Enter CD / LP (Hewhocorrupts Inc. + Friction, 2006 / Flameshovel, 2006 / Black + Flameshovel, 2007 / Sargent House, unknown year)
Upper Ninety 7″ (Suicide Squeeze, 2006)
Station CD / LP (Suicide Squeeze, 2008 / Daymare, 2008 / Sargent House, 2008)
Russian Circles / These Arms Are Snakes 12″ (Sargent House, 2008)
Geneva CD / 2×12″ (Suicide Squeeze, 2009 / Sargent House, 2009)
Compilation Tracks:
“Station” on All Areas Volume 09 (Visions Magazine, 2008)
“Station” on Cargo Sampler #100 / 08 (Cargo, 2008)
“Harper Lewis” on Independent Innovative Creative (Vital Sales Markating, 2008)
“Fathom” on All Areas Volume 108 (Visions Magazine, 2009)

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Deep in the woods of western Pennsylvania vocoders hum amongst the flowers and synths bubble under the leaf-strewn ground while flutes whistle in the wind and beats bounce to the soft drizzle of a warm acid rain. As the sun peeks out from between the clouds, the organic aural concoction of Black Moth Super Rainbow starts to glisten above the trees. – Graveface

Black Moth Super Rainbow are as out-there musically as their name would imply. Psychedelia is the reference point, filtered through a childlike innocence and wonder, and implemented with bargain-basement instruments and electronics. – All Music Guide

Pittsburgh, PA BSMR are an explorers of childlike wonder and innocence, filtered through the spirit of bands like Air, Boards Of Canada and bands from Elephant 6 collective. Yet, for all the obsession with rainbows and various colors, their music have also moody and somewhat dark undercurrent bubbling just beneath the surface.

Before they became BSMR, the band went through a couple of other identities – first they were called Allegheny White Fish, but according to a band member Tobacco, the band was happy with that name when they came up with it in the 10th grade, but it didn’t sounded very well 4 years later. AWF released a lot of material, most of which was available in edition of 15 to 40 copies and much of it subsequently appeared on Tobacco’s 2009 album “The Allegheny White Fish Tapes”.

The next incarnation of the band was Satanstompingcaterpillars – between 2000 and 2002 the band recorded a few albums under that name on such labels as Fuckeroo Records and Side 8. After 2002 release “The Most Wonderfulest Thing” the band expanded to 5 members and changed their name to Black Moth Super Rainbow.

Their debut was 2003 “Falling Through A Field”, which came out as a joint release between the band’s own 70s Gymnastics Recording Co. and Graveface labels. Fake Jazz website pointed out that “In addition to evoking warm and fuzzy feelings, Falling Through A Field emits a strange vibe. A contradiction between the distant, shadowy melodies and light, earthy sound of the vintage instruments adds an air of mystery, setting this record apart from its contemporaries.”

Next year brought “Start A People” LP, which, according to All Music Guide, was not as strong as their next album “Dandelion Gum”, but AMG also pointed out that “the song sketches on Start a People lay down the blueprint for a lo-fi psychedelic manifesto unlike anything ever heard before.”

Further on, the band produced “Lost, Picking Flowers In The Woods” EP and “The House Of Apples And Eyeballs”, a collaboration with The Octopus Project (both of which came out on Graveface label).

Their next full-length was 2007 “Dandelion Gum” (also on Graveface), which, according to AMG, was based around “a concept of candy-making witches who inhabit a forest and lure hapless locals to their doom with their sweets”. Pitchfork commented that “like much of their past work” the album :comes over like a spry, airy, and tremendously evocative instrumental Boards of Canada interlude.”

The band’s latest record (as of 2009) is “Eating Us”, which was produced by Dave Fridmann (Mercury Rev / Flaming Lips). AMG described the record as being “far slicker and pro sounding than anything they’ve done before.” In the end, AMG concluded that “On Eating Us, Black Moth Super Rainbow prove that they can grow up a little without growing boring, and still deliver exactly the same amount of unhealthy sweetness as before.”

In addition to their work with BMSR, band members released numerous solo albums, including Tobacco’s “Fucked Up Friends” (Anticon label), and Power Pill Fist’s “Extra Life”, which was a joint release between 70s Gymnastics and Graveface labels.

