Rites Of Spring

Pioneers of Emo Music Movement

Rites of Spring was an American post-hardcore band from Washington, D.C., that had a significant impact on the punk scene despite their brief existence from 1984 to 1986. They are often credited as one of the key bands in the development of the emotional hardcore genre, commonly known as "emo," due to their impassioned style and introspective lyrics. The band consisted of Guy Picciotto (vocals/guitar), Eddie Janney (guitar), Mike Fellows (bass), and Brendan Canty (drums). They released one full-length self-titled album, "Rites of Spring," in 1985, which was produced by Ian MacKaye of Minor Threat and Fugazi fame and released on Dischord Records. The album is highly regarded for its raw intensity and emotional depth. Following their initial LP, they released a four-track EP, "All Through A Life," in 1987, after the band had already disbanded. Posthumously, a collection titled "Six Song Demo" was released in 2012, featuring early demo recordings that capture the band's developing sound. Rites of Spring's influence extended beyond their music, contributing to the DIY ethos and community-oriented approach that became hallmarks of the Dischord label and the D.C. punk scene.