Glassjaw

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Glassjaw
Glassjaw live at CBGB, 2002
Glassjaw live at CBGB, 2002
Background information
Also known as glassJAw
Origin Long Island, New York, United States
Genre(s) Post-hardcore
Experimental rock
Alternative Metal
Years active 1993–present
Label(s) Warner Bros., Roadrunner,
I Am Records
Associated acts Sons of Abraham
Head Automatica
Saves the Day
Men, Women & Children
Classic Case
Website Glassjaw.com
Members
Daryl Palumbo
Justin Beck
Durijah Lang
Manuel Carrero
Former members
Todd Weinstock
see below

Glassjaw is an influential four-piece band (formerly five-piece) from Long Island, New York. The band is fronted by vocalist Daryl Palumbo and guitarist Justin Beck, and has undergone numerous line-up changes since their inception. The band is understood to have been influential in the progression of the underground music scene in the Eastern United States and beyond.[citation needed] Fans have been waiting for their third full length for nearly six years.

Glassjaw's style can be considered to have taken inspiration from, is but not limited to: Bad Brains, Snapcase, Mike Patton, Refused, Silent Majority, and Vision of Disorder.[citation needed]

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] Early years (1993–1998)

The band formed in the summer of 1993 after Palumbo and Beck met each other at camp. The band played their first show in 1994 in Oceanside, NY. In the early days, Beck was also playing with Jewish straight-edge band, Sons of Abraham and Palumbo was in his own straight-edge band called XbustedX. The group's line-up changed constantly in their early years while they played in the local New York Hardcore scene. Justin Beck's primary instrument throughout this time was drums, but switched to bass guitar when Ariel Telford left the band in 1998 and then switching to lead guitar when Kris Baldwin left and Manuel Carrero joined the band in 1999. From 1994-1999 the band recorded several demo quality recordings of some songs that would eventually appear on their official releases, as well as several other compositions that would not see official release. A significant recording came in 1999 working with Don Fury, showcasing songs that appeared on their debut LP Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Silence.

The band recorded the five song Kiss Kiss Bang Bang EP in 1997. The record was released independently on the label 2 Cents a Pop, then saw a re-release in 2001 without label affiliation. The line-up on this record was Daryl Palumbo, Justin Beck, Todd Weinstock, Kris Baldwin and Ariel Telford. "Star Above My Bed", from the EP, is often still in the band's set lists to this day.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Silence (1999–2000)

Main article: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Silence

In 1999, the band entered the studio at Indigo Ranch in Malibu, CA with producer Ross Robinson (At the Drive-In, Korn, Limp Bizkit, Slipknot, among others) and recorded their first full-length album entitled Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Silence which saw release in 2000 through Roadrunner Records, the line-up on this record was Palumbo, Beck, Todd Weinstock, Manuel Carrero & Sammy Siegler(who would leave the band prior to the subsequent tour). The music was aggressive and unrelenting, but also included spacious songs like "When One Eight Becomes Two Zeros", "Her Middle Name is Boom", "Piano" and the epic "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Silence". The music, accompanied with Daryl's lyrics, which were often bitter and resentful towards particular characters he was discussing, and his singing style in itself, which is very powerful and aggressive, showing off his impressive range incorporated with guttural screaming, created a unique dynamic. Although EYEWTKAS is often cited as a milestone post-hardcore album, it saw little push from Roadrunner causing the band to garner an ill-will toward the label. Matters were somewhat worsened when Palumbo started to have bouts with his Crohn's Disease on tour as his aggressive style would sometimes trigger attacks, which have the potential to be fatal. Larry Gorman officially took over drumming duties part-way through touring. Following the conclusion of tour support for the album, Manny Carrero was kicked out by the then label Roadrunner for being the only member to have date conflicts with touring.

Worship and Tribute (2001–2003)

Main article: Worship and Tribute

In 2001, the band entered the studio in secret with Ross Robinson and began recording their follow-up album Worship and Tribute, which would see release the following year. They shopped this to other labels and ended up signing a deal with Warner Bros. Records. The line-up on this record was Palumbo, Beck(who also provided bass duties), Weinstock & Shannon Larkin of Amen and later Godsmack, who provided drumming duties due to recording time constraints, as he had worked well with producer Ross Robinson in the past, although Larry Gorman was composing parts and officially the drummer of the band. It should be noted that Ross Robinson does not use a 'click track'(automated metronome) when recording drummers, as he believes "it takes away from the true essence of the music". This album showcased a more melodic and mature Glassjaw, as they started to further incorporate Jazz and Ambient influences, particularly in tracks like "Ape Dos Mil", "Must've Run All Day", "The Gillette Cavalcade of Sports", "Trailer Park Jesus" and "Convectuoso"(which did not appear on the official release due to a publishing dispute with Roadrunner). Lyrically, the more confrontational elements heard on 'Everything...' were reigned in, with Palumbo taking a more cerebral approach. Dave Allen joined the group as bassist following the recording of the album. The band then toured extensively throughout 2002-2003, playing all over the world, and played on festival tours such as Warped Tour, Ozzfest and Snocore. The band then decided to take a hiatus in 2004 while Palumbo was composing and performing with his new group Head Automatica. Larry Gorman also decided to follow Palumbo in joining Head Automatica.

