Punchline is a pop punk band from Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, that formed in 1998. The band released released their fifth full-length album Just Say Yes on September 16, 2008 on their own label, Modern Short Stories after leaving Fueled by Ramen Records. They are known for their distinctive sound and dedication to their fans.
History
1998-2002: The Early Years
Punchline formed in 1998 as a three-piece band consisting of lead vocalist/guitarist Steve Soboslai, bassist Chris Fafalios, and drummer PJ Caruso. At its inception, Chris was a senior in high school and PJ and Steve were juniors. Punchline played local shows and recorded their first album, How to Get Kicked Out of the Mall, a blend of pop- and ska-influenced punk. In later recordings, the ska influence would become less prominent.
In 1999, the band self-produced and self-released the full-length Punchline.
After being joined by guitarist/vocalist Paul Menotiades, they recorded and co-produced Major Motion Picture with Billy Rossi for an August 2001 release. The four collaborated with Rossi again in 2002 on The Rewind EP. The EP's four tracks marked a transition into what would become their signature pop-punk sound.
2003-2005: Gaining Popularity, Fueled by Ramen
In 2003, the band signed to Fueled by Ramen Records. The Rewind EP was remixed and remastered by Shelly Yakus for its Fueled by Ramen re-release. Early pressings included The Rewind Documentary DVD, a collection of footage of the band.
On February 2004's full-length Action, produced by Sean O'Keefe, Punchline set itself apart in the saturated world of pop-punk music with bright three-part harmonies, unique melodies, catchy riffs, and a strong rhythm section. Soboslai, Menotiades, and Fafalios all contributed vocals to the disc, and the first 10,000 pressings also included a DVD entitled The Action DVD [1].
During a tour, guitarist/vocalist, Paul Menotiades abruptly left the band. The remaining members enlisted long-time friend Greg Wood to fill in on guitar and vocals for the remaining shows of the tour. Wood, who also performed as a solo artist and was a member of Connecticut's now defunct West Beverly, later joined the band as a permanent member, and plays keys/piano in addition to guitar on Punchline's 2006 release 37 Everywhere.
In 2005, TDR Records (formerly known as To Define Records) released an Over It/Punchline split 7-inch vinyl featuring two exclusive songs. The Over It side features an acoustic version of "Partner in Crime," while the Punchline side features a previously unreleased acoustic version of "Battlescars."[2]
2006: 37 Everywhere
37 Everywhere, produced by Shep Goodman and Kenny Gioia, was released by Fueled by Ramen Records on April 11, 2006. The album is dedicated to the life and times of John "Beatz" Holohan (1974-2005), former drummer of Bayside.
The album's title refers to the theory suggesting that 37 is the most commonly seen number. The album's liner notes state: "The number 37 is everywhere. It is in your daily routine and it will surprise you. Look for it and it will look for you." Jason Sho Green, the artist/designer for the album, says the liner notes contain 37 instances of the number 37.
The album features guest vocals from Anthony Raneri of New York's Bayside and Vinnie Caruana of I Am the Avalanche and formerly The Movie Life on "Flashlight," John Johansen of the defunct Stryder on "Caller 10", and Josh Bonner of the defunct Unsung Zeroes on "Wars Will Always Happen," as well as guest guitar work by Ryan Mendez of Yellowcard on "Don't Try This at Home."
On August 28, 2006, the band announced the departure of Greg Wood[3]. Wood is said to be in good standing with the band, and left the band to pursue other interests, specifically a solo career and teaching guitar[4].
Wood was replaced by Jon Belan, a long-time Punchline friend, former member of The Berlin Project, and lead singer of Gene the Werewolf. His first tour with the band was the "Better Than Knowing Where You Are Tour," headlined by Spitalfield, with support from Over It, Valencia, and Boys Like Girls, in addition to Punchline.
2008: Just Say Yes and Modern Short Stories
Punchline's follow-up to 37 Everywhere was recorded in 2007 in two parts. Part 1 was recorded at Room Sound Studios in Tempe, Arizona with producer Jamie Woolford (formerly of The Stereo, now member of the band Let Go), and Part 2 of the new album was recorded at Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin with Sean O'Keefe, who previously produced Punchline's Action album.
On February 7, 2008 the band announced their departure from Fueled By Ramen [5] in a brief statement:
"After many years on fueled by ramen its time for us to move on, after fulfilling the obligations of our contract with FBR we decided that we wanted to look for a new home. Armed with a new record that's already recorded we are excited to move on to something new. Thanks to the people at the FBR that supported us and helped us it means alot [sic]. onedoor [sic] closes and one opens."
[citation needed]
On July 11, 2008, Punchline created their independent label, Modern Short Stories, using the winnings ($25,000) from Heavy.com's Contraband Contest.
On "37 day" (March 7) 2008, Punchline announced in their AIM chatroom that the new album would be titled Just Say Yes.[6]
Just Say Yes was released on September 16, 2008. A four-song bonus disc, "Just Say Maybe", was included with the first 500 pre-ordered copies.
2009-Present
On January 25, 2009, Punchline announced the departure of long-time drummer and original member P.J. Caruso.[7] In a blog entry posted the same day, vocalist Steve Soboslai notified readers the split was amicable, announced a temporary stand-in for already scheduled shows, reassured fans that they plan on making music for a long time to come, and announced plans for a spring 2009 tour and DVD release, as well as a new album sometime this year.[8]
On May 3, 2009, Punchline premiered their new music video for "Ghostie" [9] at 7:37 PM EST during an Absolutepunk.net Chat.[10]
On August 30, 2009, Punchline offered the new song "Heart of Gold" up for free download.[11] But those who paid $3 or more received 5 bonus songs, including rare Punchline tracks.[12]
On September 12, 2009, during a hometown show in Pittsburgh, PA on the AbsolutePunk.net Next Favorite Band Tour, Punchline asked temporary drummer Pat Dee to become a permanent member of Punchline. Punchline announced the departure of guitarist Jon Belan later that week. Former guitarist Paul Menotiades is replacing Belan for their Fall 2009 US tour "and [for] possible future recordings." [13]
Touring
Punchline has toured the United States extensively. In Spring 2005, they embarked on their first proper headlining tour, "The Now or Never Tour."
Internationally, the band has a sizable following in Japan. In the summer of 2004, Punchline toured Japan with then-labelmates Fall Out Boy, and in June 2006, they headlined a Japanese tour with support from Paramore and October Fall.
In May 2007, Punchline toured the UK for the first time as a supporting act on the Good To Go Tour 2007 with rotating headliners Wheatus, MC Lars and Army Of Freshmen.
In February 2008, Punchline toured the United Kingdom for the second time with MxPx and The Get Go on the fourth installment of the Good To Go Tour.
Punchline continues to tour the United States as well. In June 2009, Punchline co-headlined the Major/Minor Tour with Socratic.[14]
In September 2009, Punchline set out on the AbsolutePunk Next Favorite Band Tour with Farewell, Between The Trees, and Action Item. [15] They will tour with Hawthorne Heights, Just Surrender, Monty Are I and Nightbeast in the Fall of 2009.[13]
Members
Former Members
Discography
Albums
EPs
References
External links
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Punchline |
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Pat Dee · Chris Fafalios · Paul Menotiades · Steve Soboslai
Jon Belan · PJ Caruso · Greg Wood |
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| Studio albums |
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| EPs |
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| Videos & DVDs |
The Rewind Documentary · The Action DVD
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| Singles |
"Getting There Is Getting By" · "Don't Try This At Home" · "The Hit" · "Ghostie"
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| Label(s) |
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| Related Articles |
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