Quicksand (band)
Encyclopedia
Quicksand was an American post-hardcore
band from New York City founded in 1990 by singer/songwriter Walter Schreifels
. Their debut self-titled EP was followed by two major label albums, Slip
and Manic Compression
. Quicksand separated for the first time in 1995, ultimately disbanding in 1999 following a failed year-and-a-half reunion.
scene. Frontman/guitarist Walter Schreifels
, the main creative force behind the Gorilla Biscuits
as well as serving as bassist for Youth of Today
, assembled the band's line-up from his dissolved Moondog project. Guitarist Tom Capone had founded Long Island's Beyond (releasing a demo and LP via Combined Effort Records) and had previously played in Bold
, writing their album Looking Back. Drummer Alan Cage had been in the experimental hardcore band Burn and played with Capone in Beyond. Bassist Sergio Vega
arrived from the short lived Collapse and a later incarnation of Absolution.
six weeks after their formation. The band performed at club venues and rose to touring North America and Europe with Helmet
, Fugazi, Rage Against the Machine
, Anthrax
, and White Zombie
. Their exposure led to a deal with Polydor Records
for the release their first full-length, major label album, Slip
on 9 February 1993, with "Dine Alone" as their first single. The album also featured two tracks that were re-recorded from the "Quicksand" EP ("Omission" and "Unfulfilled"). The following year saw the band tour the United States with The Offspring
, performing 250 live shows to support the album. On 1 January 1995, they released their latter, more successful album Manic Compression on Island Records
and later that year rejoined The Offspring on their European tour. Manic Compression reached #135 on the Billboard 200 Chart and #9 on the Heatseakers Chart and garnered Quicksand an invitation to the first Vans Warped Tour
. Unfortunately, internal conflict and the stresses of constant touring led to the band's break-up in October 1995 at the height of their success.
with members of Murphy's Law
, Iceburn
, and Helmet
, releasing a self-titled album in 1997. Sergio Vega began his own solo work with Fully in addition to DJ'ing in New York City and Alan Cage joined the alternative rock band Seaweed
.
During the summer of 1997, the members were rumored to have begun talking about a reunion with the intention of performing on Revelation Night at Brownies during the CMJ Music Conference that September. However, Quicksand's first appearance since their split would have to wait until 6 February 1998 in Osaka on the first leg of a Japanese/Hawaiian mini-tour. In August 1998, they entered Carriage House Studios
in Stamford, Connecticut
with producer Steven Haigler to begin recording material written in the last six months. After the band's first North American performance on 26 September 1998 in Boulder, Colorado, they were invited to extend their tour with Deftones
and Snapcase
and on 3 November 1998 started what was to become their last tour. Quicksand then returned to the studio to continue working on the new album; despite the recent successful tour and a more collaborative effort in the writing process, resurfaced tensions would eventually split up the band indefinitely in the autumn of 1999 and doom the material to remain officially unreleased.
band Rival Schools
with former band mate and CIV drummer Sammy Siegler
, releasing the album United by Fate
in 2001 (before splitting in 2003). Schreifels later fronted Walking Concert
on his independent record label Some Records
. Along the way, Schreifels mixed in occasional solo acoustic performances. In 2008 Rival Schools reformed, performing live at various festivals, and plan to release their second album in mid-2010. Tom Capone played guitar for Instruction
for the majority of the band's existence beginning in December 2002. Sergio Vega has played bass on tour for Deftones
, filling in for Chi Cheng
in 1999 and 2009, and was recruited in June 2009 to compose their album Diamond Eyes
, released on 4 May 2010. Alan Cage contributed to Enemy's
Hooray for Dark Matter in 2005 and later worked with New Idea Society and the hardcore band 108
.
Post-hardcore
Post-hardcore is a genre of music that developed from hardcore punk, itself an offshoot of the broader punk rock movement. Like post-punk, post-hardcore is a term for a broad constellation of groups...
band from New York City founded in 1990 by singer/songwriter Walter Schreifels
Walter Schreifels
Walter Schreifels is a rock musician and producer from New York City.In the late 1980s, he played in many New York hardcore bands, most notably Youth Of Today and Gorilla Biscuits . After Gorilla Biscuits broke up, he formed the short lived Moondog...
. Their debut self-titled EP was followed by two major label albums, Slip
Slip (album)
Slip is the debut studio album by American post-hardcore band Quicksand, released February 9, 1993 on the Polydor label.-Track listing:# "Fazer"# "Head to Wall"# "Dine Alone"# "Slip"# "Freezing Process"# "Lie and Wait"# "Unfulfilled"...
and Manic Compression
Manic Compression
Manic Compression is the second and final studio album by American post-hardcore band Quicksand, released on February 28, 1995 on the major label Island Records...