[edit] Hiatus and rebirth (2004–2008)

In late 2004, Todd Weinstock, Dave Allen, and Larry Gorman all were booted from the band for various reasons. Todd seemed the most surprised with his departure, as he found that performances had been booked without his knowing or billing. Todd as a guitarist of Glassjaw on every release, then decided to found his own band, Men, Women & Children. Allen was replaced with a returning Manuel Carrero, who had been playing with a band named The Jiant, and is also currently a member of Saves the Day. Manny rejoined after nearly 5 years away from the group. Durijah Lang, who was also a former band member from their early years, and current member of Classic Case, replaced Larry Gorman behind the kit. The band also decided not to fill its vacant guitarist role and continue as a four-piece.

In October 2005 the band released a B-side EP of songs not used in the band's second album Worship and Tribute, entitled El Mark. After a two year hiatus, the band played three shows in 2005, two at The Downtown in Farmingdale, New York, with proceeds going to charity, and a spot on The Used's tour at the Hammerstein Ballroom.

In the July 2006 issue of AP magazine, Palumbo stated that Glassjaw was in the process of writing & recording some new material for the next album, which he hopes to release in 2007. Daryl has also hinted that there could be a unifying concept behind the album. There have also been circulating rumors that the upcoming record may be the first without producer Ross Robinson, as the band may have decided to self-produce their next effort, this however, is unconfirmed.

Moreover, Glassjaw's website (www.glassjaw.com) became active once again in November 2006. The band would go on to tour in December of that year as support for Deftones on their tour and a few shows as headliners on their own (known as the Fucking Tour on their website). On New Year's Eve of 2006, they would play a support slot for Hatebreed. The shows would introduce new material to the public and the confirmation that a new album would be recorded in 2007 with the new material played at the shows included.

Glassjaw's official site the screen shows "7.7.7." in large bold letters. This refers to a one-off show at the Carling Academy Brixton. It was then announced on fansite glassjaw.net that they would be playing a warm up show for 7.7.7 at the camden barfly on 6.7.7. These shows were the first in the UK for over six years. Recently, Glassjaw has for the first time headlined in Southern California in various venues such as the Avalon in Hollywood, the House of Blues in San Diego, and the Glasshouse in Pomona. Glassjaw was one of the headlining acts of 2007's Saints and Sinners festival at the Asbury Park Convention Hall in Asbury Park, New Jersey, along with Against Me!. Glassjaw also headlined the festival's second day, November 4th.

Recently, the songs on Glassjaw's Myspace music player have been taken off, and a track called 'Yum Yum' was put up. The track was a loop of a distorted drumline, however the last few seconds featured undistorted drumming. Six days later, this track was removed and replaced with a track called 'Last Lisp'. Unlike 'Yum Yum', it is a looped bassline with no sample at the end.

Glassjaw supported, amongst others, 30 Seconds To Mars at the UK festival Give It A Name in Sheffield on May 10, 2008 and in London on May 11, 2008.

'Self Titled' 3rd album (2008-Present)

Main article: 'Self Titled' 3rd Glassjaw album

An upcoming album is currently being worked on. Confirmed titles that will be on the album and have also been played live are: '(You Think You're) John Fucking Lennon', 'Jesus Glue' and 'Natural Born Farmer', and will rewrite 'Star Above My Bed' and 'Convectuoso'. All drum, bass, guitar parts are tracked, Glassjaw are finishing the vocals, guitar overdubs, and copyrighting the lyrics. It is said the album will be self-titled.

In a recent interview with VerseOne magazine Justin Beck talks about the new album plans. "Right now I’d just be happy to finish up this record. I’m sure if it’s not a giant pile of shit, we’d love to play it live. Exact dates, plans, don’t know yet. But we’d like to anticipate that." [1]

In a recent interview with Kerrang, Daryl Palumbo stated that the new album should be released by "The end of this year or early 2009...I hope." Most fans speculate the album won't see a release until as late as 2010. It is known that Palumbo is also finishing up Head Automatica's third album, House of Blow's debut Ep, and production on Cage Kennylz's Depart From Me.

