Walter Schreifels is a post-hardcore renaissance man whose talents I first encountered in 1993 while working at a record store. We received an advance copy of Slip by Quicksand, a band I’d never heard of before. But back then, we would give anything a spin. The lead single was “Fazer,” an intriguing track that stood out amidst a transformative period in music—sitting in the timeline between the debut albums from Rage Against the Machine and Korn.
Despite their sound often drawing comparisons to contemporaries like Helmet and Fugazi, Quicksand, in my view, surpassed these parallels through their exceptional songwriting. Their music was not just accessible; it was undeniably captivating. Every track on Slip was a post-hardcore gem, mirroring the consistency and depth found on Def Leppard’s Hysteria, but within a post-hardcore metal context.
Slip was, in many ways, the Hysteria of its genre—not in terms of mainstream hits, but as a near-perfect record for its time and niche. When Quicksand released their second album, it presented an elevated level of polish and production. However, despite its artistic merit, it didn’t garner the commercial success one might have hoped for. Quite frankly, I think they got fucked by a label that didn’t know what to do with them.
Leap forward to 2001, and Schreifels made a triumphant return with another project, Rival Schools. The band burst onto the scene with the instant classic “United by Fate.” Had Schreifels finally found his breakthrough? Could this fusion of his unmistakable voice with a fresh stylistic approach finally resonate with the masses? It appeared so.
With a slight shift towards an indie rock vibe, Rival Schools maintained the flavorful essence of Quicksand, allowing Schreifels’ signature style to shine through. The songs had a broader appeal, effectively tapping into the zeitgeist of the time, a last hurrah for fans still committed to buying full albums in a rapidly changing digital music landscape soon to be dominated by digital singles on iTunes.
Fast forward to 2023, and Rival Schools’ influence and dynamism remain as potent as ever. At the renowned London’s Electric Ballroom, the band commanded the stage, with Schreifels, Ian Love, Cache Tolman, and Sam Siegler reasserting their relevance with a spellbinding performance that masterfully fused melodic post-hardcore with alternative rock elements, demonstrating their enduring stature in the post-hardcore scene.
The night was a 20th-anniversary celebration of their iconic debut album, United by Fate. The band performed the album in its entirety, encapsulating two decades of musical influence and continued appeal. With echoes of their Quicksand roots, songs such as “Holding Sand,” “World Invitational,” and “Favorite Star” took the crowd down a nostalgic path, while the explosive energy of their hit track, “Used for Glue,” showcased the band’s broad appeal and Schreifels’ compelling songwriting abilities.
The evening was not solely confined to the past. Rival Schools also shared five songs from their 2011 album Pedals, providing a glimpse into their musical evolution and ability to innovate while maintaining their distinct sound.
The Electric Ballroom performance transcended beyond just a live show—it was an immersive musical journey that underscored the sustained impact of a band that, despite having just two official albums, has left an indelible mark on the post-hardcore landscape. The evident chemistry among the band members and the enthusiastic crowd response could perhaps be an indication of more to come from Rival Schools.
As Schreifels continues to contribute to the post-hardcore scene as a veritable renaissance man, the London performance stood as both a vibrant reminder of his impactful past and a promising glimpse into the potential future. This electrifying night underscored the ever-relevant presence of Rival Schools and the evolving legacy of post-hardcore music.
