Contents
[hide]
* 1 History
o 1.1 Height of career
o 1.2 Breakup
o 1.3 Compilation
* 2 Musical style
* 3 Trivia
* 4 Members
* 5 Discography
[edit]
History
In August of 1989, vocalist Dennis Owens, guitarist Jake Kline, keyboardist Rodi DelGadillo, bassist Deryke Cardenaz, and drummer Christine Tasche formed a band called The Silent Invasion. After a few months of rehearsal, the band played their one and only show just after Christmas in Tasche's back house in front of a few friends. Shortly after, Tasche left the band.
Several months later, John Gamba responded to their "Drummer Wanted" flyer and was soon added to the band roster. The band soon decided to change their name to Suburban Rhythm. Kline hated the name, but due to him having missed that particular meeting in which the name was changed, the others decided Kline would have no say in the matter. Eight months later and after playing several shows, Gamba was ousted due to "personality conflicts", leaving the band once again without a drummer.
Carlos De La Garza, drummer for another O.C. band, The Trenchtown Invaders, took Gamba's spot as drummer. One month later, Cardenaz quit for unknown reasons. Through an "acquaintance of an acquaintance", the band found Ed Kampwirth to replace Cardenaz. With the addition of Kampwirth, the band's sound began to solidify.
[edit]
Height of career
In October of 1992, the band released their first (and only) demo, Hose. After this, the size of Suburban Rhythm's fanbase grew dramatically.
In April of 1993, Kline quit the band for reasons known only to him. Kline's departure left the band with Dennis Owens and Rodi DelGadillo as the only two original members remaining. The band vowed to break up if any more of the core members (including Kampwirth and De La Garza) decided to quit, fearing replacing any more members might "water things down to the point of embarrassment."
Despite depression within the band, they decided they would stick together and find a new guitarist. After several try-outs, the band "settled" with Scott Moran. Soon after this, Chris Siglin was hired as the band's manager.
[edit]
Breakup
In late October or early November of 1993, Suburban Rhythm started to record their first album. At this point, band member relations were becoming unstable. According to Owens, more and more arguments ensued between band members about "this-that-and-the-other's problem with this-that-and-the-other"
The initial recording sessions proved unsatisfactory. After several more arguments, it was decided to re-record the album at another studio. Friction among the band members grew worse as the band continued to argue. Finally, in the middle of the sessions, Kampwirth and Moran announced they were quitting the band.
The band kept the promise they made after Kline left and put the band to rest. S.R. played its last show on April 2, 1994 in Costa Mesa, CA.
[edit]
Compilation
In 1997, three years after the band's breakup, a 16-song "obituary" CD was released from Long Beach record label Solid Recordings. The album contains all three tracks from the Hose demo cassette, all four tracks from the Almost There 7" vinyl, plus nine previously unreleased tracks. The album also includes five tracks recorded live from the Big Black Room in Santa Ana, CA in 1993, as well as a hidden garage-recorded track entitled "Uniform of Destruction".
[edit]
Musical style
Suburban Rhythm ran the gamut of musical styles. While primarily labeled a ska/punk band, some of their recordings displayed styles from funk (e.g. "18 Inch Ruler"), to metal, jazz, blues, and even country (e.g. "Blue Hawaii"). Their tone also had range, from dark and moody styles, such as "Coming Out Of The Woodwork" and "Tension", to playful, fast-driven songs like "Game Show", "Bixville" and their cover of Carl Douglas' "Kung Fu Fighting".
[edit]
Trivia
Popular O.C. ska band Reel Big Fish has paid homage to Suburban Rhythm on many occasions. Their debut CD, Turn the Radio Off, includes a tribute song to Suburban Rhythm entitled "S.R". They also covered Suburban Rhythm's "Uniform of Destruction" for the Ska Parade's compilation album, Runnin' Naked thru the Cornfield. (Suburban Rhythm's "Coming out of the Woodwork" is featured on the same album.)
