Rites of Spring was an American post-hardcore band from Washington, D.C. in the mid-1980s, known for their energetic live performances. A part of the D.C. hardcore punk scene, Rites of Spring increased the frenetic violence and visceral passion of hardcore while simultaneously experimenting with its compositional rules. Lyrically, they also shifted hardcore into intensely personal realms and, in doing so, are generally considered the first emo band.[1]
The band only performed 15 concerts.[2] Vocalist/guitarist Guy Picciotto and drummer Brendan Canty went on to play in the influential post-hardcore band Fugazi in the late 1980s.
Though rooted in the loud-and-fast style of hardcore punk, Rites of Spring is claimed after the fact for being the founders of the post-hardcore or emotional hardcore genre.[3]
The band is named after the Stravinsky ballet of a similar name. Guy Picciotto didn't like the glamorized aggression direction that the DC-based punk scene was taking in the mid-80s, and decided that his band would be based on an openness and willingness to discuss hurtful experiences and pain.
Discography
Studio Albums
* Rites of Spring (1985)
EPs
* All Through a Life (1987)
* End on End (1991)
- Spoiler:
Subject: Rites of Spring 
Mon Jul 20, 2009 2:50 pm