Band Members:

Bony Legs / Father Hummingbird

Iffernaut (D. Kyler)

Power Pill Fist

Ryan Graveface (Ryan Manon) (Dreamend)

Seven Fields Of Aphelion

Tobacco

Discography:

Allegheny White Fish

The Anti Freakout Method Cdr (Fuckeroo, 1999)

Satanstompingcaterpillars

Flower Slides CD (Fuckeroo, 2000)

“The Autumn Kaleidoscope Got Changed” (Album, Sing To Us) CDr (Side 8, 2001)

The Most Wonderfulest Thing CD (Side 8, 2002)

Black Moth Super Rainbow

Electric Avenue Chapter 8 CD (Duotone, 2003)

Falling Through A Field CD (70’s Gymnastics + Graveface, 2003 / 2007)

Chinese Witch Guy With An Ax CDr (70’s Gymnastics, 2004)

Start A People CD (70’s Gymnastics + Graveface, 2004 / 2007)

Lost, Picking Flowers In The Woods EP CD / 12″ (Graveface, 2005)

The House Of Apples And Eyeballs (with Octopus Project) CD / LP (Graveface, 2006)

Dandelion Gum CD / 2xLP (Graveface, 2007)

Drippers EP CD / 10″ (70’s Gymnastics + Graveface, 2008 / Moamoo, 2008)

Zodiac Girls 7″ (Suicide Squeeze, 2008)

Born On A Day The Sun Didn’t Rise CDr / 7″ (Graveface, 2009)

Don’t You Want To Be In A Cult / Feel The Drip 12″ (Mexican Summer, 2009)

Eating Us CD (Graveface, 2009 / Moamoo, 2009 / Memphis Industries, 2009)

Compilation Tracks:

“I Think It Is Beautiful That You Are 256 Colors Too” on Rallye Cloak (Rallye, 2004)

“Sun Lips” + “Elq Milq” on Graveface Sampler (Graveface, 2007)

“Drippy Eye” on Incite 57 (XLR8R Magazine, 2007)

“Lost, Picking Flowers In The Woods (Remix)” on Birth Certificate (I, Absentee, 2008)

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Associated Entries: Holy Smokes

Entirely instrumental, Sacramento CA based Hella seemingly were never bothered by the absence of lead singer, as their music speaks volumes, even without vocals and lyrics.  Power of combined guitar/drum attack is evident throughout a number of albums that they released on labels like Narnack, 5 Rue Christine and Ipecac.

Prior to Hella, band members Spencer Seim and Zach Hill were both in Legs On Earth (described as “Devo, Talking Heads kind of thing” by Hill). LoE produced one album (2001 “Lasers & Saviors” on Para-Sight Records) and broke up.  Afterwards  Seim and Hill decided to start Hella with their first recording being self-released EP called “Leather Stream”.

Their proper debut was “Hold Your Horse Is”, which came out on 5 Rue Christine label in 2002. All Music Guide pointed out that “The spazz-core style contained within the nine tracks of Hold Your Horse Is is a beauty to behold, yet is certainly not for the meek or close-minded.” Flak Magazine concluded that “In Hella’s craft of contrast, the technical and musical weigh equally, complementing each other with a carelessness that can only come out of care. And it’s this quality that translates their spasms without losing hold of their horses as they charge through the tracks.”

Further down the road, the band produced an EP for Suicide Squeeze label, did a split with Dilute and released another full-length – 2003 “Total Bugs Bunny On Wild Bass”, which came out on Narnack Records. AMG pointed out that “arguably, a disc like Total Bugs Bunny on Wild Bass is to rock what the experimentation of Anthony Braxton, Ornette Coleman, Henry Threadgill, and Ivo Perelman is to jazz.” The review also concluded that “Total Bugs isn’t just musical masturbation — there’s a method to the madness. And when all is said and done, Total Bugs generously rewards those who are daring enough to go along for the ride.”

2004 “The Devil Isn’t Red” came out in two formats on two different labels – 5 Rue Christine released its CD version, while Suicide Squeeze was responsible for an LP version. AMG pointed out that “Fans of Trans Am or even Deerhoof should get plenty of yuks out of Devil Isn’t Red and Hella’s frenetic, seemingly multilimbed lather” and concluded that the album is “a challenging mess, but one with uncommon rewards.”

2005 brought double album “Church Gone Wild / Chirping Hard”, which came out on Suicide Squeeze label.  Tiny Mix Tapes website concluded that “Church” “may not be exactly groundbreaking or revolutionary, but it’s the kind of idiosyncratic release that reminds experimentalism to laugh when something’s funny.” Splendid Magazine pointed out that the record is “a flawed, majestic account of what can happen when a band splits down the middle to compose on their own terms, with no artistic differences and no coalescing of ideals.”

2006 “Acoustics” EP was exactly that – acoustic versions of Hella’s songs.  Pitchfork gave the album a rating of 6.6 points out of 10 and pointed out that “these six instrumentals retain every ounce of Hella’s distinctive and bewildering sputter– pounding the listener with a sonic impact akin to getting trampled by jacked-up centipedes.”

