Switchblade Symphony
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Susan Wallace, Tina Root |
| Defunct | November 1999 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco , United States |
| Products | Albums, EPs, singles |
Switchblade Symphony was a gothic rock ensemble originating from San Francisco, California, recognized for their distinctive fusion of orchestral arrangements with robust synthesizers and haunting vocal performances, effectively combining elements of classical music with gothic rock.
History
The group was established in 1989 by composer Susan Wallace alongside vocalist Tina Root. Their chosen name symbolizes their method of slicing classical influences and integrating them with more intense musical styles.
Their first album was released in 1995 through Cleopatra Records. The touring band featured guitarists Robin Jacobs (who later joined Razor Skyline) and George Earth (who collaborated with Root in Small Halo), as well as drummers Eric Gebow (currently part of Blue Man Group), Justin Clayton, and Scott van Shoick.
In 1997, their sophomore album Bread and Jam for Frances attained position #119 on the CMJ Radio Top 200 chart, indicating an expanding audience reach.
Their third studio effort, The Three Calamities, came out in May 1999, also distributed by Cleopatra.
Switchblade Symphony dissolved in November 1999. Following the breakup, Tina Root initiated the project Tre Lux and later, in 2008, teamed up with George Earth to form Small Halo based in Los Angeles.
Among their notable appearances, the song "Clown" was included in the 1998 film Wicked starring Julia Stiles, while "Gutter Glitter" was featured on the television series The Boulet Brothers' Dragula.
Albums and EPs
- Serpentine Gallery (1995)
- Scrapbook (1997) (EP) (no longer available)
- Bread and Jam for Frances (1997)
- The Three Calamities (1999)
- Sinister Nostalgia (2001) (remix collection)
- Sweet, Little Witches (2003) (live recordings and video content)
- Serpentine Gallery Deluxe (2005)
Singles
- "Clown" (1996)
- "Drool" (1997)
Other Releases
- Fable (1991) (demo cassette, out of print)
- Elegy (1992) (demo cassette, out of print)
- "Girlscout" single with Jack Off Jill (1998)
Compilation Appearances
- From the Machine, featuring "Mine Eyes" (Index Records, 1990)
- Gothic Rock Volume 2: 80's Into 90's (1995)
- Gothik (1995; reissued 2006)
- Wired Injections (1996)
- Gothic Divas Presents: Switchblade Symphony, Tre Lux, and New Skin (Cleopatra, 2006)
- Psycho Tina's Hell House Of Horrors, including "Witches (Live)" (Cleopatra)
- Burning From the Outside: Retail Slut, featuring "Clown (Razed In Black Vs. Transmutator Remix)" (Cleopatra, 2007)
- The Devil's Songbook, including "Wicked" (2010)
- Virgin Voices 2, A Tribute to Madonna, featuring "Lucky Star"
External links
- Tre Lux – Tina Root's subsequent musical endeavor
- Cleopatra Records – Record label that released Switchblade Symphony's albums