. Quicksand separated for the first time in 1995, ultimately disbanding in 1999 following a failed year-and-a-half reunion.
Formation
The musicians who would come to form Quicksand had their roots in the New York HardcoreNew York hardcore
New York hardcore refers to hardcore punk and metalcore music created in New York City and to the subculture associated with that music. New York hardcore grew out of the hardcore scene established in Washington, D.C., by bands such as Bad Brains and Minor Threat. Hardcore '81 is an album by the...
scene. Frontman/guitarist Walter Schreifels
Walter Schreifels
Walter Schreifels is a rock musician and producer from New York City.In the late 1980s, he played in many New York hardcore bands, most notably Youth Of Today and Gorilla Biscuits . After Gorilla Biscuits broke up, he formed the short lived Moondog...
, the main creative force behind the Gorilla Biscuits
Gorilla Biscuits
Gorilla Biscuits are a New York City-based vegan straight edge hardcore band consisting of Anthony "Civ" Civarelli, Walter Schreifels, Arthur Smilios, Alex Brown and Luke Abbey. The band is currently signed to Revelation Records.-Early career:...
as well as serving as bassist for Youth of Today
Youth of Today
Youth of Today is an American hardcore punk straight edge band, formed in 1985 and still in activity. The band played a major role in establishing the Youth Crew subculture of hardcore, both espousing and evolving the philosophies of the straight edge and vegetarian lifestyles.-History:Youth Of...
, assembled the band's line-up from his dissolved Moondog project. Guitarist Tom Capone had founded Long Island's Beyond (releasing a demo and LP via Combined Effort Records) and had previously played in Bold
Bold (band)
Bold is a late 1980s youth crew hardcore band from Westchester County, New York, which along with bands like Youth Of Today and Side By Side were a part of the Youth Crew, and an influence in the late 80's straight edge hardcore scene...
, writing their album Looking Back. Drummer Alan Cage had been in the experimental hardcore band Burn and played with Capone in Beyond. Bassist Sergio Vega
Sergio Vega (bassist)
Sergio Vega is an American musician. He is the former bassist of post-hardcore band Quicksand, which originated in New York City in 1990. In 1995, Quicksand disbanded, although they reunited again in 1997 to tour with Deftones...
arrived from the short lived Collapse and a later incarnation of Absolution.
Major Releases and Touring
Quicksand released the 4-track EP "Quicksand" through hardcore independent label Revelation RecordsRevelation Records
Revelation Records is an independent record label focusing originally and primarily on hardcore punk. The label is known for its role in the evolution of hardcore and metallic post-hardcore with important releases by bands such as Youth of Today, Warzone, Sick of It All, Quicksand, Side By Side,...
six weeks after their formation. The band performed at club venues and rose to touring North America and Europe with Helmet
Helmet (band)
Helmet is an alternative metal band from New York City formed in 1989. Founded by vocalist and lead guitarist Page Hamilton, Helmet has had numerous lineup changes, and Hamilton has been the only constant member....
, Fugazi, Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1991, the group's line-up consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist and backing vocalist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello and drummer Brad Wilk...
, Anthrax
Anthrax (band)
Anthrax is an American heavy metal band from New York City, formed in 1981. Founded by guitarists Scott Ian and Danny Lilker, the band has since released ten studio albums and 20 singles, and an EP featuring Public Enemy. The band was one of the most popular of the 1980s thrash metal scene...
, and White Zombie
White Zombie
White Zombie was a Grammy Award-nominated American heavy metal band. Based in New York City, White Zombie was originally a noise rock band. White Zombie are better-known for their later heavy metal-oriented sound...
. Their exposure led to a deal with Polydor Records
Polydor Records
Polydor is a record label owned by Universal Music Group, headquartered in the United Kingdom.-Beginnings:Polydor was originally an independent branch of the Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft. Its name was first used as an export label in 1924, the British and German branches of the Gramophone...
for the release their first full-length, major label album, Slip
Slip (album)
Slip is the debut studio album by American post-hardcore band Quicksand, released February 9, 1993 on the Polydor label.-Track listing:# "Fazer"# "Head to Wall"# "Dine Alone"# "Slip"# "Freezing Process"# "Lie and Wait"# "Unfulfilled"...
on 9 February 1993, with "Dine Alone" as their first single. The album also featured two tracks that were re-recorded from the "Quicksand" EP ("Omission" and "Unfulfilled"). The following year saw the band tour the United States with The Offspring
The Offspring
The Offspring is an American punk rock band from Huntington Beach, California, formed in 1984. Known as Manic Subsidal until 1986, the band consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Dexter Holland, lead guitarist Kevin "Noodles" Wasserman, bassist Greg K. and drummer Pete Parada...
