Poster Children | History of the Band
Time Signatures and Tech: Poster Children’s Journey from Campus Band to Indie Cult Icons
Formation and Early Years
Poster Children, an American indie rock band, was formed in 1987 at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana by Rick Valentin and Rose Marshack. With a strong DIY ethic, the band has been known for their relentless touring, designing their own merchandise, and pioneering in digital engagement with fans.
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The band's music, characterized by angular guitar parts, strong basslines, and intricate drumming, evolved significantly through the 1990s. Initially influenced by pop punk, post-hardcore, and new wave revival, they moved towards a style that included "smart pop-punk." Poster Children often used unconventional time signatures and politically charged lyrics, contributing to a sound that was both hard and melodic.
Discography and Notable 90s Albums
"Daisychain Reaction" (1991): Produced by Steve Albini, this album featured a darker, cleaner sound and marked a shift in the band's musical direction. Songs like "If You See Kay" showcased a new mastery of dynamics and more complex song structures.
"Tool of the Man" (1993): This release continued to demonstrate the band's experimental edge, with tracks that varied from high-energy rockers to moody, introspective pieces.
"Junior Citizen" (1995): Recorded at Smart Studios, the album featured a more pronounced pop influence, with tracks like "Wide Awake" and "King for a Day" highlighting a collaborative songwriting process where all band members developed parts together in their rehearsal space.
"RTFM" (1997): Released on Reprise Records, this album presents a diversification in Poster Children's music, incorporating intricate guitar work and a dynamic shift in their sound. The themes blend technological reflections with personal insights, showing a mature perspective influenced by the late '90s context.
"New World Record" (1999): Released by spinART Records, this album advances Poster Children’s exploration into polished indie rock with precise instrumentation. It addresses social and political issues with a mix of urgency and reflection, receiving praise for maintaining their energetic essence while innovating musically.
Influence and Legacy
After the 1990s, Poster Children continued to be active. Rick Valentin and Rose Marshack, who are also married, have remained core members throughout the band's history. They have engaged in various musical and technological ventures. Rick has spearheaded a solo project, Thoughts Detecting Machines, which integrates looped guitars with electronics and vocals. Under this project, he released several EPs and albums such as Work the Circuits and Sound, Noise, & You.
Rose Marshack, besides her role in the band, authored a book titled Play Like a Man, detailing her experiences in the indie rock scene of the 80s and 90s. The book provides insights into the gender dynamics within the music industry and her personal journey in the band.
The band has also continued to release new music, including albums like Grand Bargain! in 2018, which was recorded and engineered by notable figures such as Steve Albini and Bob Weston.
The influence of Poster Children during the 1990s extends beyond their music. They were pioneers in using technology to interact with fans, from enhanced CDs to early forms of blogging and webcasting. Their continuous innovation in music and marketing has left a lasting impact on the indie rock scene and influenced many contemporary artists.
Poster Children's journey through the 1990s was marked by musical innovation, a robust DIY ethos, and a deep connection with their audience. Their albums from this era not only contributed to the band's development but also to the broader narrative of 1990s alternative rock, demonstrating a unique blend of musical styles and technological pioneering that was ahead of its time. Their story is indeed a crucial piece of the puzzle in understanding the evolution of '90s music.
Sources
Wikipedia
Poster Children's official website
Stereo Embers Magazine
WGLT
Trouser Press
Discogs
Twin/Tone Records