Verse (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Defunct | 2009 (initially) |
| Fate | Disbanded in 2009; reunited in 2011; currently inactive |
| Headquarters | Providence, Rhode Island , United States |
| Products | Studio albums, EPs |
Verse was a hardcore punk group originating from Providence, Rhode Island, in the United States. Over their career, they issued three studio albums and an EP through Rivalry and Bridge 9 Records, while undertaking numerous tours across the U.S.
The band initially dissolved in 2009 but reunited in December 2011.
Chris Berg, the bassist, also contributed to Mountain Man, a project featuring former Last Lights members Patrick Murphy (drums) and Jesse Menard (guitar), as well as participants from I Rise.
Rebuild and From Anger and Rage (2004–2007)
Once their lineup was finalized, Verse secured a contract with Rivalry Records to release their debut album Rebuild, which they recorded in May 2004.[1] Following this release, the band embarked on an intense touring regimen. In August 2004, during a tour stop in South Carolina, their van experienced mechanical failure, and approximately $10,000 worth of equipment was stolen from their trailer.[2] After completing tours throughout the U.S. and Europe alongside Another Breath, Verse proceeded to record their next album, From Anger and Rage.
This album was produced by Dean Baltulonis at Atomic Fireball Studios located in Brooklyn, New York.[3] The release was supported by extensive touring across the United States and Europe with bands such as Guns Up!, Crime in Stereo, Down to Nothing, Shipwreck, and Have Heart. After roughly eighteen months of touring in support of From Anger and Rage, Verse signed with Bridge 9 Records to issue their third album, Aggression, which was also distributed in Germany through Prügelprinz Records.[4]
Aggression and breakup (2008–2010)
The album Aggression was tracked at Godcity Studios and The Getaway Group Studios with engineer Jay Maas handling production duties; it was released on June 10, 2008. Greg Prato of Allmusic characterized the record as "straight-ahead, hard-hitting hardcore," whereas Chris Hidden from Rock Sound highlighted the band's "progressive and conceptual approach" that revitalized the genre. Following this release, Verse continued extensive touring schedules that included both U.S. and European dates alongside Have Heart, Shipwreck, and I Rise.
In late 2008, lead vocalist Berg revealed that he had "broken edge," signaling the end of the band's commitment to straight edge ideals. He clarified that while Verse would persist as a band, it would no longer identify with straight edge principles. Despite this shift, on February 8, 2009, Verse announced their disbandment via their MySpace page; this development was subsequently confirmed by Punknews.org the next day.
Reunion and Subsequent Indefinite Pause (2011–2013)
On December 9, 2011, Bridge 9 Records revealed that Verse would reunite, with intentions to embark on a tour and launch a new album during 2012. The record, titled Bitter Clarity, Uncommon Grace, was officially released on July 17 through Bridge 9. Additionally, the band appeared at the Hevy Music Festival in January 2012. On May 17, the track "The Selfless of the Earth" debuted on AbsolutePunk.net. Following this album release, Verse has not resumed activity.
Discography
- Four Songs (EP) (2003)
- Rebuild (2004)
- From Anger and Rage (2006)
- Aggression (2008)
- Bitter Clarity, Uncommon Grace (2012)
References
- ↑ "Verse (ex-WFTF) joins Rival Records roster". Retrieved 18 January 2018.
- ↑ "Verse's van breaks down, equipment stolen". Retrieved 18 January 2018.
- ↑ "Verse complete new album". Retrieved 18 January 2018.
- ↑ "Invalid Friend ID". Archived from the original on February 7, 2009. Retrieved June 27, 2009.