Across Five Aprils (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | September 1, 2001 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States |
| Defunct | November 1, 2008 |
| Fate | Disbanded in 2008; reunited in 2021 |
| Successor | A Tragedy in Progress (related group) |
| Headquarters | Chattanooga , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Brandon Mullins, Drew Miller, Jason Barry, Zak Towe, Jason Fields |
| Products | Studio albums: A Tragedy in Progress, Collapse, Life Underwater; EPs: Living in the Moment, others |
Number of employees | 5 (current members) (2021–) |
Across Five Aprils (commonly abbreviated as A5A) is a post-hardcore group originating from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Established in September 2001, they secured a contract with Victory Records. Their band name is inspired by the Irene Hunt novel centered on the American Civil War. The ensemble disbanded towards the end of 2008 but reunited in 2021.
Formation, A Tragedy in Progress and Collapse (2001–2007)
Their initial album, A Tragedy in Progress, debuted in May 2003 under Indianola Records. The album's positive reception paved the way for tours alongside bands such as Underoath, My Chemical Romance, Norma Jean, Haste the Day, and Atreyu. Soon after this period, original guitarist Jason Fields exited the lineup.
Following several personnel changes, they issued the EP Living in the Moment, which marked the final release featuring founding members Taylor and Barry, and introduced guitarist Jarrod Smith as Fields' replacement. This EP was recorded at XadeX Studios with producer John Taylor, consistent with their debut. Critics likened their sound to bands including Atreyu, Thrice, Scatter the Ashes, Coalesce, and Converge.
After extensive U.S. touring with groups such as The Banner, they recorded their sophomore full-length album, Collapse. Following its release, the band embarked on numerous tours and signed with Victory Records in July 2007. By this time, Drew Miller had departed, leaving Zak Towe as the only remaining original member. Prior to recording their third album, guitarist Jarrod Smith left and was succeeded by Adam Nordmeyer.
Life Underwater and line-up changes (2007–2008)
On February 19, 2008, Across Five Aprils unveiled their Victory Records debut, Life Underwater. The album’s production was handled by Matt Goldman at Glow in the Dark Studios located in Atlanta, Georgia.
Break up (2008)
The band announced their dissolution on September 22, 2008. They carried out a short farewell tour throughout October and concluded with a final performance in Chattanooga, Tennessee on November 1, 2008.
Reunion and A Tragedy in Progress (2010)
On October 14, 2010, the original members reunited for two concerts held in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Marietta, Georgia. Performing under the name A Tragedy in Progress—a tribute to their debut album—they opted not to use the original band name out of respect for later members. On January 25, 2011, they released a four-track EP titled Going Down with the Ship through Indianola Records. This EP included a reimagined version of "Around the World in a Radio Flyer," renamed "Radio Flyer."
The band revealed plans on September 9, 2011 to enter the studio in December to record a new album for Indianola Records slated for an early 2012 release. Recording sessions were conducted at Echelon Studios with producer Joseph McQueen. Guitarist Jason Fields characterized the forthcoming album as "deeper, both lyrically and musically." The lead single "The Human Condition" premiered for free streaming on May 11, 2012. Their album Mechanical Weather was officially released on August 28, 2012 via Indianola Records.
Reunions (2012, 2021)
On March 31, 2012, Across Five Aprils reunited for a singular performance in Pensacola, Florida. This event marked the first reunion under the band's original name, setting it apart from the 2010 appearances by members performing as A Tragedy in Progress, which later became a distinct group. The lineup for the 2012 reunion represented the era of the band's second album, Collapse, and included Drew Miller and Zak Towe (both from A Tragedy in Progress), alongside Brandon Mullins, Jarrod Smith, and Josh Dycus. The band came together once more in 2021 to play at Furnace Fest and has remained active in live performances since then.
Band members
Current members
- Brandon Mullins – lead vocals (2004–2008, 2021–present)
- Drew Miller – drums and percussion (2001–2007, 2021–present)
- Jason Barry – bass guitar (2001–2004, 2021–present)
- Zak Towe – guitar (2001–2008, 2021–present)
- Jason Fields – guitar and vocals (2001–2003, 2021–present)
Former members
- Steve Wooteon – drums and percussion (2007–2008)
- Jarrod Smith – guitar (2003–2007)
- Steve Taylor – lead vocals (2002–2004)
- Josh Dycus – bass guitar (2004–2008)
- Adam Nordmeyer – guitar (2007–2008)
Timeline
Studio albums
- A Tragedy in Progress, released May 20, 2003 – Indianola
- Collapse, released July 11, 2006 – Indianola
- Life Underwater, released February 19, 2008 – Victory
EPs
- Twenty-Three Minutes and Thirty-Four Seconds of Scenic City Rock N' Roll, March 2002
- Self-Titled EP, October 2002
- Living in the Moment, released September 14, 2004 – Indianola Records