Unwound was a U.S. post-hardcore band based in Tumwater/Olympia, Washington. Formed in 1991, the band, originally known as Giant Henry, consisted of Justin Trosper (vocals, guitar, songwriting), Vern Rumsey (bass), and Brandt Sandeno (drums). Unwound released a full demo tape in 1991, and recorded a mini-album in early 1992 (released as Unwound in 1995 by Honey Bear Records). Two songs from the demo tape later appeared on A Single History: 1991-1997. In July 1992 Sara Lund replaced her friend Sandeno. The group released several singles and albums, primarily on the Kill Rock Stars label, before disbanding on April 1, 2002, shortly after co-headlining that year’s All Tomorrow’s Parties festival. The fact that they broke up on April Fool’s Day fueled speculation that they would, in actuality, remain together; an early band t-shirt had the inscription “Unwound 1991-2091”.
The band was known for its nonstop touring of the U.S. and Europe, and occasionally Japan. It shared stages over the years with the likes of the following, with earliest known date in parentheses: Sonic Youth (‘95), Polvo (‘95), Fugazi (‘95), Hovercraft (European tour w/ them, ‘96), Lowercase, Polar Goldie Cats, Deerhoof (‘98), Mogwai (‘99), Nirvana, Slug (rock band, not rap group), the Peechees (‘98), Clikatat Ikatowi (approx. ‘94), Chokebore, The Most Secret Method (‘99), Yind (‘99), Blonde Redhead (‘95), Dub Narcotic Sound System, xbxrx (who formed after attending an Unwound concert in Biloxi, MS, in 1998) (2001), Bikini Kill, and many more. (Members of Unwound and Yind occasionally performed live as “avant-Norge” “supergroup” Shag Bath.) Unwound utilized two additional guitarists during live performances on its final (2001-02) tour.
The band was known for having an all-ages policy at almost every concert which it headlined. This meant that they would often choose to play at unconventional locations such as basements, jaycee halls, and college auditoriums, rather than at the traditional 18+ or 21+ (alcohol-serving) music clubs. They did this because they frequented all-ages shows in Olympia as teens, so they wanted to let fans of any age attend their own gigs.
Unwound - Challenge for a Civilized Society
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