Rites Of Spring

Rites Of Spring

Six Song Demo

Dischord

***RITES OF SPRING were among the most important and beloved bands to emerge from the DC underground music scene in the mid-80s. Formed by GUY PICCIOTTO (vocals/guitar), MIKE FELLOWS (bass), BRENDAN CANTY (drums), and EDDIE JANNEY (guitar) in 1984, the quartet released a self-titled LP and a 7” single before disbanding in 1986. They were central to what came to be known as 'Revolution Summer', a period of redefinition and creative burst from the DC scene in 1985. Before that—before they even played a show—the band recorded a six-song demo tape at Inner Ear with DON ZIENTARA and IAN MACKAYE. After the dissolution of their previous band, INSURRECTION, in 1983, Canty, Picciotto, and Fellows joined with FAITH guitarist Eddie Janney and began writing new songs. Unfortunately, just as they became ready to play out, Fellows announced plans to relocate to Los Angeles, effectively ending the band before it even got started. Before the bassist departed, the group decided to go to Inner Ear to document the handful of finished songs that they had written. At this point, not only had they never played a show, Rites of Spring hadn’t even settled on a name (on the tapes, Zientara listed the sessions as Insurrection II). But already, the music marked a musical shift for the DC punk community, consciously breaking away from the macho-clichés that had come to plague hardcore music. The sessions were notable for being the first time that anybody had heard Picciotto sing. At the time, few bands...

Rites Of Spring

All Through A Life

Dischord

***BACK IN STOCK!!! 1984 was a time of redefinition within the punk scene in Washington, DC and RITES OF SPRING more than led the charge. Rites of Spring not only challenged the macho posturing that had become so prevalent, but more importantly they defied musical and stylistic rule. The people that followed the band made it a point to try to never miss a gig, as ROS seemed to approach every show as if it was their last. The results could be explosive, often resulting in the destruction of their equipment, and this may well be one reason that they ended up playing only about 15 shows. It was the boldness of this band that really contributed to the swell of energy, often referred to as "Revolution Summer," that swept over the DC scene in 1985. In their brief existence Rites of Spring released one full-length, End on End, and a 7-inch, All Through A Life, both on Dischord Records. The End on End album has remained in print on vinyl and CD over the years, but the All Through A Life 7-inch fell out of print years ago.

Rites Of Spring

End On End

Dischord

***BACK IN STOCK!!! 1984 was a time of redefinition within the punk scene in Washington, DC and RITES OF SPRING more than led the charge. Rites of Spring not only challenged the macho posturing that had become so prevalent, but more importantly they defied musical and stylistic rule. The people that followed the band made it a point to try to never miss a gig, as ROS seemed to approach every show as if it was their last. The results could be explosive, often resulting in the destruction of their equipment, and this may well be one reason that they ended up playing only about 15 shows. It was the boldness of this band that really contributed to the swell of energy, often referred to as "Revolution Summer," that swept over the DC scene in 1985. Includes a free download coupon.