Sleeping Body - Awaken | The Shape of Screamo to Come

Release Information:

1992
Vermin Scum Records
Fort Worth, TX
Runtime: 11:33
Tracks: 4

Band Members:

Chad Percy (Vocals)
Carl Hollowell (Drums, Vocals)
Justin Wood (Guitar, Vocals)
Jeff Leeper (Guitar)
Jeff Hunt (Bass)

Genres, Influences and Characteristics:

Proto-Screamo, Noise Rock, Emocore, Lofi, Dissonant, Ominous

Musical Analysis:

The band’s name is exemplified in a quiet bass-led intro and the album’s title is embodied by the abrasive and gritty music that pops up after about 15 seconds. The noise rock influence, coupled with low-level production, gives the instruments, particularly the interplay between the guitars and drums, a clamorous quality that only experienced ears can fully suss out. What can be heard resembles a further melding of the dynamic interplay of Emocore with the heaviness of Hardcore music. In fact, even the screamed vocals are at a higher register than your typical Hardcore of this time, indicative of the future vocal stylings of this genre.

Historical Analysis:

Sleeping Body was among the first bands outside of the coasts to take influence from the emerging Post-Hardcore scenes on the East Coast and early Gravity Records bands like Heroin. To exist in Texas as a Leftist in the Hardcore scene is to exist in protest, and Sleeping Body’s brief but prolific career included playing a protest show across the street from the RNC. Though their existence didn’t singlehandedly change the trajectory of Screamo, nor did it transform the once-bustling Hardcore scene into a Screamo stronghold, this seminal early release has been a cathartic record for underground fans for decades now. In more recent times, younger Millennials and Gen Zers have unearthed some incredible obscure Emo, including this record.

Lyrical Analysis:

*Note that because this is an old, DIY and relatively minor release in the grand scheme of Emo and Hardcore history, I can’t actually locate any lyrics for the songs proper. As such, my lyrical analysis will be me pontificating on the band’s philosphy. If lyrics can be dug out, I will reevaluate the lyrical analysis*

Sleeping Body believes this world is a body and that we are all vital components to keep that body going. However, this body is “asleep” due to man-made horrors like war, pollution and discrimination. With their debut EP, the band is telling that Sleeping Body to Awaken, staying woke about 25 years earlier than all of us. The only way to accomplish this is cooperation, working together as a human species to better life for us all.

Iconoclast - Iconoclast | The Shape of Screamo to Come

Release Information:

1992
Ebullition Records
Freehold, NJ
Runtime: 9:10
Tracks: 4

Band Members:

Dan Roberts
Ian Williams
Kevin Kajetzke
Pat Kelsey
Kevin Sabarese

Genres, Influences and Characteristics:

Metalcore, Hardcore Punk, Proto-Screamo, Emocore, Dissonant, Raw

Musical Analysis:

On their debut release, Iconoclast pushed their brand of metallic octave chords, Hardcore progressions and gnarly screamed vocals forward with multiple intensity levels. This, in essence, gives off major Screamo vibes, particularly when transitioning between quick-tempo Hardcore to slower disharmonic Proto-Screamo. The drums are active and jangly, not content to play sterile beats at ridiculous tempos. Although by today’s standards, the guitar playing isn’t anything special, the layered guitarwork in the quieter sections contrasts nicely with the chugging chords.

Historical Analysis:

Building off of bands like Merel who haphazardly fused Hardcore with Emocore, Iconoclast’s debut is a more seamless blend of melody and aggression, with a couple of chugs thrown in for good effect. Iconoclast rides the line between NY and DC hardcore well, blending them into one of Screamo's near predecessors. Although other parts of the country like SD get credit for launching Screamo, NJ proves to be an invaluable scene in the early formation of genre tropes that would become standard just years later.

Lyrical Analysis:

*Note that because this is an old, DIY and relatively minor release in the grand scheme of Emo and Punk history, I can't locate lyrics for one song. As such, my lyrical analysis will focus on the first three tracks. If more lyrics can be dug out, I will reevaluate the lyrical analysis*

Typical for Hardcore Punk, social ills are the primary focus of this band's philosophies; the strained screams convey anger and disappointment at the hollow rebellion and hypocritical attitudes of his fellow “revolutionaries” and claims the only way to end our sickness as a society is to take ourselves out. However, there are also instances of introspection, a key development from Hardcore's movement toward Screamo.

Heroin - Heroin | The Shape of Screamo to Come

Release Information:

1992
Gravity Records
San Diego, CA (SoCal)
Runtime - 6:50
Tracks: 4

Band Members:

Matt Anderson - Vocals
Scott Bartoloni - Guitar
Ron Johnson - Bass
Aaron Montaigne - Drums

Genres, Influences and Characteristics:

Post-Hardcore, Proto-Screamo, Emocore, Hardcore, Noisy, Raw, Intense, Dissonant

Musical Analysis:

At times, this release showcases its prominent Punk roots with blistering and simple chord progressions, rapid-fire shouted lyrics and short song lengths. However, utilizing Emocore influences gives this EP a different tone and allows for stronger uses of melody in the guitar. Toward the end of the EP in particular, there seems to be a movement away from the simplicity of traditional Hardcore into more chaotic and emotive stuff; Blind emits some Powerviolence influence while With No Name is deliberately paced and features dynamic intensities, a staple of Screamo.

Historical Analysis:

Heroin’s self-titled 1992 7” is one of the premiere releases from Gravity Records, one of the most influential record labels with respect to Hardcore, Post-Hardcore and Screamo. San Diego was a groundswell of innovation in the scene and Heroin’s harrowing combination of Post-Hardcore, Emocore and Hardcore would influence countless bands in the area. I’d be remiss if I referred to this as proper Screamo, but their sound was trending into what early Screamo would become.

Lyrical Analysis:

*Note that because this is an old DIY release during the early 90s, I can only locate lyrics for the first two songs. As such, my lyrical analysis will focus on those. If more lyrics can be dug out, I will reevaluate the lyrical analysis*

Heroin’s direct yet poignant lyrics center around social complacency and finding your place in the world. The search for authenticity continues, especially in an increasingly self-centered world. Interestingly, Heroin’s lyrics suggest self-reflection on their own privilege in this world as “middle-class white kids,” though this does nothing to stop the existential dread.