The Most Secret Method
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. , United States |
| Products | Post-hardcore music |
The Most Secret Method was a post-hardcore group originating from Washington, D.C., established in 1995. Merging elements of early punk with contemporary indie rock, they played a significant role in shaping the D.C. music landscape following the Revolution Summer era. Apart from their sound, drummer Ryan Nelson crafted a unique visual art aesthetic that appeared on their promotional posters and their 1998 album, Get Lovely.
History
Formed in 1995, The Most Secret Method featured Johanna Claasen on bass and vocals, alongside brothers Marc Nelson handling lead guitar and vocals, and Ryan Nelson on drums. Their inaugural performance took place at the renowned Black Cat, sharing the stage with fellow local band Capitol City Dusters. By frequently playing in all-ages venues within the D.C. punk circuit, they honed their rhythm-focused style and rapidly gained an audience. Their sound was influenced by contemporaries such as Juno, the Dismemberment Plan, Smart Went Crazy, and Jawbox. Ryan Nelson acknowledged the impact of Revolution Summer groups and a vibrant underground community supporting touring acts.
In 1997, they issued a split EP together with Capitol City Dusters under Superbad Records, an imprint of Dischord. Ryan Nelson’s flyer artwork, drawing inspiration from artists like Raymond Pettibon and Daniel Clowes, became well regarded. This distinctive visual branding contributed to securing a contract with Slowdime Records in 1998.
Their first full-length album, Get Lovely, was produced by Jawbox guitarist J. Robbins and recorded at Inner Ear Studios in Arlington. Music scholar Brandon Gentrey identified it as a quintessential example of post-hardcore indie rock from the Capitol City scene. Released in September 1998, the album’s striking cover art—created by Nelson—was influenced by Big Black's Songs About Fucking. Get Lovely left a lasting mark on later punk bands such as Q and Not U and Black Eyes.
Following the release of Get Lovely, members engaged in separate endeavors: Ryan Nelson joined Dead Teenagers and Beauty Pill, Marc Nelson pursued acting, and Claasen concentrated on standup bass performance. The group reunited in 2002 to record their sophomore album, Our Success, after which they completed a final run of shows at the Black Cat before disbanding. Ryan Nelson went on to perform with Soccer Team, producing two albums through Dischord Records. Marc Nelson shifted fully into acting under the name Marcus Kyd and co-founded Washington, DC’s Taffety Punk Theatre Company.
Singles and EPs
- "Blue" b/w "Perfect Plan" – self-released, 1996
- The Most Secret Method / The Dusters Split – Dischord Records (#DIS-117.5), 1997
Albums
- Get Lovely – Slowdime Records (#15), 1998
- Our Success – Superbad Records (#9), 2002