Hella’s latest album (as of 2009) is “There’s No 666 In Outer Space”, which came out in 2007 on Ipecac Recordings. Prefixmag commented that “There may not be a 666 in outer space, but back here on Earth, Hella’s uniqueness has been compromised.”, while Pitchfork pointed out that “Excusing the album’s inherent garishness, 666 expands Hella’s core sound to new heights that, although at times hard to stomach, finds the band both at their most playful and regimented.

Outside of Hella, Zach Hill is involved in countless other projects, including Team Sleep (which also includes Chino Moreno from Deftones) and Goon Moon (with Chris Goss (Masters Of Reality, Queens Of The Stone Age, Desert Sessions) and Jeordie White (Marylin Manson, Perfect Circle, Nine Inch Nails)).

Band Members:

Aaron Ross

Carson McWhirther (Holy Smokes)

Spencer Seim

Zach Hill (Diamond Watch Wrists, El Gruepo Nuevo De Omar Rodriguez Lopez, Flossin, Goon Moon, Hella, The Ladies, Nervous Cop, Team Sleep)

Discography:

Falam Dynasty 7″ (5 Rue Christine, 2002)

Hold Your Horse Is CD / LP (5 Rue Christine, 2002 / Frenetic, 2002)

Bitches Ain’t Shit But Good People EP CD / 12″ (Suicide Squeeze, 2003)

Hella / Dilute Live Split 2xCD (Sickroom, 2003)

Total Bugs Bunny On Wild Bass CD / LP (Narnack, 2003)

Hella / Four Tet Split (Divorce Series #1) 7″ (Ache, 2004)

The Devil Isn’t Red CD / LP (5 Rue Christine, 2004 / Suicide Squeeze, 2004)

Church Gone Wild / Chirpin Hard 2xCD (Suicide Squeeze, 2005)

Concentration Face & Homeboy EP DVD-V + CD (5 Rue Christine, 2005)

Acoustics EP CD (5 Rue Christine, 2006)

There’s No 666 In Outer Space CD / 2xLP (Ipecac, 2007 / Black Diamond, 2007)

Portals DVDr (Self-Released, 2008)

Compilation Tracks:

“Been A Long Time Cousin (Live)” on If The Twenty-First Century Didn’t Exist It Would Be Necessary To Invent It (5 Rue Christine, 2002)

“Dance Of The Drunken Siberian” on You’ve Got Your Orders Vol.1 (Chrome Peeler, 2002)

“Cafeteria Bananas (Live)” on Sickroom Records Sampler 2005-2006 (Sickroom, 2005)

“Madonna Approaches R&B Blonde Wreckages” on Sur La Mer Semp-Le-Mer (5 Rue Christine, 2006)

“World Series” on Getting To Know You: An Introduction To Ipecac Recordings (Ipecac, 2007)

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I’ve seen Flipper in their heyday but I’ve never seen a band piss off a crowd like that before – Chris Moore, Negative Approach

Philadelphia’s Clockcleaner write punk rock songs for people who are tired of punk rock – All Music Guide

Named after a brand of heroin that was distributed in Philadelphia in the 80s, Clockcleaner were known for their wild music and often violent shows, some of which ended in full-scale riots. They were compared to anyone from Birthday Party to Flipper to bands like Whitehouse.

Formed in 2003, the band released their debut – Hassler EP – on Manic Ride Records in 2004. AMG pointed out that “Hassler, unfolds in lurching stops and starts” and “When it’s all over, Clockcleaner’s unpredictable arrangements and ear-shattering bursts of feedback aren’t for everyone, but they’re also anything but boring.” In Music We Trsut website proclaimed that “The Hassler comply with the band’s ideals: these tracks are loud, obnoxious, dissonant, jerky, and borderline dangerous”.

Following the release of “Missing Dick / By The Door” single, the band produced their second LP “Nevermind”. The fact that the album bears the same title as one of the best-selling albums of the 90s is not coincidental. According to Clockcleaner lead singer John Sharkey, the original “Nevermind” is an extremely dated record that didn’t stood the test of time very well (Sharkey also described it as “dogshit”), so the title of Clockcleaner’s album was meant to poke fun at the original more than anything else.