[edit]
Members
* Dennis Owens (vocals)
* Rodi DelGadillo (keyboard)
* Deryke Cardenaz (bass guitar) (1990–1992)
* Ed Kempwirth (bass guitar (1992–1994)
* Jake Kline (guitar) (1990–1993)
* Scott Moran (guitar) (1993–1994)
* Christine Tasche (drums) (1990, with The Silent Invasion)
* John Gamba (drums) (1990–1991)
* Carlos de la Garza (drums) (1991–1994)
[edit]
Discography
Year Title Format Details
1992 Hose Cassette Out of print
1994 Almost There 7″ Vinyl Out of print
1997 Suburban Rhythm CD 16-song compilation released through Solid Recordings
Uniform of Destruction
Suburban Rhythm Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Proud to strip some unity
Oh my eye ... woah ho my eye
Uniform of destruction
Chicken, fried steak, and spaghetti helps to
Make the world seem right
Food thats on my plate will never
Headed for the West
Headed for Seattle
Can't control my life
While its slipping through my hands
Oh my eye ... woah ho my eye
Proud to strip some unity
Oh my eye ... oh ho my eye
Uniform of destruction
Barbecued beef and lasagna helps to
Make the world seem right
Mention I look cool 'cuz we all
Chew our food ten times
Headed for the West
Headed for Seattle
Please come out tonight, baby
Please meet my demands
Lets Go!
Oh my eye ... woah ho my eye
Proud to strip some unity
Oh my eye ... woah ho my eye
Uniform of destruction
Peanut butter and jelly has the
Flavor that I like
Give me my fair share
Of the chocolate milk that's spiked
Headed for the West
Headed for Seattle
Please give my regards
To my lover in the south
Headed for the West
Headed for Seattle
Headed for the West
Headed for Seattle
Headed for the West
Uniform of destruction
Headed for Seattle
Uniform of destruction
Headed for the West
Uniform of destruction
Headed for Seattle
Uniform of destruction
Ha ha ha
The song "Uniform of Destruction" by Suburban Rhythm is a punk rock piece that touches on the concept of conformity and the struggle against it. The repetition of "Oh my eye ... woah ho my eye" throughout the song creates a sense of urgency and calls for attention to be paid to the lyrics. The chorus, "Proud to strip some unity, uniform of destruction," highlights the idea of rebellion against a system that seeks to make everyone the same, and instead, promotes individuality and standing out.
The verses of the song touch on concepts of food and travel, with the repetition of "Headed for the West, headed for Seattle" creating a sense of restlessness and rebellion. The idea of food being used as a tool to make the world seem right is also present, with the lyrics "Chicken-fried steak and spaghetti helps to make the world seem right" and "Barbecued beef and lasagna helps to make the world seem right." The use of food as a metaphor for finding comfort in the midst of chaos or confusion adds complexity to the piece and presents an interesting take on punk rock themes.
Overall, "Uniform of Destruction" is a powerful song that encourages listeners to question authority and think for themselves, while providing a unique perspective on punk rock concepts such as individuality and rebellion.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh my eye ... woah ho my eye
Expressing surprise and excitement
Proud to strip some unity
Taking pride in breaking down social norms and conventions
Uniform of destruction
Clothing that embodies a violent, rebellious attitude
Chicken, fried steak, and spaghetti helps to
Make the world seem right
Comfort food that provides a sense of security and normalcy
Food thats on my plate will never
Put up any fight
Food that is easily consumed and poses no challenge
Can't control my life
While its slipping through my hands
Feeling powerless and unable to steer one's own life
Barbecued beef and lasagna helps to
Make the world seem right
More comfort food that provides a sense of security and normalcy
Mention I look cool 'cuz we all
Chew our food ten times
Finding validation and acceptance through a shared behavior
Please come out tonight, baby
Please meet my demands
Asking for someone's attention and compliance
Peanut butter and jelly has the
Flavor that I like
Preferring simple, familiar tastes
Give me my fair share
Of the chocolate milk that's spiked
Asking for one's rightful portion of something that is given an extra edge
Please give my regards
To my lover in the south
Sending a message of affection to a distant partner
Ha ha ha
An expression of joy or amusement
Contributed by Noah I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@asymptolemy
Such a classic!
@professorplum4806
BIG TUNE!!!
@ShadowEl
thank you for uploading this!