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Archers of Loaf

From Alfawiki
Archers of Loaf
Company typeIndie rock band
IndustryMusic
Founded1991 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, U.S.
FounderEric Bachmann, Eric Johnson, Matt Gentling, Mark Price
Headquarters
Chapel Hill
,
United States
ProductsStudio albums, live albums, EPs, singles
Websitewww.archersofloaf.com

Archers of Loaf is a U.S.-based indie rock ensemble that originated in Chapel Hill, North Carolina in 1991. Prior to their 1998 split, the band produced four studio albums, a compilation record, multiple singles and EPs, as well as a live album. They reunited in 2011 to support a tour coinciding with the re-release of four albums through Merge Records. In July 2022, they revealed plans for their first new album in almost 25 years, titled Reason in Decline, which was issued by Merge Records in October.

Formation and early period (1991–1995)

Archers of Loaf was established in the early 1990s by vocalist/guitarist Eric Bachmann, guitarist Eric Johnson, bassist Matt Gentling, and drummer Mark Price, all hailing from Asheville, North Carolina. Prior to committing fully to music, Bachmann studied saxophone at Appalachian State University.

Their initial release came in 1992 with the single "Wrong" backed with "South Carolina," which was distributed alongside an issue of Stay Free! magazine. After signing with Alias Records, they issued the single "Web in Front" in February 1993, achieving moderate rotation on college radio stations. This song later appeared on the soundtrack for the 1995 film Mallrats and was featured on Beavis and Butt-Head.

The band’s debut album, Icky Mettle, released in September 1993, received widespread critical praise, earning an "A" grade from critic Robert Christgau. It maintained a position on the CMJ New Music Monthly Top 150 Album charts for 21 weeks, reaching as high as No. 18. "Web in Front" was subsequently recognized as one of the top 500 songs of recent decades in The Pitchfork 500.

In 1994, Archers of Loaf released the EP Vs the Greatest of All Time. Their sophomore album, Vee Vee (1995), retained a similar sound and featured "Harnessed in Slums," which gained popularity on college radio. Although Maverick Records—a Warner Music Group subsidiary—expressed interest in signing the band, Archers of Loaf declined due to existing commitments with Alias and concerns about Maverick’s artist lineup. Gentling remarked on the mismatch between their style and Maverick’s roster, which included acts like Candlebox and Alanis Morissette.

In 1995, Archers of Loaf toured as an opening act for Weezer, though their musical style did not fully connect with Weezer’s audience. Gentling commented on the difficulties support bands often face regarding venue staff and audience reception. The following year saw the release of The Speed of Cattle, a compilation featuring B-sides, singles, and recordings from John Peel sessions.

Final phase and dissolution (1996–1998)

Their third studio effort, All the Nation's Airports (1996), presented a more accessible sound compared to earlier albums and was their first release distributed by a major label—Elektra Records—while still under contract with Alias. The album was recorded over a three-week period in Seattle—the longest studio session they had undertaken—with Gentling explaining that they concentrated on tone and instrument accuracy rather than multiple retakes.

Despite extensive touring, commercial success remained limited. Bachmann reflected on their experience: "We returned feeling dissatisfied with how [the tour] unfolded... wondering what our next steps should be." The group considered disbanding but ultimately decided to persevere in hopes of regaining creative momentum.

Their final album before disbandment, White Trash Heroes (1998), marked a notable change in musical direction and received mixed critical reactions. The recording process involved layering individual tracks separately to achieve clarity. To stimulate creativity during songwriting, members occasionally exchanged instruments on tracks such as "Banging on a Dead Drum." This approach made live performances more challenging; Bachmann noted that some songs remained unlearned throughout the tour.

During this period, guitarist Eric Johnson missed several shows due to his day job commitments; Brian Causey from Man or Astro-man? stepped in as his replacement. After bassist Mark Price underwent treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, the band ultimately chose to disband later that year.

Post-breakup endeavors

Following the band's dissolution, Bachmann embarked on solo ventures and established the group Crooked Fingers. Gentling participated in tours with North Carolina's Superchunk and briefly performed live bass for Band of Horses, the Poles, and Analog Moon, while also collaborating with Bachmann within Crooked Fingers. Johnson independently released both an EP and a full album under the name "Spookie" (initially Spookie J) and pursued legal studies in North Carolina. He remains active in performing and recording. In 2000, Alias issued Seconds Before the Accident, Archers of Loaf's inaugural official live album, captured during their final concert at the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro; this marked their concluding release.

