Garden Variety (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Defunct | 1996 |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
Garden Variety was a post-hardcore group from the United States that gained prominence during the 1990s. Their musical style drew inspiration from lesser-known bands such as Soul Asylum, Squirrel Bait, and Jawbox.[1]
Throughout their career, they issued multiple 7-inch singles along with two full-length albums: their eponymous debut in 1993 and Knocking the Skill Level in 1994, before ultimately disbanding in 1996.
History
In 1991, Anthony Roman and Anthony Rizzo placed an advertisement in a Long Island punk publication searching for a drummer. Joe Gorelick answered the call, completing the lineup. The trio quickly established a strong rapport, leading to songwriting, live performances, and tours alongside groups such as Dahlia Seed, Native Nod, and Hoover. Garden Variety contributed tracks to a SoundViews magazine CD compilation as well as the Homage tribute CD dedicated to the Descendents, sharing the latter with bands like Pavement. Actress Janeane Garofalo conducted an interview with the band for the 1995 "7-Up listen up" series. They also appeared on compilations including Lookout Records' Punk Rock USA featuring Jawbreaker and Anti Matter, which included appearances by Texas is the Reason and Quicksand. The band was featured in several VHS compilation releases between 1995 and 1996. In Spring 1996, they were interviewed by Vogue magazine. However, later that year, creative differences regarding their musical direction caused them to part ways.[1]
Post break-up
Following the dissolution of Garden Variety, Anthony Rizzo collaborated with Rockets Red Glare and Radio 4, contributed recordings with members of The Bogmen through Vic Thrill, co-founded Little Embers with his wife Theresa Hoffman, and composed the main theme for IFC's series Maron.
Joe Gorelick went on to perform and record with acts such as Bluetip, Sugarhigh, The St. James Stars, Retisonic, Marah, and Red Hare.
Band members
- Anthony Roman – bass guitar, lead vocals
- Anthony Rizzo – guitar
- Joe Gorelick – drums, harmony vocals
Studio albums
- Garden Variety (1993, Gern Blandsten)
- Knocking The Skill Level (1995, Cargo/Headhunter)
Singles and EPs
- Hedge (1992, MintTone)
- Split release with Dahlia Seed (1994, MintTone)
- Split release with Hell No (1995, Reservoir)
- Split release with Chune (1995, Cargo)
- Split release with Jejune (1997, Montalban Hotel Records/Big Wheel Recreation)