Rites Of Spring, from Washington, DC, was part of a new wave of bands that appeared in 1984-1985, originating from the DC hardcore scene, that are considered by many to be the first wave of emo. The group formed from the ashes of Insurrection, a hardcore band featuring Brendan Canty (drums), Michael Fellows (bass), and Guy Picciotto (guitar). Following Insurrection's demise, Guy, Brendan, and Michael kept jamming together and guitarist Eddie Janney soon joined the mix, while Guy added vocals to his responsibilities. Although the band's live appearances were rare (only around a dozen in 2 years), the band was known for their passionate live shows (which could allegedly move some audience members to tears). Guy's poetic lyrics and impassioned delivery led the group to be tagged as "emotional hardcore" (later shortened to "emo") by some critics and naysayers.
During their life span, the group released one LP and one 7" EP. They split upon the release of the EP, in January of 1987, when Michael Fellows left the band. The rest of the band went on to form One Last Wish with guitarist Michael Hampton (Janney moved to bass) who split after playing only a half a dozen shows and recording an LP (which went unreleased for many years). The members of Rites Of Spring reformed as Happy Go Licky in 1987, pursuing a sound very different from Rites Of Spring.
2012
1987
1985
2004
New Musical Express
CD, Comp
2024
2020
Not On Label (Dead Mammals Self-released)
6xFile, MP3, EP
2019
2015
2014
Little Black Cloud Records
File, MP3, Single, 320
2010
Arrest Records Australia
CD, EP
2010
Rise & Fall Records
CDr, EP
2007
2007
2003
Firewalk With Me
7"
2003
2002
2000
Not On Label
LP, TP, W/Lbl
1999
Suburban Home Records, California Roll
CD, Comp
1999
1999
1998
1997
1993
Trost Records
Cass, Comp
1992
1991
Not On Label (Sink (4) Self-released)
Cass, Comp
2012
CVLT Nation
File, MP3, Mixed, 160
2011
CVLT Nation
File, MP3, Mixed, 160
2002
Crucial Scum Music
Cass, Comp
1987
Subvert (2)
Cass, Num, Unofficial
Psychic Brain Slash Tapes
Cass, Comp, Num, Unofficial
Psychic Brain Slash Tapes
Cass, Comp, Num, Unofficial
Not On Label
DVD, Unofficial
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