Reunion (2011–present)

On January 15, 2011, Archers of Loaf reassembled unexpectedly to perform at The Cat's Cradle in Carrboro, serving as the opening act for The Love Language. In May of that year, they appeared at the Sasquatch! Music Festival, with their performance recorded by NPR Music and KEXP-FM. Later in 2011, they took part in England’s ATP Nightmare Before Christmas festival, curated by Les Savy Fav. On June 25, 2011, the band made an appearance on NBC's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Throughout 2011 and 2012, they toured while Merge Records reissued their previous catalog.

Bachmann reflected on his changing connection to the band’s songs: whereas his early motivation was personal fulfillment and youthful confidence at age 20, he now prioritizes audience experience over attempting to replicate former emotions. Concerning new recordings, Bachmann did not dismiss the possibility of an album but stressed it must signify artistic growth rather than a rehash of earlier material: "The worst thing... is to force something out... It’s not out of the question... No one wants to do 'Icky Mettle 2.'"

The 2012 documentary What Did You Expect?, directed by Gorman Bechard, documented their August 2011 concerts at The Cat's Cradle. In 2015, they issued Curse of the Loaf, a double live album produced by Brian Paulson, which included memorabilia such as the original concert poster and film.

During a 2018 interview, Bachmann confirmed unanimous enthusiasm among members for reunion and new compositions: "Oh yeah, everybody wants to do it — I just have to write the songs." In November 2019, they hinted at upcoming music through a YouTube video titled "The Return Of The Loaf."

On February 20, 2020, Archers of Loaf released "Raleigh Days" digitally—their first new track since 1998.

On July 13, 2022, they announced Reason in Decline, their first studio album in 24 years, set for release on October 21 via Merge Records. The announcement included the lead single "In the Surface Noise" along with East Coast tour dates scheduled for late 2022. The subsequent single "Screaming Undercover" premiered in August accompanied by an animated video created by Paul Friedrich (comic artist).

Albums

EPs and other compilations

Singles

  • "Wrong"/"South Carolina" (Stay Free, 1992)
  • The Loaf's Revenge (includes "Web in Front"/"Bathroom"/"Tatyana") (Alias, 1993)
  • Might (Alias, 1993)
  • The Results After the Loaf's Revenge (features "What Did You Expect?"/"Ethel Merman") (Merge, 1994)
  • "Telepathic Traffic"/"Angel Scraper" split with Monsterland (Radiopaque, 1994)
  • "Funnelhead"/"Quinnbeast" split with Treepeople (Sonic Bubblegum, 1994)
  • "Harnessed in Slums"/"Telepathic Traffic" (Alias, 1995)
  • "Mutes in the Steeple"/"Smoking Pot in the Hot City" (Esther, 1995)
  • "Vocal Shrapnel"/"Density" (Alias, 1996)
  • "Jive Kata" (Alias, 1997)
  • "Raleigh Days" (Merge, 2020)
  • "Talking Over Talk"/"Cruel Reminder" (Merge, 2020)
  • "Street Fighting Man" (Merge, 2020)
  • "In the Surface Noise" (Merge, 2022)
  • "Screaming Undercover" (Merge, 2022)

In popular culture

  • In the Archer episode titled "Heart of Archness," lead character Sterling Archer calls his lacrosse team the "Archers of Loafcrosse." The show’s creator Adam Reed is an alumnus of UNC.
  • The track "South Carolina" was featured on the My So-Called Life soundtrack.
  • "Web in Front" appeared on the soundtrack for the film Mallrats and its music video was broadcast on Beavis and Butt-head.
  • Australian indie rock band Jebediah referenced Archers of Loaf in their song "Jerks of Attention."
  • The song "Harnessed in Slums" was included in the soundtrack for The Boys Club.
  • Lyrics from "Chumming the Ocean" were incorporated into Long Island band Brand New's track "I Will Play My Game Beneath the Spin Light."
  • Posters featuring Archers of Loaf appear in the movies Road Trip and Hackers.
  • The song "White Trash Heroes" was part of Zero's "Dying To Live (2002)" video.
  • Andy Jackson, formerly fronting Hot Rod Circuit, established Death In The Park in 2008—a band named after an Archers of Loaf song.

External links

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