P.E.E.
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Founder | Jim Stanley, Kelly Green |
| Defunct | 1999 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
P.E.E., also referred to as Potentially Egregious Error or simply Pee, was a math rock ensemble originating from San Francisco, California. Their active years spanned from 1993 until 1999, during which they issued two albums: Now, More Charm and More Tender (1996) and The Roaring Mechanism (1999). The group disbanded following the end of the romantic relationship between guitarist/vocalist Jim Stanley and guitarist/co-vocalist Kelly Green, who were partners throughout the band's existence.
History
The band was established in 1993 by Jim Stanley and Kelly Green, initially performing without a formal name before adopting "Pee." They brought on Andee Connors—formerly associated with J Church and A Minor Forest—to handle drums. After several changes in bass players, Tiber Scheer from Lowercase joined, completing the lineup.
P.E.E. shared stages with various California-based rock groups, including emo bands like Boys Life and Jimmy Eat World, and also served as opening act for renowned artists such as Cheap Trick and Neutral Milk Hotel.
Their first album, Now, More Charm and More Tender, was released in 1996 through March Records and received favorable critiques, often compared to acts like Velocity Girl and Archers of Loaf. Some reviewers noted the brevity of the tracks as a drawback. Despite some dissatisfaction with their band name, they issued a 1997 EP under the pseudonym "Miracle Research Center Staff" via Honey Bear Records, which was praised for its layered sound. Around this period, they began using the acronym P.E.E., standing for Potentially Egregious Error.
In 1999, their sophomore album The Roaring Mechanism came out on Absolutely Kosher Records. It attracted mixed reactions due to its experimental nature and incorporation of prog-rock influenced rhythms. After Stanley and Green ended their relationship that same year, the band gradually ceased activity but maintained friendly relations. Their last release was a limited-edition split with indie rock band Fuck (band) in 2000, distributed by Cool Beans! zine.
The group briefly reunited in 2009 to celebrate Tiber Scheer’s anniversary and again in 2010 for a performance at San Francisco’s Noise Pop Festival, which sparked renewed enthusiasm leading to the creation of ImPeRiLs—a project involving Stanley, Connors, and Allan Moon—that produced one album in 2013 before becoming inactive.
In 2017, P.E.E. self-issued Box Demo #2, comprising demos recorded in 1995 prior to their debut album. This collection was re-released in 2022 by Deathbomb Arc under the title i win me over on streaming services and cassette format. In 2023, they unveiled Box Demo #1, featuring recordings from 1994 sessions concurrent with their initial single.
A mini-documentary released in 2023 by YouTuber 108 Mics entitled "A Band Called Pee," which included interviews with former members alongside renewed interest from music platforms such as Rate Your Music, contributed to a resurgence in the band's profile. Currently, Now, More Charm holds the position of sixth-highest rated math pop album on that site.
Style
While the band did not classify themselves within the midwest emo genre, they described their music as "mathy." Stanley referred to their style as "grind pop," highlighting that many songs—especially on Now More Charm—were concise yet composed of numerous intricate sections, whereas The Roaring Mechanism showcased lengthier compositions influenced by progressive rock rhythms.
Members
Current roster
- Jim Stanley (vocals, guitar)
- Kelly Green (vocals, guitar)
- Andee Connors (drums)
- Tiber Scheer (bass, 1996–1999)
Previous members
- Jason Michaud (bass, 1993)
- Bob Albert (bass, 1994–1996)
Studio albums
- Now, More Charm and More Tender (March 1996)
- The Roaring Mechanism (1999, Absolutely Kosher)
- Gar Box Sessions #2 (2017; originally recorded in 1995, re-released as i win me over. by Deathbomb Arc in 2022)
Extended plays
- Miracle Research Center Staff (1997, Honey Bear)
Singles
- "Jonah and the Whale"/"Transplant City" (1994)
- "Salt Garden"/"Icarus the Flat-Footed Pond Bird" (1994)
- "Egghead Billy"/"Turn Key One" (1995)
- Split release with Fuck (2000)
- Box Demo #1 (2023; recorded in 1994)