Breaking Pangaea
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | January 2000 |
| Defunct | 2004 |
| Fate | Disbanded; brief reunion in 2019 |
| Headquarters | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania , United States |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
Number of employees | 3 |
| Website | myspace |
Breaking Pangaea was an emo pop group originating from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, active mainly between 2000 and 2003. The band cultivated a loyal following within the college music scene. Their initial releases—a debut EP and full-length album—were issued through Undecided Records, with their concluding EP released by Equal Vision Records.
History
The band was established in January 2000 by drummer Will Noon, then 18 years old, alongside guitarist and vocalist Fred Mascherino and bassist Clint Stelfox. Their first live performance took place shortly after formation. In September 2000, they launched their debut EP Take Apart the Words under Undecided Records, which supported a year-long series of self-organized tours.
Their first album, Cannon to a Whisper, was unveiled in the autumn of 2001. Produced by Mike Fanuele and recorded in College Park, Maryland, this release struck a chord with college audiences and achieved the position of #23 on the College Music Chart. Throughout 2002, Breaking Pangaea embarked on extensive touring, including opening slots for bands such as Recover, Coheed and Cambria, and Further Seems Forever, as well as leading their own U.S. tour towards the end of the year.
In early 2003, the group supported Hey Mercedes and shared tours with bands like Brazil and Taking Back Sunday. Additional tours included performances alongside Armor for Sleep, This Day Forward, and Northstar, culminating in an appearance at the Skate and Surf Festival.
On May 6, 2003, the band recorded their final EP entitled Phoenix at Big Blue Meenie Studios—recognized for collaborations with Taking Back Sunday and Thursday—released via Equal Vision Records. After several canceled shows with Brand New and Onelinedrawing, they toured with Rx Bandits during the summer of that year. The band dissolved following Mascherino’s integration into Taking Back Sunday as a guitarist. Subsequently, Noon joined Straylight Run with former Taking Back Sunday members John Nolan and Shaun Cooper, while Stelfox engaged in projects including Maryland-based acts Zella Mayzell and Amarie Coma.
In January 2004, Breaking Pangaea performed at Philadelphia’s First Unitarian Church; Mascherino noted this was not intended as their final appearance. Years later, in February 2019, the band announced a singular reunion concert scheduled for April 14 at Ortlieb's in Philadelphia.
Band members
- Fred Mascherino – Guitar, Vocals
- Clint Stelfox – Bass
- Will Noon – Drums
Discography
- Take Apart the Words EP (2000) (Undecided Records)
- Cannon to a Whisper (2001) (Undecided Records)
- Phoenix EP (2003) (Equal Vision Records)