Jawbox
Template:Short description Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox musical artist
Jawbox is an American post-hardcore band from Washington, D.C., formed in 1989. The band currently consists of J. Robbins (vocals/guitar), Kim Coletta (bass), Zach Barocas (drums), and Brooks Harlan (guitars/vocals). The original lineup consisted of Robbins, Coletta, and Adam Wade (drums). Jawbox released their first two full-lengths Grippe (1991) and Novelty (1992) on the local independent label Dischord Records, eventually becoming the third best-selling band on the label, behind Minor Threat and Fugazi.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Bill Barbot joined the band as an additional guitarist and vocalist after the release of Grippe, and Barocas replaced Wade on drums after the release of Novelty.
Jawbox signed to the major label Atlantic Records and released their third album For Your Own Special Sweetheart in 1994, which spawned the band's most recognizable song "Savory". After the release of their fourth album Jawbox in 1996, the band departed from Atlantic, and subsequently disbanded in 1997. They reunited for a brief one-off show in 2009, followed by a full-time reunion in 2019. Barbot left the band in 2021 and he was replaced by Harlan.
HistoryEdit
Formation, Grippe, and Novelty (1989–1992)Edit
From 1986 to 1989, J. Robbins played in the final incarnation of Government Issue, the longest lived of the early Washington, D.C. hardcore punk bands. After Government Issue disbanded, Robbins formed Jawbox with bassist Kim Coletta and drummer Adam Wade. At the time, Robbins and Coletta were in a relationship, and Wade was a friend of Robbins that had recently returned home from college.<ref name="wpinterview">Template:Cite news</ref> The band's name was found while they were reading Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, in which they saw that "a jawbox is a sink or sewer, and slang for television." Jawbox have cited various bands and artists as influences, including Fugazi, Helmet, Sonic Youth, Big Black, Naked Raygun, and Edsel, among others.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Jawbox's first concert was alongside Shudder to Think and Fugazi in September 1989.<ref name="grubbsbook">Template:Cite book</ref> Jawbox's first compilation appearance was with the song "Bullet Park", which was included on Maximumrocknroll magazine's 1989 compilation album, They Don't Get Paid, They Don't Get Laid, But Boy Do They Work Hard!. The trio released a self-titled demo EP in late 1989 on their own, followed by a reissue on Slamdek Records. In early 1990, they released the single "Tools & Chrome". The single was their first use of the name DeSoto Records. DeSoto was an independent record label that was initially created by the band Edsel, and after Edsel distanced themselves from the business aspects, Jawbox took control of it which later grew in size. "Tools & Chrome" was also distributed by the independent punk rock label Dischord Records, although the band continued to utilize their own label DeSoto for various distribution purposes.
In 1991, the band released their full-length debut album Grippe, which was also issued by Dischord. Grippe featured both newly written material and re-recordings of older tracks. They also released a split single with the band Jawbreaker for the independent label Selfless Records, and both bands' contributions were cover songs exclusive to the release. Shortly after the release of Grippe, Wade's friend and roommate Bill Barbot joined the band as an additional guitarist and singer. Jawbox supported the album by playing shows alongside bands such as Superchunk, Corrosion of Conformity, Fuel, and others. The band went on their first major tour alongside Helmet during the second half of 1991 as Helmet was touring behind their debut album as well, Strap It On.<ref name="grubbsbook" />
Barbot's first appearance in the studio with Jawbox was on the "Tongues" single, released in early 1992. A few months later the band released their second album Novelty, again on Dischord. The album spawned the band's first music video, "Cutoff". To support Novelty, Jawbox went on tour with Shudder to Think again. Prior to and during the tour, Wade became frustrated with the band's internal struggles, such as Coletta and Robbins ending their relationship, in the aftermath of which Coletta and Barbot started a romantic relationship, followed by Robbins' subsequent erratic behavior. Immediately after the tour ended, Wade departed from Jawbox and quickly joined Shudder to Think as their drummer.<ref name="grubbsbook" />
Wade was replaced by drummer Zach Barocas, a friend of the band that had conveniently been living in the band's home building already. Barocas' unique drumming style became central to the band's signature sound, and his joining also prompted the band to work more collectively as a whole.<ref>[1] Template:Webarchive</ref>
Signing to Atlantic, For Your Own Special Sweetheart, and Jawbox (1993–1996)Edit
Jawbox then made a series of compilation appearances and released various one-off singles, including a split single with the band Tar in 1993, in which Tar covered the Jawbox song "Static" and Jawbox covered the Tar song also titled "Static". Jawbox then signed with the major label Atlantic Records later in 1993. Due to Jawbox's active involvement with their own label DeSoto, the band requested unusual clauses for their contract with Atlantic, such as retaining the rights to distribute vinyl and controlling their own recording budget. To the surprise of the band, Atlantic agreed to the terms.<ref name="grubbsbook" /><ref name="wpinterview" />
