Codeine (band)
Codeine | |
|---|---|
| Origin | New York, NY, USA |
| Genres | Slowcore, indie rock, sadcore |
| Years active | 1989–1994 |
| Past members | Chris Brokaw John Engle Stephen Immerwahr Doug Scharin |
Codeine was an American indie rock/slowcore band formed in 1989. They released two full-length albums — Frigid Stars in 1990 and The White Birch in 1994.
History
Codeine was formed by members Stephen Immerwahr (vocal, bass), Chris Brokaw (drums), and John Engle (guitar).[1][2] Codeine pioneered the slowcore and sadcore subgenres of indie rock,[1] but with a more experimental attitude than other bands in the genre, such as Low, Idaho and Red House Painters. The band's original tone, marked by slow tempos, Immerwahr's nasal vocals, and Engle's ringing Telecaster, did not evolve much during their career.
Codeine released their first album Frigid Stars on the German label Glitterhouse in August 1990. The album was released on Sub Pop in the Spring of the following year.[2]
The Barely Real EP, was issued in November 1992. Immerwahr rejected several of the songs after the recording session. Some of these songs would be re-recorded for the final album. The song "W." is a solo performance on piano by David Grubbs (of Bastro, Squirrel Bait and Gastr del Sol). A somewhat different full-band version of the song appears on Codeine's next album, now titled "Wird".
Brokaw left the band after the release of Barely Real to play full-time with his other band Come, and after Josh Madell of Antietam replaced him temporarily for a US tour, he was replaced permanently by Rex drummer Doug Scharin.[1]
Codeine's final release was the full-length album The White Birch, released in May 1994.[2] David Grubbs also participated on the album. After this release the band broke up. Doug Scharin continued in Rex and June of 44, and later as the band leader of HiM.[1] Following the demise of Come, original drummer Chris Brokaw became a solo artist and itinerant musician, including playing drums for The New Year and playing guitar with Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth. Immerwahr formed the band Raymond.[2]
Reunion
Codeine will perform on the request of Mogwai at All Tomorrow's Parties sister event; I'll Be Your Mirror, set to be on 25th to 27th of May 2012 in London, United Kingdom at Alexandra Palace. Codeine will perform on the 26th of May
Discography
Albums
- Frigid Stars (1990), Glitterhouse
- The White Birch (1994), Sub Pop
Extended plays
- Barely Real (1992), Sub Pop
Singles
- Losida Slide/Castle Codeine/Surgery split 7" (1990, Glitterhouse)[3]
- D 7" (1990, Glitterhouse, Sub Pop)
- Pickup Song (1990, Glitterhouse)
- Valmead/Pea Bitch Magnet/Codeine split 7" (1990, The Communion Label)
- A L'Ombre De Nous (In Our Shadow)/Produkt Bastro/Codeine split 7" (1991, Sub Pop, Glitterhouse)
- Realize 7" (1992, Sub Pop)
- Sassy Codeine/Velocity Girl/Beat Happening/Sebadoh split 7" (1992, Sub Pop)
- Ides/Working Holiday Codeine/The Coctails split 7" (1993, Simple Machines)
- Tom 7" (1993, Sub Pop)
References
External links
- Semi-official Codeine site, full discography, lyrics, etc. - new host
- Codeine biography on SubPop's website
- Codeine entry on Allmusic website
- Codeine entry on TrouserPress website
- Web site for former guitarist Chris Brokaw
- Web site for former drummer Doug Scharin
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