Froberg and Reis had originally played in Pitchfork, but despite musical similarities, there were some significant changes in the lineup of Drive Like Jehu. Froberg, no longer just a vocalist, picked up a guitar, while Kennedy and Trombino formed the rhythm section of the new band after having played together in Night Soil Man, a prog-influenced punk outfit.
The group released their self-titled debut album on Cargo in 1991. The following year, they released the double a-side single, Hand Over Fist/Bullet Train To Vegas on Merge Records, and released the original recorded version of Sinews on the Headstart to Purgatory compilation of San Diego bands.
Drive Like Jehu and Rocket From the Crypt (a garage-punk band fronted by Reis) were signed to Interscope Records as a pair, with the label releasing Drive Like Jehu's second album, Yank Crime, in 1994 after which the band embarked on tours of the United States and Europe.
Drive Like Jehu played their final shows in 1995 with little fanfare. While John Reis concentrated on Rocket From the Crypt full-time, Froberg and Trombino would both eventually leave San Diego. Froberg briefly played in Thingy with Rob Crow (of Pinback) before moving to New York City to work as an illustrator. Kennedy went back to school and became a chemist, while Trombino, who engineered most of the band's recordings, became a audio engineer and producer for the likes of Blink 182 and Jimmy Eat World, among others.
Since the breakup, Reis continued to front Rocket From The Crypt until 2005, whilst working on other projects including Back Off Cupids, Sultans, and starting his own record label, Swami Records.
In 2000, Froberg and Reis reunited to form Hot Snakes, who released three full-lengths on Swami before retiring in the summer of 2005.
In 2007, Reis formed The Night Marchers with former Hot Snakes bandmates Gar Wood and Jason Kourkounis, releasing their debut album, See You In Magic earlier this year.
Super Unison
Drive Like Jehu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Up with the mob
It ain't no accident we're better off
You're set to inherit what I got
You're putty now in my hands
You're bloody now in my hands
That's all
Yeah that'll happen next and who'll be there to write you off
Bla bla bla
The lyrics "Ready ready to let you in, Up with the mob, It ain't no accident we're better off" in Drive Like Jehu's song Super Unison refer to the idea of conformity and how it can be perceived as a way of achieving success. The singer is addressing someone, perhaps a younger or less experienced individual, who is eager to fit in and be part of the group. The lines "Up with the mob, It ain't no accident we're better off" suggest that by going along with the crowd, this person will find success and benefit from being part of a larger collective.
The following lines "You're set to inherit what I got, You're putty now in my hands, You're bloody now in my hands" suggest that the singer may be in a position of power or influence within this group and that the person they are addressing is looking to them for guidance. The use of the word "putty" suggests that this individual is malleable and can be shaped or molded by the singer. However, the word "bloody" suggests that this process will not be painless.
The final lines "Yeah keep the herd in check or be absorbed, That's all, Yeah that'll happen next and who'll be there to write you off, Bla bla bla" suggest that there is a danger in standing out or going against the group mentality. The use of the word "absorbed" suggests that those who do not conform will be consumed by the group, while the dismissive "Bla bla bla" suggests that any objections or resistance will be met with indifference.
Line by Line Meaning
Ready ready to let you in
Prepared and eager to allow you to join and participate
Up with the mob
Supportive of and aligned with the group or collective
It ain't no accident we're better off
Our advantageous situation is not coincidental, but rather intentionally crafted
You're set to inherit what I got
You are positioned to receive and take over what I currently possess
You're putty now in my hands
You are easily shaped and molded according to my desires and intentions
You're bloody now in my hands
You are figuratively wounded or defeated as a result of my actions and control
Yeah keep the herd in check or be absorbed
Maintain order and conformity among the group, or risk being assimilated by a larger, stronger force
That's all
There is nothing more to say or explain on this matter
Yeah that'll happen next and who'll be there to write you off
That inevitable outcome will occur, and who will be present to dismiss or disregard your situation?
Bla bla bla
Dismissive or sarcastic response suggesting the previous statement was insignificant or unimportant
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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