Jawbox are a four-piece post-hardcore band from Washington, DC that formed in 1989. The band was started by vocalist/guitarist J. Robbins, bassist Kim Coletta and drummer Adam Wade. Robbins previously played bass in DC hardcore band Government Issue during the final few years of their initial run. They put out their first EP in 1990 and followed it up with their debut full-length Grippe in 1991, both of which were released by Dischord Records. In their early years, the influence from the DC scene they emerged out of is most evident. In particular, the more melodic musings of Revolution Summer bands, alongside the throttling of Naked Raygun, the massive guitars and catchy hooks of Hüsker Dü, and the atmosphere of Joy Divison (who they cover on this album). It's a fantastic debut, and one that brought that stirrings of the punk underground into a more accessible, "alternative" styling. Shortly after it's release, guitarist/vocalist Bill Barbot jointed the band. They followed it up a year later with Novelty a year later, which saw the band experimenting with heavier, darker, and more discordant sounds, while they still keeping up the energy and melody of their debut. Drummer Adam Wade shortly after its release, and was replaced by Zach Barocas.
They were one of many indie bands that get swept up by major labels in the wake of Nevermind, with For Your Own Special Sweetheart being put in 1994 by Atlantic. It even spawned a (relatively) commercial single in "Savory". This album is a masterclass in post-hardcore, sitting on the precipice of dissonance and melody, being simultaneously heavy and catchy. It's a shuffle of muted strings, octave chords and arpeggios wrapped around a grooving bass line and frantic rhythms. If that sounds familiar, this band (along with others like Fugazi) is where it came from. They carried on this angular and off-kilter sound into their 1996 self-titled album, which ended up being their last as they parted ways in 1997. Members were involved in a number of projects thereafter, most notably Burning Airlines with Robbins and Barbot. Robbins has also worked as a producer with a ton of incredible bands, including Jawbreaker, Texas Is The Reason, The Promise Ring, Against! Me, Paint It Black, mewithoutYou, Coliseum, and a ton more.
They reunited in 2009 for a one-off show of "Savory" on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, and 10 years later reunited full-time in 2019 to play shows again. In 2021, Bill Barbot left the band, with Brooks Harlan taking his place. This year marks their first new studio material in over two decades, with a re-recording of Grippe songs and a Wire cover. Without a doubt Jawbox are one of the greatest and most important (albeit underrated) post-hardcore bands, so if you are new to them I implore you to check them out. Enjoy.
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