In May 1998, the four-piece from Tacoma, USA released their first album, American Nervoso.
On November 30, 1999, Hydra Head released Botch's We Are The Romans. Since its initial release, bands have been influenced by its style, creating, to many, what is now called mathcore.
Recently, Hydra Head Records has released Unifying Themes Redux, an anthology of EPs and compilation tracks as well as a few unreleased tracks and a live set that was originally released by Excursion Records. In addition to this, on December 5 Hydra Head released 061502, a CD/DVD of Botch's final show.
American Nervoso was remastered and re-released in July 2007. The new version included four demo tracks and an extended version of Spitting Black. In September 2007 Hydra Head released a deluxe edition of We Are the Romans featuring two discs; the first being the actual album, and the second filled with seven demos from the album and four live tracks.
Since their break-up in 2002, members have gone on to take part in bands such as Minus The Bear, These Arms Are Snakes, Roy, and Russian Circles. After a long hiatus, singer Dave Verellen has recently returned to the scene with Narrows.
In 2022, Botch returned with a new single called “One Twenty Two” and a reissue of We Are the Romans. Bassist Brian Cook originally stated that the band was not reuniting and this was just a one off single that was originally written for David Knudson’s solo album. However, the group announced shows at The Showbox in Seattle and The Spanish Ballroom in Tacoma, WA. Their first shows in 20+ years.
Botch Is;
Dave Verellen (vocals)
Brian Cook (bass)
Dave Knudson (guitar)
Tim Latona (drums)
To Our Friends in the Great White North
Botch Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You are not what you seem, always different, always changing.
It brings the worst out of me, and it's here to stay.
That's the way it's always been for me.
Always on your attire silences what you think and now you're wearing eyeliner.
So lie.
Now see how you look in the light not so different and it's hard for you to swallow.
Gone.
It's maddening it's flashbulb thoughts it's contrasting.
Can't decide who you are no feelings plague my head we'll all be specimens.
It's your fault, fucking up the kids.
Complaints have all been heard we're tired we're bringing out the dead.
Where's the first you that I knew?
The lyrics of Botch's song "To Our Friends in the Great White North" are complex and may be interpreted in different ways. However, one possible interpretation is that the song speaks about the challenges of maintaining a consistent identity in a world where people are constantly changing and trying to fit in. The lyrics suggest a sense of frustration with the inconsistency of others and the pressure to conform to certain fashion and social norms. The lines "Always on your attire silences what you think and now you're wearing eyeliner. So lie" imply that the singer believes that people are hiding their true selves behind a facade of trendy clothing and makeup.
The song speaks to a feeling of being isolated and disconnected from others due to their constant transformation. The lines, "Can't decide who you are no feelings plague my head, we'll all be specimens" suggest that this is not only a personal issue but a societal one as well. The reference to "fucking up the kids" suggests that the singer believes there are negative influences that are impacting future generations.
Overall, the song conveys a sense of weariness and despair in trying to keep up with the world's ever-changing expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
Set apart great divides.
Creating large separations or differences between people or things.
You are not what you seem, always different, always changing.
You are not easily understood or predictable, constantly evolving and transforming.
It brings the worst out of me, and it's here to stay.
Your presence or actions agitate me and it seems like it will continue to be that way.
That's the way it's always been for me.
This is how I have always felt or perceived this situation.
Always on your attire silences what you think and now you're wearing eyeliner.
Your outward appearance or clothing hides your true thoughts or beliefs and now you are even further altering your appearance.
So lie.
Suggesting that the person should continue to deceive or mislead others.
Now see how you look in the light not so different and it's hard for you to swallow.
When viewed in a different context or without the added alterations, you are not that distinct from others and it may be difficult for you to accept.
Gone.
Something or someone has disappeared or is no longer present.
Don't change a single thing at least not for me just keep acting.
Please do not alter your behavior or appearance, especially not for me, and just continue to put on a performance for others.
It's maddening it's flashbulb thoughts it's contrasting.
The situation or experience is chaotic, constantly changing, and overwhelming.
Can't decide who you are no feelings plague my head we'll all be specimens.
I am unable to determine your true identity or emotions and it feels like we are all being studied or observed like specimens.
It's your fault, fucking up the kids.
Blaming you for causing harm or negatively influencing young people or future generations.
Complaints have all been heard we're tired we're bringing out the dead.
All of the issues or grievances have been acknowledged, everyone is exhausted, and it feels like we are dragging out the deceased.
Where's the first you that I knew?
Wondering what happened to the original version of you that I was once familiar with.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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