How a New York post-hardcore band survived decades of internal friction and reunions
In short: Formed in 1990, Quicksand became the first post-hardcore band to sign a major-label deal. Despite their influence and extensive touring, internal pressures caused multiple breakups. Yet, the band has defied expectations, returning in 2012 to release three more albums, proving their resilience in a volatile corner of the music industry.
Emerging from the New York Hardcore scene, Quicksand was assembled by Walter Schreifels, who brought together musicians from projects like Beyond and Burn. Their early momentum was rapid; they recorded their debut EP just six weeks after forming in 1990. By 1992, they had secured a deal with Polydor Records, a milestone for the post-hardcore genre. Their debut full-length album, Slip, arrived in 1993, followed by the more successful Manic Compression in 1995, which reached No. 135 on the Billboard 200.
Despite this success, the band struggled with the demands of constant touring and internal conflict, leading to a breakup in October 1995. A brief, failed reunion occurred between 1997 and 1999, resulting in unreleased material that eventually circulated online. The members pursued various other projects during this hiatus, with bassist Sergio Vega notably joining Deftones and Schreifels forming Rival Schools. It was not until 2012 that the original lineup reunited for a series of live shows, marking the beginning of a sustained second act.
The band's modern era has seen significant shifts, including the 2017 departure of guitarist Tom Capone following his arrest. Schreifels subsequently took on both rhythm and lead guitar duties. The band has since released Interiors in 2017, Distant Populations in 2021, and Bring On the Psychics in 2026. Their survival is a testament to their enduring creative chemistry, which has persisted despite lineup changes and the industry's failure to provide the mainstream success originally anticipated by their early labels.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Quicksand (American band)
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