Viva Saturn
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Defunct | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California , United States |
Key people | Steven Roback, John Thoman, Will Glenn, Matt Piucci |
| Products | Alternative rock and neo-psychedelic rock music albums |
Viva Saturn was a Los Angeles-based alternative and neo-psychedelic rock ensemble, established by Steven Roback, formerly of Rain Parade. The group operated between 1989 and 1998.
History
Following Rain Parade's hiatus in 1988, Steven Roback initiated Viva Saturn, enlisting fellow Rain Parade members John Thoman and Will Glenn. Their initial release, a mini-LP titled Viva Saturn, debuted in 1989 through Pat Thomas' Heyday Records in San Francisco, as well as World Service/Rough Trade in the UK.
In 1990, Will Glenn departed to join Mazzy Star, prompting the band to move to San Francisco. There, Rain Parade co-founder Matt Piucci became involved, contributing guitar work and studio production.
Throughout their career, Viva Saturn produced well-regarded neo-psychedelic albums featuring a rotating lineup of musicians such as Ross Inden on bass and Carlo Nuccio on drums. Key albums include Soundmind (1992), which featured guest appearances by Jack Waterson and Chris Cacavas of Green on Red along with Barbara Manning from 28th Day, and the more pop-influenced yet electro-acoustic psychedelic record Brightside (1995).
Their last project, Ships of Heaven (1998), was never officially released.
After Viva Saturn disbanded, Roback continued with solo endeavors alongside former Rain Parade colleagues Piucci and Thoman. In 2012, Roback and Piucci revived Rain Parade, resuming both touring activities and new studio recordings.
Discography
- Viva Saturn (1989) Heyday/World Service
- Soundmind (1994) Heyday/Normal
- Brightside (1995) Restless
- Ships of Heaven (1998) (unreleased)