Sprain was an American experimental rock band from Los Angeles, California that formed in 2018.[1][2] Its final lineup consisted of Alex Kent (guitar, vocals), April Gerloff (bass guitar), Sylvie Simmons (guitar), and Clint Dodson (drums).[3]
Sprain | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, US |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 2018–2023 |
| Labels | The Flenser |
| Past members |
|
The band released two studio albums and one EP before abruptly disbanding in 2023, a month after the release of their second album The Lamb as Effigy.
History
editSprain was formed in Los Angeles by Alex Kent and April Gerloff in early 2018.[4] Their self-titled debut EP, released in August 2018, was inspired by the slowcore genre, especially by bands like Low and Duster.[5] After adding two new members, Max Pretzer on drums and Sylvie Simmons on second guitar, they started to work on their debut album.
In December 2019, Sprain signed to The Flenser record label.[6] The band's debut album, As Lost Through Collision, released in September 2020, saw the band playing louder and more abrasive music, by the virtue of having more members.[7] Before recording a follow-up to their debut, drummer Max Pretzker was unable to record and had to be replaced by percussionist Clint Dodson. Their second album The Lamb as Effigy was eventually released in September 2023.[3][8] The nearly two-hour album was developed through intense live shows over the preceding years.[9]
On October 16, 2023, the band abruptly announced their disbandment in a post on their social media accounts. After Sprain's disbandment was announced, bassist April Gerloff revealed that she was kicked out of the band three weeks prior.[10][11]
Musical style
editSprain have been described as an experimental rock[12][13] and noise rock[13][14] band, and their earliest works were labeled as slowcore.[15][16]
Members
editFinal lineup
- Alex Kent – vocals, guitar, piano (2018–2023)
- April Gerloff – bass guitar, synthesizer, engineer (2018–2023)
- Sylvie Simmons – guitar (2019–2023)
- Clint Dodson – drums, percussion (2020–2023)
Previous members
- Max Pretzker – drums (2019–2020)
Discography
editStudio albums
edit- As Lost Through Collision (2020; The Flenser)
- The Lamb as Effigy (2023; The Flenser)
EPs
edit- Sprain (2018; Joyless Youth)
Singles
edit- "Anything" (2018)
- "True Norwegian Black Metal" (2018)
- "Worship House" (2020)
- "Constant Hum" (2020)
- "Man Proposes, God Disposes" (2023)
- "Privilege of Being" (2023)
- "We Think So Ill of You" (2023)
References
edit- ^ "The Quietus | Features | Escape Velocity | A Collision Course: Sprain Interviewed". The Quietus.
- ^ "Interview: Sprain". August 10, 2020.
- ^ a b "Sprain Discuss Their Sophomore Album "The Lamb as Effigy" | Post-Trash Feature". POST-TRASH. August 23, 2023. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
- ^ "Welcome SPRAIN". The Flenser. December 3, 2019. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
- ^ "Interview: Sprain". Good Album Friday. September 18, 2019. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
- ^ Flenser, The. "Welcome SPRAIN". The Flenser. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- ^ Dempsey, Colin (September 13, 2020). "Sprain Interview". Medium. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
- ^ "Sprain: The Lamb as Effigy or Three Hundred and Fifty XOXOXOS for a Spark Union With My Darling Divine". Pitchfork.
- ^ H, Rob (June 21, 2023). "Sprain spiral through intense guilt on "Man Proposes, God Disposes", announce new album". Beats Per Minute. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- ^ "Sprain Announce Breakup". Stereogum. October 16, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- ^ staff, Treble (October 16, 2023). "Sprain break up".
- ^ LaPierre, Megan (October 16, 2023). "Sprain Call It Quits". Exclaim!.
- ^ a b staff, Treble (October 16, 2023). "Sprain break up". Treble. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- ^ "Sprain, "The Lamb as Effigy"". FLOOD. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- ^ "8 Albums Out This Week You Should Listen to Now". Pitchfork. September 1, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
- ^ "Sprain Aim For a Masterpiece on 'The Lamb As Effigy'". PopMatters. October 5, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.