The Van Pelt
| Company type | Indie rock group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Albums, EPs, singles |
The Van Pelt is an American indie rock group originating from New York City, initially active between 1993 and 1997, with multiple reunions occurring since then.
1993-1997: Origins, Thieves, Sultans, and breakup
Established in 1993 at New York University, the lineup consisted of Chris Leo (previously of Native Nod and brother to Ted Leo) handling vocals and guitar, David Baum on guitar, Barry London playing bass, and Neil O'Brien on drums. Their sound was shaped by influences such as Television, Lungfish, Superchunk, Seam, Codeine, and Slint.
The band produced a seven-track demo at WGNS studio in Washington, DC, working with Geoff Turner, followed by a split single with Radio to Saturn featuring the track "His Saxophone Is My Guitar," released through Sudden Shame Records. After Barry London left, Toko Yasuda joined in 1995 to contribute to their debut album Stealing From Our Favorite Thieves (1996), recorded with Alap Momin at Sweetwood Sound. Within a year, both Baum and Yasuda departed—Yasuda went on to join Blonde Redhead. Late in 1996, Brian Maryansky and Sean Greene entered the lineup for the creation and recording of Sultans Of Sentiment (1997). Both records were distributed by Gern Blandsten Records. Greene exited shortly after, while Yasuda returned for touring and recording the Speeding Train EP under Art Monk Construction Records.
The Van Pelt dissolved in 1997; Chris Leo and Yasuda subsequently formed The Lapse, whereas Maryansky became part of Jets to Brazil in 1998.
2009-present: Reunions, Imaginary Third, and Artisans
In 2009, the band reunited briefly for two performances: June 20 at the Blackcat in Washington, D.C. alongside Frodus, and June 21 at Kung Fu Necktie in Philadelphia.
February 2014 saw the announcement of previously unreleased tracks from 1996–1997 alongside a reunion to perform at the All Tomorrow's Parties Jabberwocky festival held in London. This collection was issued as the album Imaginary Third in April 2014.
On December 6, 2022, The Van Pelt revealed via Instagram their fourth studio album titled Artisans & Merchants, marking their first new recordings since the 1990s. Spartan Records handled North American distribution, Gringo Records managed UK releases, and La Castanya covered Europe and other territories. The lead single "Punk House" dropped on January 20, 2023, accompanied by global pre-orders. Additional singles "Image of Health" and "Grid" were released prior to the full album launch on March 17, 2023.
Albums
- Stealing From Our Favorite Thieves (1996, Gern Blandsten)
- Sultans Of Sentiment (1997, Gern Blandsten)
- Imaginary Third (2014, La Castanya)
- Tramonto - Live in Ferrara 12.08.2014 (2016, Gringo Records / Flying Kid)
- Artisans & Merchants (2023, Spartan Records / Gringo Records / La Castanya)
EPs
- The Van Pelt (1997, Art Monk Construction)
Singles
- Split release alongside Radio To Saturn (1994, Sudden Shame)
- Collaborative split with (Young) Pioneers (1995, Whirled)
- Joint split with Chisel (1997, Air King Alliance)
- Same As Stone 7" (recorded in 1993, released 2005, Red Cars Go Faster)
- "Punk House" (2023)
- "Image of Health" (2023)
- "Grid" (2023)