Rival Schools is a Post Hardcore band from New York, United States that was… Read Full Bio ↴Rival Schools is a Post Hardcore band from New York, United States that was formed in 1999 by members from several influential 80's and 90's hardcore bands (including Gorilla Biscuits, Quicksand, CIV, Youth Of Today, Burn, Project X, Judge, Moondog, Warzone, Side by Side and Iceburn). The band started from the ashes of a short lived project, World's Fastest Car which had Artie Shepard of Mind Over Matter and Bad Trip fame involved, but the project went no further than demos. Apparently Walter and Artie had a difference of opinions hence the split. Artie then started Errortype: 11.

* Walter Schreifels - vocals, guitar
* Cache Tolman - bass
* Sam Siegler - drums
* Ian Love - guitar (left in 2002)

The band decided to start a series of EPs where multiple groups form a single band and they looked to Jonah Matranga formerly of Far, New End Original and Gratitude. The lone result was titled Rival Schools United by Onelinedrawing, released on 24th July 2001. Their full-length album titled United By Fate was released on 28th August the same year on Island Records. Shortly after the release of United By Fate, the band released their first single, Used for Glue. The second single released from the album was Good Things. Both releases enjoyed heavy rotation on MTV, both in the US and UK.

Ian Love left the band in 2002, and played as part of an Experimental-Rock band named Cardia, releasing an eponymous album in 2003.

A second album was expected for spring/summer 2003, but it did not surface. However, the master tapes of the album were leaked onto the internet, comprised of eleven tracks:

01- Just a Second
02- The Perspective Reach
03- I Don't Know
04- Your Answer
05- See What You Got
06- Looking
07- Don't Change
08- Shared Information
09- Surrendering Position
10- Seems So Real
11- Get Out of This Place

Rival Schools parted ways in September 2003. Schreifels formed a new band called Walking Concert, releasing an album in 2004. The second album will now be released sometime in 2006.

Sammy Siegler joined Nightmare of You and briefly provided percussion for Limp Bizkit.

The band reformed for shows in Summer 2008 and a new album is expected.

The band was originally named Rival Schools United by Fate, after a video game, but due to legal reasons had to change their name to just Rival Schools.

My Echo
Rival Schools Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Three voices on the phone
Between me, you and my echo
Decide to let me know
That you can't hear at all
Constant interference of my echo
Can you give me clearance, Clarence?
Some relief, I long to be back home
Given the options I've had

To cover a meaningful, wise conversation
I only want too bad
It's not a pressure you feel under
A silent wonder
Constant interference of my echo
Can you give me clearance, Clarence?
Some relief, I long to be back home
I'm getting tired of holding your hand
Suddenly sick of proposals and questions

I hope you understand that you've been no help at all
End of call

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Rival Schools's song "My Echo" is a representation of a phone call that involves three voices: the singer, the person they are talking to, and an echo. The person on the other end is having a difficult time hearing the singer because of the constant interference of the echo. The singer is asking for some relief and clearance from the interference. Despite having meaningful and wise conversations, the singer acknowledges that it may not be enough to establish a connection. The singer is longing to be back home, and their frustration and tiredness has reached a boiling point. They express their disappointment in the other person on the line who has not been of any help at all.

In essence, the lyrics of "My Echo" describe a conversation that is hindered by technical difficulties. However, it goes beyond that to emphasize the breakdown of communication and connection between two people. Despite attempting to have meaningful conversations, the singer realizes that it is hard to do so when there are obstacles that hinder their relationship. This is perhaps why the singer is longing for relief and clearance - they want to clear the air and establish a connection.

Line by Line Meaning

Three voices on the phone
There are multiple people on this phone call

Between me, you and my echo
My own voice is echoing back to me on this call

Decide to let me know
The other people on the call have something to tell me

That you can't hear at all
They are having trouble hearing me over the echo

Constant interference of my echo
My own voice echoing back is causing constant problems on this call

Can you give me clearance, Clarence?
I am asking for help in resolving the echoing issue

Some relief, I long to be back home
I want this call to end and to be back in the comfort of my own home

Given the options I've had
In light of past experiences or conversations

To cover a meaningful, wise conversation
My goal was to have a thoughtful and intelligent discussion

I only want too bad
Unfortunately, my desire will go unfulfilled

It's not a pressure you feel under
I am not trying to pressure anyone on this call