The Exit
| Company type | Indie band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Key people | Ben Brewer, Gunnar Olsen, Jeff DaRosa (former) |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, live albums |
The Exit was an indie/post-punk/reggae ensemble based in New York City, established in 2000. Their sound fused elements of 1980s dub and reggae with influences from 1990s punk and indie rock genres. The group featured Ben Brewer on lead guitar and vocals, Gunnar Olsen on drums, and formerly Jeff DaRosa handling lead vocals and bass duties.
History
Benjamin Bronfman, known professionally as Ben Brewer and son of billionaire Edgar Bronfman Jr., first connected with Gunnar Olsen during their high school years, collaborating in various bands before creating The Exit. In 2000, Brewer encountered Jeff DaRosa at Emerson College in Boston. DaRosa, originally from Watertown, Massachusetts, had previously played bass for the punk outfit The Vigilantes. Brewer persuaded him to join The Exit, and the trio began rehearsing in the Boston area. Their demo tape caught the attention of producer Daniel Rey—recognized for his work with The Ramones—who produced their debut album, New Beat, released through Some Records, a label founded by Walter Schreifels.
Beginning in 2001, the band independently organized their own tours. New Beat was met with positive critical reception and drew stylistic comparisons to bands such as The Clash, The Police, and U2. The album's artwork was created by Damian Genuardi of the Explosion.
Following this, they collaborated with producer Ron Saint Germain—known for his work with Bad Brains and Tool—on their album Home For An Island. This record showcased Brewer’s lead vocals alongside tribal percussion, dub-influenced guitar tones, and psychedelic sounds. The album thematically reflected the atmosphere of post-9/11 New York City through songs like "Soldier" and "Let's Go to Haiti." Initially issued in 2004 via Some Records, it was reissued in 2005 after The Exit signed with Wind-Up Records; this edition included three additional tracks such as "Sun Will Rise in Queens." Critical reviews were favorable. During this period, The Exit also supported Muse on two separate U.S. tours.
On August 15, 2006, the band announced Jeff DaRosa’s exit through a post on their MySpace blog. Although Olsen and Brewer intended to continue with new members, the group ultimately disbanded in 2007.
Tours
- Supported Taking Back Sunday and Coheed and Cambria during their 2002 tours
- Toured across the United States and United Kingdom with RX Bandits in 2002, 2003, and 2005
- Opened for Muse during both spring and winter tours in 2004
- Supported 311 on their winter 2005 tour
- Performed alongside OAR and Against Me
Band members
- Benjamin Brewer – guitar and vocals
- Gunnar Olsen – drums and backing vocals
- Jeff DaRosa – bass guitar and lead vocals
Albums
- New Beat (released May 4, 2002)
- Home for an Island (original release September 7, 2004; reissued October 11, 2005)
EPs
- Sing Four Favorites (released October 1, 2004)
- The Live Sessions EP (iTunes exclusive; released June 20, 2006)
Live albums
- Live at the Metro 4/24/04 (2004)
- Live EP (2006)
Music videos
- "Lonely Man's Wallet" (2002), directed by Major Lightner
- "Let's Go to Haiti" (2004), directed by Major Lightner
- "Don't Push" (2005), directed by Terry Timely
- "Soldier" (2005), directed by Major Lightner
- "Back to the Rebels" (2006), directed by Major Lightner and Javier Hernandez