Rival Schools is an American post-hardcore band hailing from New York City. Formed in 1999, the group is a brainchild of frontman Walter Schreifels, who is widely known for his influential role in the hardcore punk scene with bands like Gorilla Biscuits and Quicksand. Rival Schools established itself with a melodic yet emotionally charged sound that merges the rawness of hardcore with alternative rock sensibilities. Their debut album "United By Fate," released in 2001, became a cult classic within the underground rock community, praised for its dynamic songwriting and the anthemic single "Used for Glue."

Despite going on hiatus in 2003, the band's reputation continued to grow, leading to a reunion in 2008 and the follow-up album, "Pedals," in 2011. Their work during this period showcased maturation, incorporating more subtle textures while retaining their characteristic energy and passion. "Pedals" was supported by a variety of remixes, demonstrating the music's versatility and the band's willingness to experiment. The band also contributed tracks to the soundtrack for "First Descent: The Story of the Snowboarding Revolution," further cementing their connection to youth and extreme sports culture. Rival Schools' catalog may also include acoustic renditions, such as "Holding Sand (Acoustic)," which exhibit the band's songs stripped down to their emotional core, and EPs like "Some EP," which often serve to tide fans over with new material between full-length releases. Despite their sporadic output, Rival Schools remains a respected name in the post-hardcore genre, known for their authenticity and the fervent loyalty of their fans.

Genres

Emo

Emo Punk

Post-hardcore

Latest Release

Some EP

Rival Schools

Ep - 5 Tracks - Released October 28, 2022