Jawbox released their third album For Your Own Special Sweetheart in early 1994. The album peaked at #28 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart and it sold roughly 50,000 copies overall. The first single released was "Savory", which became one of the band's most recognizable songs. It was aired regularly on MTV's 120 Minutes program and also appeared in an episode of Beavis and Butt-Head. The band made an in-studio appearance at 120 Minutes for a televised segment and they also made an appearance on an episode of Late Night With Conan O'Brien, playing "Savory" in both instances. They also recorded a radio session for John Peel, typically known as Peel Sessions. A second single and music video, "Cooling Card", was issued as well, but received minimal attention overall. Throughout 1994, the band toured as the openers for Atlantic labelmates Stone Temple Pilots to support For Your Own Special Sweetheart.<ref name="grubbsbook" />
In 1995, Jawbox released a split live album with Leatherface on the German independent label Your Choice Records, titled as Your Choice Live Series. The following year, Atlantic moved Jawbox to TAG Recordings, a new subsidiary label imprint that Atlantic created to house its alternative rock artists. The band then began recording sessions with producer John Agnello for their 1996 album Jawbox (not to be confused with their earlier self-titled releases of the same name on Dischord and Slamdek). "Mirrorful" was the first single and video to be released, and the video premiered on 120 Minutes. A cover of the Tori Amos song "Cornflake Girl" was included as a hidden track on Jawbox and was subsequently issued as a promotional single. The band was also the first act to play at the 1996 version of the large HFStival. They then toured throughout 1996 and played alongside bands such as Nada Surf and Rocket From the Crypt. Although the Jawbox album was viewed favorably, minimal estimations of the album's sales lingered around 40,000 total and the TAG imprint also folded shortly afterwards. In early 1997 Jawbox and Atlantic/TAG mutually agreed to part ways.<ref name="grubbsbook" />
Disbandment, other projects, and brief reformation (1997–2018)Edit
Barocas then moved to New York City to attend film school at Hunter College. Drummer Peter Moffett (previously from Government Issue and Wool) was brought in as his replacement and the band had started to plan a tour of Europe; however, the tour plans were scrapped and Jawbox formally disbanded later in 1997.<ref name="grubbsbook" /> Jawbox officially released the compilation My Scrapbook of Fatal Accidents in 1998 on the DeSoto label, which consisted of b-sides, outtakes, songs recorded for the 1994 Peel Sessions, live tracks, and cover songs.
After the band's split, Barbot and Coletta married later on in 1997. Robbins and Barbot also formed the band Burning Airlines with Moffett. Burning Airlines released two albums, in 1999 and 2001. During their tour in 2001, the 9/11 attacks happened in the midst of their tour, and as such, many promoters and venues refused to display the band's name. Burning Airlines later abruptly broke up in 2002. In 1998, Barocas formed The Up on In which, like Burning Airlines, broke up quickly thereafter. He later joined the band Bells≥ and had started to publish the online literary journal The Cultural Society.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Barbot also became the owner of Threespot, a Washington, D.C. web agency.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Coletta gave birth to a son in 2001, although Barbot and Coletta later divorced shortly after 2009.<ref name="pettigrew" /> Coletta also continued to run DeSoto on a more permanent basis, and later became a substitute teacher in Bethesda, MD. Although Wade initially left Shudder to Think in 1996, he later rejoined them in 2008, remaining in the band until 2013. Wade was also involved with numerous other bands such as Sweet 75, The Jealous Sound, Film School, among others. Robbins became a producer with extensive credits to his name, working with artists such as Texas Is the Reason, Jets to Brazil, Shiner, Against Me!, Clutch, and many more.
On October 7, 2009, Jawbox announced that the band would reform for a one-off performance on the December 8, 2009 episode of Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.<ref>[2] Template:Webarchive</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The performance was meant to mark the reissue of their 1994 album For Your Own Special Sweetheart and was their first show since 1997. The broadcast saw the band performing the song "Savory", with additional footage posted online of the band performing "68" and "FF=66".<ref>[3] Template:Webarchive</ref> Robbins stated that the band would not play any concerts at that time outside of the Late Night appearance, thus putting to rest rumors of a full-fledged reunion.<ref>[4] Template:Webarchive</ref>
Reunion and lineup change (2019–present)Edit