Dusted Reviews website commented that “Nevermind is not pretty, but it works like a classic noise rock record should; it rocks hard with both middle fingers extended, staring down a dead end with a leering, maniacal grin, and that’s possibly its greatest asset.” Yale Herald concluded that “When it comes to the Holy Trinity of Cobain-Novoselic-Grohl, Clockcleaner isn’t just atheistic; it’s sacrilegious. But if there is a connection between the two bands, it is that, like Nirvana with grunge, Clockcleaner never set out to re-invent noise-rock. Instead, they have embraced the tenets of the genre to construct a scuzzy, sludgy, messy masterpiece.”
After few more singles for such labels as Hit Dat and Richie Records, Clockleaner released their third full-length – 2007 “Babylon Rules” via Load Records.  Same years also saw them touring with bands like Homostupids and Lamps and promoting so-called Skull Music genre.

In their review of “Babylon Rules”, Pitchfork pointed out that  “The record might be a bit tame compared to the band’s reputation, but points to them for at least trying to provoke, for being a reminder of the responses this kind of music used to elicit– the near-fearful reaction of audiences who must’ve felt like they were presented with some kind of dare.”

Dusted Reviews concluded that “The best groups of Clockcleaner’s ilk – particularly Australian predecessors feedtime and King Snake Roost – balanced primal grind with form disruption/destruction, something Babylon Rules only deals out in passing.”

The band broke up in 2008, after lead singer John Sharkey moved to Melbourne, Australia. However, prior to that the band played a show as an opening act for a legendary hardcore band Negative Approach and they even performed a 15-minute sludgy cover of NA’s “Ready To Fight”, which caused riot in the audience.

Despite their demise, the band left behind quite a stash of posthoumous material, which is scheduled to appear on Siltbreeze (“GG Allin” single), Hoss Records (Clockcleaner / Queerhunter split) and Load (“Auf Wiedersehen” CD / LP).
Final Line-Up:
John Sharkey |||
Karen Horner
Richie Charles Jr.
Former Members:
Warren Slegel
Discography:
The Hassler 12″ (Manic Ride, 2004)
Missing Dick / By The Door 7″ (Hitdat, 2005)
Frogrammer 7″ (Richie, 2007)
Babylon Rules CD / LP (Load, 2007)
Skinheaded Lady 7″ (Stained Circles, 2008)
Ready To Fight 12″ (Fan Death, 2009)
Compilation Tracks:
“Walking With My Lady Friend” on Hoags: A Philadelphia Compilation (Hot Dog City, 2004)

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The halls of nu-pigfuck are beset with obstacles, and it might be only these three penitent men who pass. – Pitchfork

There are more than a few pilgrims to the jizz-soaked shrine to The Jesus Lizard, the obsidian monolith of The Melvins, and the crumbling temple of Girls Against Boys. – Brainwashed

Continuing down the path laid by the likes of Shellac, Jesus Lizard and Melvins, Louisville, KY trio Young Widows (with their genre described as “nu-pigfuck” by Pitchfork) blasts their way through listeners stereos and delivers an impressive aural mayhem both on record and onstage.

The band was formed after thelead singer of another Louisville act, Breather Resist, left the band. Afterwards, the remaining members of BR decided to go on as a trio and what was initially planned as a second BR album turned into something else completely. The band decided to rename themselves, change their sound and create a new identity for themselves.

Young Widows first release – 2006 “Settle Down City” – came out on Jade Tree label. In their review of the album, AMG concluded that “the emotionally charged sonic attack of Young Widows is as unsettling as it is compelling.”, while Pitchfork called it “a worthy entry to an undermined corner of the underground.”

For their next album, 2008 “Old Wounds”, the band replaced drummer Geoff Patton with Jeremy McMonigle and they also switched labels – from Jade Tree to Temporary Residence Limited. In their review of the album, Tiny Mixtapes website pronounced that “Old Wounds is definitely not an album for everyone, but for someone who wants both a taste of heavy rock and is sick of Mastodon being one of the only “indie-acceptable” metal bands to listen to”.

Brainwashed review of the album concluded that “With a noise rock resurgence of refurbished pioneers and teeth grinding youngbloods coming down the pike, Young Widows assertively assume dominant roles in the unexpected revival, reeking of promises to bring down as many lazy, cross-armed bloggers along the way.”

In 2009, the band produced a number of splits with fellow bands like Pelican and Melt Banana, all 0f which were released through Temporary Residence Limited.  In addition to Young Widows, band members were involved with a side project called Brain Banger which released Yellow Belly LP on Hawthorne Street label in 2007.