, performing 250 live shows to support the album. On 1 January 1995, they released their latter, more successful album Manic Compression on Island Records
Island Records
Island Records is a record label that was founded by Chris Blackwell in Jamaica. It was based in the United Kingdom for many years and is now owned by Universal Music Group...
and later that year rejoined The Offspring on their European tour. Manic Compression reached #135 on the Billboard 200 Chart and #9 on the Heatseakers Chart and garnered Quicksand an invitation to the first Vans Warped Tour
Warped Tour
The Warped Tour is a touring music and extreme sports festival. The tour is held in venues such as parking lots or fields upon which the stages and other structures are erected. The BMX/skateboarding shoe manufacturer Vans, among others, has sponsored the tour every year since 1995, and it is...
. Unfortunately, internal conflict and the stresses of constant touring led to the band's break-up in October 1995 at the height of their success.
Reunion and Unfinished Album
Following Quicksand's initial split, Walter Schreifels started his World's Fastest Car project and did production work for the band CIV. Tom Capone formed HandsomeHandsome (band)
Handsome was an American rock supergroup formed in 1996. The group's lineup was singer Jeremy Chatelain, guitarists Peter Mengede , Tom Capone , bassist Eddie Nappi, and drummer Pete Hines . Capone would leave the group in 1997, replaced by Donni Campion...
with members of Murphy's Law
Murphy's Law (band)
Murphy's Law is an American hardcore band from New York City, New York, formed in 1982. While vocalist Jimmy Gestapo remains the only founding member of the band, the line-up has consisted of former members of bands such as Skinnerbox, Danzig, The Bouncing Souls, Mucky Pup, Dog Eat Dog, Hanoi...
, Iceburn
Iceburn
Iceburn, known later as the Iceburn Collective, was a musical group formed in 1991 in Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A., by guitarist/vocalist/composer Gentry Densley, the sole constant member through multiple personnel changes. They were known for their unique style that combined elements of jazz,...
, and Helmet
Helmet (band)
Helmet is an alternative metal band from New York City formed in 1989. Founded by vocalist and lead guitarist Page Hamilton, Helmet has had numerous lineup changes, and Hamilton has been the only constant member....
, releasing a self-titled album in 1997. Sergio Vega began his own solo work with Fully in addition to DJ'ing in New York City and Alan Cage joined the alternative rock band Seaweed
Seaweed (band)
Seaweed is a band from Tacoma, Washington who were active throughout the 1990s. Their style of music is a combination of punk rock and grunge, mostly due to its 'dirty' sound.-History:...
.
During the summer of 1997, the members were rumored to have begun talking about a reunion with the intention of performing on Revelation Night at Brownies during the CMJ Music Conference that September. However, Quicksand's first appearance since their split would have to wait until 6 February 1998 in Osaka on the first leg of a Japanese/Hawaiian mini-tour. In August 1998, they entered Carriage House Studios
Carriage House Studios
Carriage House Studios is a residential recording studio located in the suburbs of Stamford, Connecticut. Established in 1980, the Carriage House has recorded well-known artists like Diana Ross, Derek Trucks, Johnny Winter, Meatloaf, Rakim, Pantera, Ronnie Dio, Phyllis Hyman, Spyro Gyra, and The...
in Stamford, Connecticut
Stamford, Connecticut
Stamford is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. According to the 2010 census, the population of the city is 122,643, making it the fourth largest city in the state and the eighth largest city in New England...
with producer Steven Haigler to begin recording material written in the last six months. After the band's first North American performance on 26 September 1998 in Boulder, Colorado, they were invited to extend their tour with Deftones
Deftones
Deftones are an American alternative metal band from Sacramento, California, founded in 1988. The band consists of Chino Moreno , Stephen Carpenter , Chi Cheng , Frank Delgado , and Abe Cunningham . Currently Sergio Vega is standing in on bass while Cheng recovers from a car accident...
and Snapcase
Snapcase
Snapcase is a hardcore punk band from Buffalo, New York. Their records have been released on the Chicago record label, Victory Records. Through the course of the band's initial run of fourteen years, they released six studio albums before disbanding in 2005....
and on 3 November 1998 started what was to become their last tour. Quicksand then returned to the studio to continue working on the new album; despite the recent successful tour and a more collaborative effort in the writing process, resurfaced tensions would eventually split up the band indefinitely in the autumn of 1999 and doom the material to remain officially unreleased.
Post-Quicksand Activities
Walter Schreifels went on to form the alternative rockAlternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
band Rival Schools
Rival Schools (band)
Rival Schools are a post-hardcore band from New York signed to Photo Finish Records, featuring Walter Schreifels on vocals and guitar; Ian Love on guitar; Cache Tolman on bass guitar; and Sam Siegler on drums....
with former band mate and CIV drummer Sammy Siegler
Sammy Siegler
Sammy Siegler is an American rock drummer, notable for his many contributions to the New York hardcore scene.-With Side By Side:* New York City Hardcore - Together compilation...
