Much the Same
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founder | Chris "Gunner" McGrath, Andy Simon, Mike "Mook" Snoreck |
| Defunct | 2024-07-08 |
| Headquarters | Chicago suburbs , United States |
| Products | Punk rock music, albums |
Much The Same was a punk rock group originating from the suburbs of Chicago, recognized for their rapid, melodic skate punk style influenced by 1990s acts such as NOFX, Lagwagon, and No Use for a Name.
Initially formed in 1999 under the name Don't Look Down, the band adopted the Much The Same moniker in 2001 following a legal conflict. Their debut album, Quitters Never Win, was released through A-F Records in 2003, followed by Survive in 2006.
After completing their inaugural European tour, the band dissolved in April 2007 but briefly reunited in 2011 for a sold-out farewell performance. They came together once more in 2015 and issued their final record, Everything is Fine, in July 2019. On July 8, 2024, Much The Same declared their official disbandment.
History
The band was founded in 1999 by lead vocalist and guitarist Chris "Gunner" McGrath, bassist Andy Simon, and drummer Mike "Mook" Snoreck. Following several lineup shifts—including Adam Mufich taking over bass duties and Frank Tsoukalas succeeding him—the group solidified their roster in 2001 with Dan O'Gorman joining on guitar and adopting the name Much The Same.
A demo recorded in December 2001 led to a contract with Anti-Flag's A-F Records, culminating in their first full-length album Quitters Never Win (2003), produced by Dan Precision. This release elevated their standing alongside bands like Bad Religion, Thrice, and Rise Against. They performed at Warped Tour Chicago events during 2002 and 2003 and won the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands competition in 2003, which secured them sponsorship and slots on the Warped Tour in 2004.
In 2004, drummer Snoreck departed and was succeeded by Jevin Kaye as the band commenced work on their sophomore album. With introductions from friends in A Wilhelm Scream, they signed to Nitro Records and launched Survive in 2006. This release broadened their fanbase and was also made available in Japan featuring a bonus track.
Following McGrath’s exit after a European tour in 2007, the band disbanded. They reassembled in 2015 with drummer Mike Ford to perform at Groezrock Festival. Jevin Kaye returned as the full-time drummer by 2017 for South American tours supporting Face to Face and Ignite. During Dan O'Gorman’s cancer treatment, John Feliciano filled in on guitar before becoming a permanent member.
Their third studio effort, Everything Is Fine (2019), was self-released and recorded by Nick Diener of The Swellers. Most of the songwriting originated from O'Gorman during his illness. Vinyl editions were distributed through Thousand Islands Records (Canada), Lockjaw Records (UK), and Pee Records (Australia).
In 2020, Quitters Never Win saw a vinyl and digital reissue with an updated mix; subsequently, Survive was reissued on vinyl via Concord Music.
On July 8, 2024, Much The Same announced their definitive breakup citing growing anxiety and practical difficulties associated with sustaining a part-time band across multiple states.
Final line-up
- Chris "Gunner" McGrath – vocals, guitar (1999–2007, 2011, 2015–2024)
- Franky Tsoukalas – bass, vocals (2001–2007, 2011, 2015–2024)
- Dan O'Gorman – guitar, vocals (2001–2007, 2011, 2015–2024)
- Jevin Kaye – drums (2003–2007, 2011, 2017–2024)
- John Feliciano – guitar (2021–2024)
Former members
- Mike Ford – drums (2015–2017)
- Mike "Mook" Snoreck – drums (1999–2003)
- Andy Simon – bass (1999), guitar and vocals (2000–2001)
- Adam Mufich – bass and vocals (1999–2001)
- Matt Haraburda – guitar (2001)
Studio albums
- Quitters Never Win (2003, A-F Records)
- Survive (2006, Nitro Records)
- Everything Is Fine (2019, Lockjaw Records, Thousand Islands Records, Pee Records)
Extended plays
- Caught Off Guard EP (2001, Tank Records)
Compilations
- Fun With Dirt: The Greatest Bands You've Never Heard (1999, Fun With Dirt Records)
- "Father & Son" (Original Version)
- Fun With Dirt 2: Songs You'll Like If You Have Good Taste (2000, Fun With Dirt Records)
- "Sample"
- 2 Sugar Sampler Vol. 2 (2002, Jumpstart Records)
- "Quitters Never Win" (Demo)
- "One of a Kind" (Demo)
- I Killed Punk Rock (2006, Bouncing Betty Records)
- "The Greatest Betrayal" (Demo)
- HAIR: Chicago Punk Cuts (2006, Thick Records)
- "The Greatest Betrayal" (Alternate demo)
- A Fat Wreck: The Compilation (2015)
- "Making Friends" (Lagwagon cover)
Trivia
- The track "Wish" incorporates a line from the movie Boondock Saints.
- "Moto" contains a quote taken from the film That Thing You Do!.
- The name "Miss the Pain" was derived from a phrase in the movie Swingers.
- The Japanese edition of Survive features an additional song titled "Seasons Change," with guest contributions on vocals and guitar by Nick Diener, frontman of The Swellers.