Comet (band)
| Company type | Indie rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1993 in Mesquite, Texas, United States |
| Founder | Jim Stone, Neil Stone, Daniel Huffman, Josh Garza |
| Headquarters | Dallas, Texas , United States |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Comet is a Dallas, Texas-area indie rock group that originated in 1993 in the suburb of Mesquite. Their sound, characterized by noise pop elements with clear Beatles influences, was shaped by the founding members: vocalist and guitarist Jim Stone, bassist Neil Stone, guitarist Daniel Huffman, and drummer Josh Garza. Their first single, "Portrait," was recorded in 1993 under the production of David Baker, formerly of Mercury Rev. After signing with Dedicated Records, a branch of Arista Records, they joined a roster featuring artists such as Spiritualized, Beth Orton, and the Cranes. With Baker once again producing, Comet launched their debut album Chandelier Musings in late 1996. The band maintained an active touring schedule from 1995 through 1997 until a vehicular accident involving their tour van precipitated the dissolution of the initial lineup.
Early history
PARK Sooyoung from Chicago’s Seam played a pivotal role in connecting Comet with producer David Baker. In 1994, Baker produced their single "Rocket Flare," released via Last Beat Records. Although originating from a Dallas suburb, the band established themselves in Denton, Texas, immersing in the local underground community centered around the Melodica Festival. They supported regional tours for groups such as Bedhead, Tripping Daisy, Swirlies, Sixteen Deluxe, and Mercury Rev.
With Baker’s guidance, Comet embarked on an East Coast tour alongside Duluth’s Low, performing in New York City and building momentum that led to a contract with UK-based Dedicated Records. Early in 1996, they recorded Chandelier Musings at OZ Studios located in Baltimore. The band continued extensive touring with acts including Acetone, Apples in Stereo, and the Lilys, making appearances at prominent festivals such as SXSW and CMJ. Unfortunately, a tour-van crash on an icy highway near Minneapolis played a significant role in their breakup in 1997.
Feathers from the Wing and hiatus
Following a seven-year period of inactivity, brothers Jim and Neil Stone reunited with Michael Castillo on drums and J.D. Wittwer on bass to release the lo-fi EP Feathers from the Wing through Spune Records in 2005. The group performed several shows across Texas before entering an indefinite hiatus starting in 2006.
Discography
- Albums
- Chandelier Musings (1997, Dedicated)
- EPs and singles
- "Portrait" / "Rocket Flare" (1994, Last Beat)
- Comet EP (1995, Atomic Sound)
- Feathers from the Wing (2005, Spune)