, releasing the album United by Fate
United by Fate
United by Fate is the first LP released by post-hardcore band Rival Schools. The album was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Luke Ebbin...
in 2001 (before splitting in 2003). Schreifels later fronted Walking Concert
Walking Concert
Walking Concert is an indie rock band from New York, featuring Walter Schreifels on vocals and guitar; Jeffery E. Johnson on guitar; Ryan Stratton on bass guitar; and Drew Thomas on drums....
on his independent record label Some Records
Some Records
Some Records is an independent record label in New York City whose acts include Earl Greyhound, Innaway, Hot Water Music, Walking Concert, Six Going on Seven, Form of Rocket, The New Transit Direction, The Exit, The Ghost and Rebecca Schiffman....
. Along the way, Schreifels mixed in occasional solo acoustic performances. In 2008 Rival Schools reformed, performing live at various festivals, and plan to release their second album in mid-2010. Tom Capone played guitar for Instruction
Instruction (band)
Instruction were an alternative rock band that formed in 2002 in Brooklyn, New York. The band consisted of lead vocalist Arthur Shepherd, bassist Adam Marino, lead guitarist Tom Capone and drummer Ti Kreck.-Band history:...
for the majority of the band's existence beginning in December 2002. Sergio Vega has played bass on tour for Deftones
Deftones
Deftones are an American alternative metal band from Sacramento, California, founded in 1988. The band consists of Chino Moreno , Stephen Carpenter , Chi Cheng , Frank Delgado , and Abe Cunningham . Currently Sergio Vega is standing in on bass while Cheng recovers from a car accident...
, filling in for Chi Cheng
Chi Cheng (musician)
Chi Cheng, is a Chinese American musician, best known as the bass guitarist for the American band Deftones.-Personal life:...
in 1999 and 2009, and was recruited in June 2009 to compose their album Diamond Eyes
Diamond Eyes
Diamond Eyes is the sixth album by American Alternative metal band Deftones, released worldwide on May 4, 2010 through Warner Bros. and Reprise Records...
, released on 4 May 2010. Alan Cage contributed to Enemy's
Enemy (band)
Enemy is an American band fronted by guitarist and vocalist Troy Van Leeuwen , with bassist Eddie Nappi and drummer Kelli Scott . Former Quicksand drummer Alan Cage was a founding member before being replaced by Scott...
Hooray for Dark Matter in 2005 and later worked with New Idea Society and the hardcore band 108
108 (band)
108 is an American hardcore band founded in 1991. Their music reflected the Hare Krishna faith of its members. Their name comes from the number of beads on the Japa mala, or mantra counting beads.- History :...
.
EPs and Singles
| Year | Title | Info | Additional Tracks | Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | "Quicksand" | 4-track EP | 1. "Omission" (2:24), 2. "Clean Slate" (2:50), 3. "Unfulfilled" (3:16), 4. "Hypno Jam with Dan" (1:59) | Revelation Records Revelation Records Revelation Records is an independent record label focusing originally and primarily on hardcore punk. The label is known for its role in the evolution of hardcore and metallic post-hardcore with important releases by bands such as Youth of Today, Warzone, Sick of It All, Quicksand, Side By Side,... |
| 1992 | "Dine Alone" | 7" promo single | "Can Opener" (3:45) | Polydor |
| 1993 | "Fazer" | CD single | Polydor | |
| "Dine Alone" | CD single | "How Soon Is Now?" (The Smiths The Smiths The Smiths were an English alternative rock band, formed in Manchester in 1982. Based on the song writing partnership of Morrissey and Johnny Marr , the band also included Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce... cover) (3:07) |
Polydor | |
| "Omission" | CD single | "Baphomet" (live with lyrics) (4:40), "Clean Slate" (live in CA) (3:09) | Polydor | |
| "Freezing Process" | CD single | "Clean Slate" (live in GA) | Polydor | |
| 1994 | "Divorce" | 7" single | "Voice Killer" (3:35) | Island |
| 1995 | "Thorn in My Side" | CD single | "Shovel" (3:13) | Island |
| "Landmine Spring" | CD single | "Chelsea's Going Under" (3:42) | Island | |
| "Delusional" | CD single | Island | ||
Compilations
- CBGB 20th Anniversary Compilation (1993) – "How Soon is Now?" (recorded live at CBGB's) (3:22)
- Hits Rock – New Sckoool, Volume I (1994?) – "Landmine Spring"
- Revelation 100: A 15 Year Retrospective (2002) – "Dine Alone" (1992 previously unreleased demo) (3:19)