However in an interview recently conducted on [Glassjaw.net] with Beck, prior to their Cardiff show, he stated that,"as far as I am personally concerned, there will be a release well before the end of the year. There is no good reason why we shouldn't release something."

[edit] Band Members

[edit] Current

  • Daryl Palumbo - lead vocals (1993 - present)
  • Justin Beck - drums, percussion (1993 - 1998), bass (1998 - 1999) guitars (1999 - present)
  • Durijah Lang - drums, percussion (1998 - 1999, 2004 - present)
  • Manuel Carrero - bass (1999 - 2000, 2004 - present)

[edit] Former

  • Dave Buchta - bass (1993 - 1994)
  • Nick Yulico - guitars (1993 - 1996)
  • Kris Baldwin - guitars (1995 - 1998)
  • Brian Mehann - guitars (1998)
  • Mike Caleo - guitars (1998)
  • Ariel Telford - guitars (1995 - 1998)
  • Scottie Reddix - drums, percussion (1999)
  • Stephan Linde - drums, percussion (1999)
  • Sammy Siegler - drums, percussion (1999 - 2000)
  • Larry Gorman - drums, percussion (2000 - 2004)
  • Mat Brown - bass (2001)
  • Mitchell Marlow - bass (2001)
  • Dave Allen - bass (2002 - 2004)
  • Todd Weinstock - guitars (1996 - 2004)

[edit] Session musicians

[edit] Band Dynamics

Justin Beck on the current line up: "We are definitely blessed to have two players like Manny and Durijah who help us facilitate our shit. And I’ll be quite honest. In the past 14 years, this is the first time that I feel our music is being articulated the way it was intended to be played. Surgeons, mother fucking precise ass surgeons. That’s how I feel about Manny and Durijah. "

Justin Beck on Daryl getting a lot of the credit : "As far as the spotlight on me, I really don’t care for it. It’s not that important to be praised. But to be altogether excluded is another gig...Sure, I’ll live. But it can be insulting." [2]

[edit] Discography

[edit] Albums

[edit] EPs and singles

[edit] Demos

[edit] Other recorded compositions

  • "Convectuoso" (Track 12 from Worship and Tribute advance copy)
  • "Grasper" (B-side from Worship sessions)
  • "Tewt" (B-side from Worship sessions)
  • "Midwestern Stylings" (B-side from Worship sessions)
  • "Midwestern Stylings (Acoustic)" (Fadeaway Records Sampler)
  • "Midwestern Stylings (Bright & The Defdefier Remix)" (The Best Comp In The World)
  • "Star Under My Bed" (Reworked track from Kiss Kiss Bang Bang)
  • "Last Kiss" (Don Fury Outtakes)
  • "Harlem" (Don Fury Outtakes)
  • "Family of Five" (Don Fury Outtakes)
  • "String of Pearls" (Don Fury Outtakes)
  • "Our Color Green" (Live bootlegs exist)
  • "Pravada" (Live bootlegs exist)
  • "Faust" (Track 7 from 516: A Long Island HC Comp)
  • "Pravado" (Track 8 from 516: A Long Island HC Comp)
  • "St. Alex" (Live at The Apple Store, Soho; February 5, 2003 - guitar-based version of 'The Number That No Good Things Could Come Of')
  • "Natural Born Farmer" (New Song, Live Bootlegs exist)
  • "(You Think You're) John Fucking Lennon" (New Song, Live Bootlegs exist)
  • "Jesus Glue" (New Song, Live Bootlegs exist)

[edit] Videography

  • "Siberian Kiss" [video edit 3:51] from Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Silence (2000). Directed by Steve Pedulla.
  • "Pretty Lush" [video edit 3:04] from Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Silence (2000). Directed by Steve Pedulla.
  • "Cosmopolitan Bloodloss" [video edit 3:23] from Worship and Tribute (2002). Directed by Patrick Hoelk.
  • "Ape Dos Mil" [video edit 3:51] from Worship and Tribute (2002).
  • "Tip Your Bartender" [video edit 3:00] from Worship and Tribute (2002).

"Home video"-style music videos were shot for "Must've Run All Day" and "Ape Dos Mil" and were distributed on Worship and Tribute, in the form of interactive CDs. However neither were intended for release. Versions of the "Cosmopolitan Bloodloss" video vary (the band gets shot at the end in one version).

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

v • d • e
Glassjaw
Daryl Palumbo • Justin Beck • Durijah Lang • Manuel Carrero
Todd Weinstock • Larry Gorman
Studio albums
EPs
Demos
Untitled • Our Color Green in 6/8 Time • The Impossible Shot • Monster Zero • The Don Fury Sessions
Singles
Label(s)
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