Drive Like Jehu

Drive Like Jehu was a post-hardcore band from San Diego, California, active primarily in the early 1990s. Known for their complex song structures, intense energy, and unusual time signatures, the band was a major influence on the post-hardcore and emo scenes that followed. Formed by vocalist/guitarist Rick Froberg and guitarist John Reis (both of whom had previously played in Pitchfork), Drive Like Jehu also featured bassist Mike Kennedy and drummer Mark Trombino. Their sound combined punk aggression with intricate guitar interplay, helping to push the boundaries of what hardcore music could be.

They released two albums during their original run: their self-titled debut in 1991 and the critically acclaimed Yank Crime in 1994. Though they disbanded shortly after the release of Yank Crime, the band’s legacy continued to grow over the years, leading to a brief reunion in 2014 that included a celebrated performance backed by a pipe organ at San Diego’s Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Their innovative approach left a lasting impact on underground rock, inspiring countless bands in the years that followed.

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