U.S. Maple
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1995 in Chicago, United States |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
| Products | Noise rock music |
U.S. Maple was a noise rock group from the United States, established in Chicago in 1995. The band consisted of Al Johnson on lead vocals, Mark Shippy and Todd Rittmann on guitars, and Pat Samson on drums.
Origins and Initial Release
The band formed at Northern Illinois University, bringing together former members of Shorty and Mercury Players. Their creative goal was to dismantle traditional rock and roll, preserving only its core aspects to forge a novel musical expression. Vocalist Al Johnson and guitarist Mark Shippy previously played in Shorty, while drummer Pat Samson and guitarist Todd Rittmann came from Mercury Players.
In September 1995, they recorded their debut two-track 7" single with producer Doug Easley at Easley Studios in Memphis. The tracks “Stuck” and "When a Man Says Ow!” were later released that autumn by Skin Graft Records, who had signed the band.
Skin Graft Era
Late in 1995, U.S. Maple entered Solid Sound Studios in Illinois to record their first full-length album, Long Hair in Three Stages, under the guidance of indie producer Jim O'Rourke. This album highlighted their distinctive dissonant guitar techniques, nontraditional vocal delivery, and energetic drumming. Released by Skin Graft in October 1995 on both vinyl and CD formats, the vinyl edition featured an exclusive bonus track and custom handmade metal sleeves crafted by the group. To promote the album, they embarked on a six-week European tour spanning twelve nations and recorded a session for BBC Radio 1’s Peel show.
After the tour, the band issued a second single that paired a rendition of Dion’s 1961 classic "The Wanderer" with their original composition "Whoa Complains." In 1997, U.S. Maple returned to Solid Sound Studios with O'Rourke to produce their sophomore album, Sang Phat Editor, which Skin Graft released in June of that year.
Transition to Drag City
By late 1998, U.S. Maple parted ways with Skin Graft and signed with Drag City in 1999. Influenced by labelmate Jim O'Rourke and Drag City's strong support for extensive touring schedules, they recorded their third album, Talker, at B.C. Studio in Brooklyn, New York. This release presented a darker and more minimalist sound compared to earlier work and was produced by Michael Gira of Swans fame, with engineering handled by Martin Bisi.
Their fourth album, Acre Thrills, arrived in 2001 after sessions at Pachyderm Studio in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, and mixing at Sound of Music in Richmond, Virginia. Following this recording, drummer Pat Samson left the group and was succeeded by Adam Vida. With Vida on board, U.S. Maple released their fifth studio album in 2003 titled Purple on Time, which marked a departure toward more accessible song structures and melodic elements, moving away from the abrasive style characteristic of their prior albums.
Discography
Singles
- "Stuck" (Skin Graft, 1995)
- "The Wanderer" / "Whoa Complains" (Sonic Bubblegum, 1996)
Albums
- Long Hair in Three Stages (Skin Graft, 1995)
- Sang Phat Editor (Skin Graft, 1997)
- Talker (Drag City, 1999)
- Acre Thrills (Drag City, 2001)
- Purple On Time (Drag City, 2003)
Compilations
- Sides 1-4 (Skin Graft, 1995)
Associated Projects
Al Johnson and Mark Shippy were members of Shorty from 1991 to 1994. Currently, Shippy collaborates with former U.S. Maple drummer Pat Samson in the band Miracle Condition. Additionally, Shippy partners with Jim Sykes in the duo Invisible Things.
Todd Rittmann leads the Chicago-based group Dead Rider and contributes to Drag City's ensemble Singer. His previous experience includes guitar performances with The Mercury Players and Cheer-Accident.
Johnson participated both live and on recordings with the no-wave outfit Lake of Dracula between 1995 and 1997, performing under the alias "The Manhattanite" alongside members from The Scissor Girls, The Flying Luttenbachers, and Couch.
Appearances in Other Media
The Chicago punk/rock group Alkaline Trio references U.S. Maple in their track "Goodbye Forever" from the EP I Lied My Face Off, featuring the lyric: "Remember last April when we saw U.S. Maple? / Somehow the singer showed the Fireside exactly how I feel."
In the 2000 movie High Fidelity, a U.S. Maple poster is visible on the record store counter during several scenes. Frontman Al Johnson makes a brief appearance as a collector who is repeatedly refused the purchase of a rare record—the French import of Safe as Milk by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band.