Band Members:

Evan Patterson (Black Cross, Breather Resist)

Jeremy McMonigle

Nick Thieneman (Breather Resist)

Former Members:

Geoff Paton (Breather Resist)

Discography:

Young Widows / Coliseum Split 7″ (Relapse, 2006)

Settle Down City CD (Jade Tree, 2006)

Old Wounds CD / LP (Temporary Residence Limited, 2008)

Young Widows / Bonnie Prince “Billie” Split 7″ (Temporary Residence Limited, 2009)

Young Widows / Melt Banana 7″ (Temporary Residence Limited, 2009)

Young Widows / Pelican 7″ (Temporary Residence Limited, 2009)

Young Widows / My Disco 7″ (Temporary Residence Limited, 2009)

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Bloomington, Indiana combo Ativin was active since the early 90s and, inspired by the likes of Slint and Gastr Del Sol, they recorded four studio albums between 1996 and 2001. With two guitarists, drummer and no bassist, they constantly tested the possibilities of soft/ loud dynamics.

The band was formed in the winter of 1994 by guitarist Chris Carothers and drummer Rory Leitch when two met at Indiana University. The following year guitarist Dan Burton joined the band by 1996 Ativin produced their debut EP – “Pills Vs. Planes”.
“Pills…” was jointly produced by Steve Albini (Big Black, Rapeman, Shellac) and Carl Saff. In their review of the album, Nude As The News site website concluded that “Pills…” contains five songs that utilize a tension-release concept to convey themes of despair, confusion and anger.  and that “Ativin is a brazen reminder of what happens when artists sweep the standard ideals of music under the rug.”
Their first LP was 1998 “German Water”, which came out on Secretly Canadian label. All Music Guide pronounced it to be “an inspiring masterpiece of forward-looking rock.”  In their review of the album, Ink 19 website concluded that “Those without patience may quickly conclude that Ativin is morose. Notice that they are taking the time to fill the space between notes with silence.”
The band produced one more EP – 1999 “Summing The Approach” – before  going on temporary hiatus. AMG summarized the EP by saying that “Ativin moved well beyond the pummelling soft-to-loud transitions of Slint and toward a highly distinctive blend of treated, interlocked guitar grooves, firm rhythmic manuevers and electronically-enhanced atmospheres.”
New millennium brought 2002 “Interiors” and 2004 “Night Mute” (both on Secretly Canadian label). InSound called Night Mute “An intentional homage to the world of horror literature and film / Ativin’s ten-song exploration into the themes of death, hopelessness, and fear.”, while AMG pronounced “Interiors” to be “a declaration of emotional expression in subtle contexts.” and “a perfect music to relax to and soak in all the winter dreariness of a northern landscape.”
Outside of Ativin, band members were also involved with Early Day Miners, Swords Project and Magnolia Electric Co., among other bands.
Band Members:
Chris Carothers
Daniel Burton (Early Day Miners)
Joey Ficken (Swords Project)
Mark Rice (Impossible Shapes, Magnolia Electric Co., Songs: Ohia)
Rory Leitch (Early Day Miners)
Discography:
Modern Gang Reader 7″ (Secretly Canadian, 1996)
Pills Vs. Planes EP CD (Polivinyl, 1996)
German Water CD (Secretly Canadian, 1997)
Interiors CD (Secretly Canadian, 2002)
Night Mute CD Secretly Canadian, 2004)
Compilation Tracks:
“Slovenia” on Ooh Do I Love You (The Core For Care, 1998)
“Riding And Roaming” on Zum Audio Vol. 2 (Zum, 1998)
“Hell Hammer (Live)” on Currents And Directions (Meridien, 2002)
“Wings And Trees” on For Jonathan (The Great Vitamin Mystery, 2004)
“Soft Evenings” on SC100 (Secretly Canadian, 2007)

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umAXmJMoKKQ]

Scissors

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Lollipop: Low Profile (Article from Alternative Press magazine)

Defunct Maryland band, which was initially located in Buffalo, NY and then moved to San Francisco Bay Area, CA. They produced a number of 7″ singles, as well as two full-length albums – 1995 “Dog Piss On Dog” and 1998 “Sucked In, Blown Out”.
Fun Facts
– One of the main factors that contributed to their break-up was the fact that each band member lived in a different state. (All Music Guide)
Discography:
Write Me A Poem / Bastard Son Of Carburetor Dung 7″ (Sympathy For The Record Industry, 1994)
Half Dead 7″ (1995)
Dog Piss On Dog (1996)
Live At Reptilian Records 7″ (1997)
Split With Thee Headcoats 7″ (Amphetamine Reptile, 1998)
Sucked In Blown Out (Amphetamine Reptile, 1998)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrpXoy-TFig&feature=related]

Live in Portland, Oregon (1997)

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixCOOZMdK_k]

Live in Buffalo, NY (1991)

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1q6EES3Y00&feature=related]

Slow Drip

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