Manhole (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Headquarters | Houston, Texas , United States |
| Products | Punk rock and hard rock music |
Manhole was a punk rock group originating from Houston, Texas, in the United States.
History
The band Manhole came together in Houston during the summer of 1991 when bassist Eev Rodriguez encountered drummer Joanne at Pik n Pak and was invited to join an all-female ensemble. Initial rehearsals included Joanne, guitarist Leah, and Rodriguez performing cover songs before the addition of vocalist Allison Gibson. Following creative disagreements, Leah and Joanne departed, prompting Rodriguez to transition from bass to guitar while bassist Chris Nine joined in 1992. The group secured a deal with Direct Hit Records, a local independent label with which Rodriguez had existing ties. After several changes in drummers, Beth Shaffer became the band's steady percussionist.
In late 1992, Manhole released a three-track EP that garnered favorable reviews in national fanzines. Although the EP achieved notable sales internationally, the band chose not to distribute it to record labels, aiming instead for a more impactful release. Their self-titled debut album, originally slated for summer 1993, faced delays due to difficulties within Houston's music industry and ultimately launched on November 25, 1994, marked by a release event at Fitzgerald's. The Houston Press recognized it as one of the top local albums of 1994. Financial troubles following Direct Hit's bankruptcy led to Manhole's dissolution in August 1995.
In 1997, Manhole prevailed in a copyright infringement case against a Los Angeles-based band that had adopted the same name; that group subsequently changed their name to Tura Satana (band). This legal action was initiated by Gibson and Rodriguez after confrontations during two Houston performances in late 1996. The resolution mandated that the opposing band's label relinquish all merchandise and recordings bearing the Manhole name, which were intended for destruction.
Manhole reunited on several occasions for special shows in Houston: December 2005 during the Island of the Misfit Boytoys concert celebrating female punk artists; February 2011 and August 2012 in connection with the documentary When We Ruled H-Town, which focused on Houston's music scene of the 1990s; as well as reunion concerts held in 2016 and 2023.
Musical style
Manhole’s sound encompassed punk rock and hard rock genres, evolving from straightforward three-chord punk into a more intense musical style. Their songwriting tackled socially charged themes including racism, sexism, incest, and rape. In 1993, Rodriguez remarked that although the band embraced feminist ideals and social consciousness, they did not associate themselves with the riot grrrl movement.
Band members
Final lineup
- Allison Gibson – lead vocals (1991–1995, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2023)
- Eev Rodriguez – guitar and vocals (1992–1995, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2023), bass (1991–1992)
- Chris Nine – bass and vocals (1992–1995, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2023)
- Beth Shaffer – drums (1993–1995, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2023)
Former members
- Leah – guitar (1991–1992)
- Joanne – drums (1991–1992)
- D. Lavon – drums (1992–1993)
Studio albums
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Manhole |
|
Extended plays
| Title | Information |
|---|---|
| Final Blow |
|