Jawbox | History of the Band

Dischord Progression: Jawbox’s Pioneering Impact on the 90s Post-Hardcore Landscape

Jawbox emerged as a pivotal force in the post-hardcore scene of the early 1990s, intertwining raw intensity with melodic precision. Their journey through the decade not only defined their musical legacy but also left an indelible mark on the alternative rock landscape.

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Formation and Early Years

Formed in Washington, D.C. in 1989, Jawbox consisted initially of vocalist and guitarist J. Robbins, bassist Kim Coletta, and drummer Adam Wade. The band was birthed from the remnants of Robbins' previous band, Government Issue, carrying over a hardcore punk ethos into a more structured yet equally intense musical expression. Their early work was heavily influenced by the burgeoning post-hardcore scene, with bands like Fugazi setting the cultural tone and ethical approach in a similarly evolving D.C. music scene.

Jawbox’s music was characterized by its complex guitar work, shifting dynamics, and Robbins’ distinctive vocal style. Their evolution from the raw edges of their 1991 debut album, "Grippe," to more intricate and polished sounds showcased a band unafraid to experiment and refine its sound. By integrating unusual time signatures and a balance of melody with aggression, Jawbox helped to shape the parameters of what post-hardcore could encompass.

Discography and Notable 90s Albums

Grippe (1991): Released on Dischord Records, "Grippe" laid the groundwork for Jawbox's exploration of post-hardcore. It featured a raw sound that hinted at the band's potential to break norms within the genre.

Novelty (1992): Continuing with Dischord, "Novelty" was quicker in pace and saw the band experimenting more with structure and the interplay of instruments. This album began to attract attention beyond their local scene, signaling their potential for broader appeal.

For Your Own Special Sweetheart (1994): This album marked a significant shift as Jawbox moved to Atlantic Records, aiming for a wider audience. With production that polished some of their rougher edges, "For Your Own Special Sweetheart" received critical acclaim for tracks like "Savory" and "Jinx Removing," which showcased the band's ability to balance accessibility with depth.

Jawbox (1996): Their final studio album of the decade, "Jawbox," also released on Atlantic, saw the band at its most experimental. It incorporated elements of electronic music and featured more complex song structures and rhythms. Despite its innovation, the album did not achieve commercial success, reflecting the tension between artistic evolution and mainstream expectations.

Influence and Legacy

Critically, Jawbox was lauded for their inventive approach and the technical proficiency of their music. "For Your Own Special Sweetheart" often ranks highly in retrospectives of the era, noted for its melding of "sheer power with poetic subtlety," as described in a review by *Rolling Stone*. However, their shift to a major label also brought scrutiny, with some fans and critics lamenting the polished sound that came with broader distribution.

After the disbandment of Jawbox in 1997, the members of the band continued to influence the music industry in various capacities, forging paths that extended their creative output well beyond the confines of the band.

J. Robbins, the lead vocalist and guitarist, became a prominent record producer and sound engineer. He worked with several well-known bands across various genres, leveraging his experience and insights gained during his time with Jawbox. Robbins also continued to make music, forming the band Burning Airlines, which released two albums before disbanding in 2002. Later, he was involved in other projects including Channels and Office of Future Plans. Notably, Robbins also embarked on a solo career, releasing his album "Un-becoming" in 2019, which was well-received in indie rock circles.

Kim Coletta, the bassist, ventured into the business side of music after Jawbox split. She co-founded DeSoto Records with guitarist Bill Barbot, which not only reissued Jawbox’s catalog but also released music by other influential indie bands, helping to sustain and nurture the indie music scene. Coletta has remained an important figure in the independent music industry, celebrated for her commitment to ethical business practices and artist-friendly approaches.

Bands like Nirvana and the Deftones have cited Jawbox's work as a significant influence on their music, appreciating the blend of hardcore roots with more expansive musical ambitions.

In 2009, Jawbox reunited briefly for a performance on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon," which was well-received and showcased the enduring appeal of their music. They officially reformed in 2019, embarking on a series of tours that reconnected them with longtime fans and introduced their influential sound to new audiences​.

Jawbox's journey through the 1990s exemplifies the evolution of post-hardcore and alternative rock. Their willingness to innovate within their genre's constraints and beyond made their discography a rich field of study for enthusiasts and a template for artists. Though not achieving the mainstream success of some of their contemporaries, Jawbox’s music remains a critical piece of the 90s music mosaic, reflecting both the possibilities and challenges of their time. Their story is not just about the music they made but about their transformation and enduring influence in a dynamic musical era.

Sources

• Wikipedia

• AllMusic

• Revolver Magazine

• Treble Zine