Pele (American band)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Founder | Chris Rosenau, Scott Schoenbeck, Jon Mueller |
| Headquarters | Milwaukee , United States |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Pele is an instrumental post-rock ensemble originating from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, established in 1997 by guitarist Chris Rosenau, bassist Scott Schoenbeck, and drummer Jon Mueller. Their sound continually transformed over time, making it difficult to categorize; while initially described as post-rock, later audiences recognized elements of jazz characterized by "agile" guitar work, "fluid" bass lines, and "darting" drum patterns incorporating syncopated handclaps, vocal textures, and electronic enhancements.
Following a period of seven years that included thirteen releases and numerous tours across the United States and abroad, Pele concluded their initial phase with a final tour during the winter of 2004. Afterward, members engaged in various musical ventures such as The Promise Ring, Paris, Texas, New Rising Sons, Volcano Choir, and Collections of Colonies of Bees.
In 2014, Mueller, Rosenau, and Tennessen reunited the group to open for fellow Polyvinyl artists American Football at their New Year's Eve performance in Chicago. This reunion was followed by a Milwaukee appearance in April 2015 at the Cactus Club.
Band members
- Jon Mueller – percussion, drums
- Chris Rosenau – guitar
- Scott Schoenbeck – bass guitar
- Scott Beschta – keyboards
- Jon Minor – sampler, guitar, tambourine
- Matt Tennessen – bass
Partial discography
- Teaching the History of Teaching Geography (1998, Star Star Stereo Records)
- People Living with Animals. Animals Kill People (1998, Star Star Stereo Records)
- Elephant (1999, Sign Language Records)
- The Nudes (2000, Polyvinyl Records)
- Realize It (2001, Crouton Music)
- Enemies (2002, Polyvinyl Records)
- Pele/Rhythm of Black Lines (split 2003, Sixgunlover Records)
- Pele / toe (split EP 2004, Polyvinyl Records)
- A Scuttled Bender in a Watery Closet (April 7, 2009, Polyvinyl Records)