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Tar (band)

From Alfawiki
Tar
Company typeIndependent band
IndustryMusic
Founded1988
Defunct1995 (initially)
FateDisbanded, reunited in 2012 and 2017
Headquarters
Chicago
,
United States
ProductsStudio albums, EPs, singles

Tar was a post-hardcore group originating from Chicago, established in 1988. Throughout their career, they produced four studio albums, two EPs, and multiple singles under independent record labels such as Amphetamine Reptile Records and Touch and Go Records. The band ceased activity in 1995 but briefly reunited in 2012 and again in 2017.[1]

History

Tar's roots trace back to the hardcore punk outfit Blatant Dissent, which was formed at Northern Illinois University by vocalist and guitarist John Mohr alongside drummer Mike Greenlees. Following several lineup shifts, including the exit of guitarist Bruce Halverson, the ensemble reemerged as Tar with the addition of guitarist Mark Zablocki.[2]

Their initial single, "Play to Win," was released in 1988 on Mohr’s own No Blow Records. Subsequently, they inked a deal with Amphetamine Reptile Records, under which they launched the mini-album Handsome in 1989, with engineering by Steve Albini and Iain Burgess. Tar embarked on regional tours alongside acts like Laughing Hyenas, Cheer-Accident, and Cows. Their 1990 album Roundhouse featured their inaugural music video for the track "Les Paul Worries". After bassist Tim Mescher departed in 1991, Tom Zaluckyj stepped in. That same year, they toured Europe with Helmet and others, also recording a Peel Session at Maida Vale Studios.[3][4] Later in 1991, the album Jackson was issued.[5] Both Zaluckyj and Mohr utilized custom aluminum instruments crafted by Ian Schneller of Specimen Products.[6]

Despite receiving interest from major labels such as Slash Records and MCA Records in 1992, Tar opted to sign with the independent label Touch and Go Records. Their debut release on Touch and Go was Clincher (1993), quickly followed by Toast. The band extensively toured with groups including Jawbox, Moving Targets, and Girls Against Boys. In 1993, Tar issued a split single with Jawbox featuring mutual covers of the song "Static".[1]

Facing fatigue from relentless touring schedules, Tar chose to disband early in 1994 but completed one last album. The recording process extended beyond the anticipated nine months. Their final studio effort, Over and Out, appeared in late 1995 via Touch and Go. Tar’s concluding live show took place on November 24, 1995, at Chicago’s Lounge Ax.[7]

The band reunited for Chicago’s PRF BBQ festival in 2012 and later that year supported Shellac at Lincoln Hall. In 2013, Chunklet Magazine released a limited double vinyl compilation titled 1988–1995, which included previously unreleased b-sides and outtakes.[3] Another reunion occurred in 2017 during the All Tomorrow's Impeachments festival.[6] A comprehensive box set named Tar Box was issued in 2021 compiling their first three major releases along with their final live performance.[8]

In 2021, Mohr and Greenlees partnered with Tim Midyett (Silkworm) and Jeff Dean (The Bomb) to form Deep Tunnel Project. Their debut album was released by Comedy Minus One in 2024.[9]

Musical style and influences

Steve Huey from AllMusic characterized Tar's music as an intense fusion of gritty noise rock and post-hardcore punk. Their dense, weighty guitar layers combined with dark, discordant tones embodied both the essence of their name and their deliberate avoidance of mainstream record deals. Music critic Andrew Earles identified Tar as a quintessential example of the more aggressive and hard-edged facets of indie rock and post-hardcore, distinguished by unique stylistic elements. He likened them to a "refined Helmet" but with a heightened emphasis on songwriting craftsmanship. The band’s signature sound involved the use of down-stroked power chords, a conscious omission of lead guitar solos, and vocals that were melodic yet restrained. Their initial inspirations included punk and hardcore groups such as Big Black, Naked Raygun, Sex Pistols, Stooges, and New York Dolls. In later stages, their style was often compared to Helmet and The Jesus Lizard.

Members

  • John Mohr – vocals, guitars (1988–1995, 2012, 2017)
  • Tom Zaluckyj – guitars, vocals (1988–1995, 2012, 2017)
  • Mike Greenlees – drums (1988–1995, 2012, 2017)
  • Mark Zablocki – bass (1991–1995, 2012, 2017)
  • Tim Mescher – bass (1988–1991)

Studio albums

Compilation albums

Singles

  • "Play to Win" (1988, No Blow Records)
  • "Flow Plow" (1989, Amphetamine Reptile Records)
  • "Solution 8" (1991, Amphetamine Reptile Records)
  • "Static" (1992, Touch and Go Records/Dischord Records)
  • "Teetering" (1992, Touch and Go Records)
  • "Feel This" (2012, Chunklet Industries)

External links

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Tar Interview with Chicago Tribune from 1993
  2. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named CompCredits
  4. ↑ Template:Cite AV media notes
  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named UnitCir
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named CR
  7. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  8. ↑ Template:Cite AV media notes
  9. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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