In January 2019, the band announced their official reunion with a 12 date summer tour. It was followed up by various other tours and shows.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In August 2021, Jawbox announced that Barbot was leaving the band, citing the long commute from Barbot's new home in Vermont. He was replaced by Brooks Harlan, the guitarist and co-founder of the band War on Women and a long-time musical collaborator of Robbins.<ref name="JawboxFacebookHarlanAnnouncement">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:Cbignore</ref>
On July 8, 2022, Jawbox released The Revisionist EP, which consisted of two Grippe re-recordings ("Grip" and "Consolation Prize") plus a Wire cover ("Lowdown"). The Revisionist EP marked the band's first new studio material in 26 years along with the first appearance of Harlan as a member.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
LegacyEdit
Jawbox has had an outsized impact on underground music, influencing such bands as Motion City Soundtrack,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Jim Ward of At the Drive-In and Sparta,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Braid,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> the Jazz June,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Lemuria,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and Pilot to Gunner.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
MembersEdit
Current members
- J. Robbins – lead vocals, guitars, organ (1989–1997, 2009, 2019–present)
- Kim Coletta – bass, backing vocals (1989–1997, 2009, 2019–present)
- Zach Barocas – drums, percussion (1992–1997, 2009, 2019–present)
- Brooks Harlan – guitars, backing vocals (2021–present)
Former members
- Adam Wade – drums, percussion (1989–1992)
- Bill Barbot – guitars, organ, saxophone, backing vocals (1991–1997, 2009, 2019–2021)
Timeline <timeline> ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:18 PlotArea = left:90 bottom:60 top:0 right:20 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy Period = from:01/01/1989 till:{{#time:m/d/Y}} TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Colors =
id:Vocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals id:Guitar value:green legend:Guitars id:Bass value:blue legend:Bass id:Drums value:orange legend:Drums id:album value:black legend:Studio_album id:ep value:gray(0.5) legend:EP
Legend = orientation:horizontal position:bottom
ScaleMajor = increment:3 start:1989 ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1989
LineData =
layer:back color:album at:05/03/1991 at:05/01/1992 at:02/08/1994 at:07/02/1996 color:ep at:12/12/1989 at:07/08/2022
BarData =
bar:Robbins text:"James Robbins" bar:Barbot text:"Bill Barbot" bar:Harlan text:"Brooks Harlan" bar:Coletta text:"Kim Coletta" bar:Wade text:"Adam Wade" bar:Barocas text:"Zach Barocas"
PlotData=
width:11 textcolor:green align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4) bar:Robbins from:start till:04/09/1997 color:Vocals bar:Robbins from:10/08/2009 till:12/08/2009 color:Vocals bar:Robbins from:01/14/2019 till:end color:Vocals bar:Robbins from:start till:04/09/1997 color:Guitar width:3 bar:Robbins from:10/08/2009 till:12/08/2009 color:Guitar width:3 bar:Robbins from:01/14/2019 till:end color:Guitar width:3 bar:Barbot from:08/01/1991 till:04/09/1997 color:Guitar bar:Barbot from:10/08/2009 till:12/08/2009 color:Guitar bar:Barbot from:01/14/2019 till:08/01/2021 color:Guitar bar:Harlan from:08/01/2021 till:end color:Guitar bar:Coletta from:start till:04/09/1997 color:Bass bar:Coletta from:10/08/2009 till:12/08/2009 color:Bass bar:Coletta from:01/14/2019 till:end color:Bass bar:Wade from:start till:08/29/1992 color:Drums bar:Barocas from:08/29/1992 till:04/09/1997 color:Drums bar:Barocas from:10/08/2009 till:12/08/2009 color:Drums bar:Barocas from:01/14/2019 till:end color:Drums
</timeline>
DiscographyEdit
Studio albumsEdit
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Grippe | |
| Novelty |
|
| For Your Own Special Sweetheart |
|
| Jawbox |
|
Extended playsEdit
| Title | EP details |
|---|---|
| Jawbox |
|
| The Revisionist EP |
|
SinglesEdit
| Year | Song | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | "Tools & Chrome" | Grippe |
| 1991 | "Air Waves Dreams" Template:Small | Non-album single |
| 1992 | "Tongues"/"Ones and Zeroes" | Novelty |
| 1993 | "Falk" Template:Small | Non-album single |
| "Static" Template:Small | ||
| "Motorist"/"Jackpot Plus!" | For Your Own Special Sweetheart | |
| 1994 | "Savory" | |
| "Cooling Card" | ||
| 1995 | "Absenter" | Jawbox |
| 1996 | "Mirrorful" | |
| "His Only Trade" | ||
| "Cornflake Girl" Template:Small |
CompilationsEdit
- Your Choice Live Series – Your Choice Records (1995); (live LP split w/ Leatherface)
- My Scrapbook of Fatal Accidents – DeSoto Records (1998)
Other appearancesEdit
- They Don't Get Paid, They Don't Get Laid, But Boy Do They Work Hard! – Maximumrocknroll (1989); "Bullet Park"
- Surprise Your Pig: A Tribute to R.E.M. – Staple Gun Records (1992); "Low"
- Chairman of the Board: Interpretations of Songs Made Famous by Frank Sinatra – Grass Records (1993); "I've Got You Under My Skin"
- The Machines: 1990–1993 – Simple Machines Records (1994); "Footbinder"
- Jabberjaw No. 2 – Mammoth Records (1994); "Chump II"
- Dope-Guns-'N-Fucking in the Streets Volume 8 – Amphetamine Reptile Records (1994); "Lowstrung"
- Our Band Could Be Your Life: A Tribute to D Boon and The Minutemen – Little Brother Records (1994); "It's Expected I'm Gone"
- Give Me the Cure – Radiopaque Recordings/Corduroy Records (1995); "Meathook"
VideographyEdit
- "Cutoff" (1992)
- "Savory" (1994)
- "Cooling Card" (1994)
- "Mirrorful" (1996)
- "Cornflake Girl" (1996)