The Ergs!
Encyclopedia
The Ergs! were an American punk rock
band formed in 2000 in South Amboy, New Jersey
, by three high school friends: drummer/lead vocalist Mikey Erg
(Mike Yannich), guitarist/vocalist Jeff Erg (Jeff Schroeck), and bassist Joey Erg (Joe Keller). Through touring and recording, the Ergs! became recognized on a national and international level, touring and playing with such noted acts as The Bouncing Souls
, Lifetime
, Less Than Jake
, The Loved Ones
, The Gaslight Anthem
, Dillinger Four
, None More Black
, The Explosion
, Municipal Waste
, Lemuria
, and more. They have appeared at a number of festivals including Riot Fest, Insubordination Fest
, and The Fest
, the latter of which the band played 4 consecutive years, including as a headlining act in 2008. The Ergs! played their farewell show on November 15, 2008.
students whose previous band the Flatliners (unrelated to other bands with this moniker) had broken up. The band members shared a common passion for all forms of music and culture and had no desire to be pigeonholed. In a 2007 interview with Steve Bove of the Asbury Park Press
, Jim andersen Erg cited John Coltrane
's seminal jazz record Giant Steps
with instilling in the band aspirations "to maybe making music that was more than just punk." Even early songs poked fun at generic songwriting, such as "Xerox Your Genitals, Not the Ramones," which encourage punk bands to strive for their own sound because there would only ever be one Ramones
.
The band quickly recorded a pair of CD-Rs, f'n and Digital Endpoints, selling them at live shows throughout New Jersey. The band went on its first tour outside New Jersey as the support of Dirt Bike Annie
, a noted pop-punk band for whom Mikey Erg also played drums.
New York's Whoa Oh Records
took an early interest in the band and issued their first 7", entitled 3 Guys, 12 Eyes, which was soon followed by a self-released CD-EP, "The Ben Kweller
EP," whose artwork (and lyrics) only referred to indie darling Kweller, but not satirically as has been sometimes perceived. The Ergs set out on a brief tour in the spring/early summer of 2003 in support of The Ben Kweller EP with their friends and Whoa Oh
labelmates, Charlie Brown Gets A Valentine (touring to promote their album "Dismissed"), called the "Who Grabbed My Ass? Tour". It began at the now closed Uncle Joe's in Jersey City, NJ, looped out west as far as Columbia, MO and ended with a show in an apartment in Philadelphia that featured Dirt Bike Annie.
to record their first full length. Dorkrockcorkrod
was originally released on CD by Whoa Oh
in 2003 (and on vinyl in 2005 by Don Giovanni Records
). While playing more and more shows at home to increasingly large and rabid audiences, the band began to draw attention on a national level, including that of hip-hop artist and Adult Swim
contributor mc chris
. This led to the band writing an original song, "All Kids Out Of the Pool" to be used in an Adult Swim promo spot. In the summer of 2005, mc chris chose The Ergs! and North Carolina's SNMNMNM
as the openers for his 2 and a half month Revenge of the Nerd Tour.
With fans now awaiting the follow-up to dorkrockcorkrod, the band returned to Technical Ecstasy with Chris Pierce and emerged with the 7-song EP Jersey's Best Prancers
. The title and artwork parodied that of Lifetime
.
At the midpoint of the tour in Seattle, WA, the band, with Hunchback in tow, entered the studio of Conrad Uno
, a seasoned record producer whose past credits include the Grammy
-nominated debut of The Presidents of the United States of America
, as well as Mudhoney
and The Young Fresh Fellows.
Taking its title from an infamous nervous breakdown suffered by Can
vocalist Malcolm Mooney
, the resulting LP Upstairs/Downstairs
was released by Portland, Oregon
's Dirtnap Records
. Styles which had previously been alluded to were introduced full-bore on the record.
The albums closing title track, was an almost 20 minute expression of romantic remorse and mental instability that erupts into an abrasive noise collage.
Reception of the record among fans of the band's earliest pop punk work was at first confused, but the record found an audience quickly. Janelle Jones of Alternative Press reviewed the record, hailing it as "the punk album to beat this year." As the band embarked on another full-US tour, this time with Buffalo indie rock trio Lemuria
.
During this tour, the band was contacted by New Brunswick punk rock veterans The Bouncing Souls
who wanted the Ergs! to be a part of a tour with the Souls and Lifetime
celebrating the generations of punk rock in New Brunswick and New Jersey at large.
More recording followed, with the band releasing numerous 7" vinyl EPs and singles, as well as more touring, both on their own and supporting larger acts such as Philadelphia's The Loved Ones
and fellow NJ residents The Gaslight Anthem
.
in the movie Dirty Work) was released in the summer of 2008, just as the Ergs! and Hunchback took to the road again for the Jackalry Across America Tour. Despite the tour's success, by its end Hunchback had chosen to break up, and the Ergs! would follow suit in a matter of weeks, announcing that they would complete their remaining tour plans and play a final show in November at the Asbury Lanes.
In October 2008, the Ergs began their final bout of touring with dates supporting Less Than Jake
alongside Landmines and Bomb the Music Industry!
, followed by a Canadian and American tour which included 2 shows at Chicago's Riot Fest. This tour closed with a spot supporting Dillinger Four
at the Brooklyn, NY record release show for D4's long-awaited 4th LP, Civil War
.
The Ergs! bid farewell to their largest collection of fans from around the US and the globe at No Idea Records
' The Fest
7 in Gainesville, Florida
, where they were the only band on the headlining stage at the Fest to play two consecutive sets. During the first set, the band played songs from throughout their career, and during the second, played the LP dorkrockcorkrod in its entirety.
On November 13, 2008, the Ergs! played an unannounced set at a Lemuria show at the Parlor, a New Brunswick basement. On Friday, November 14 they played Upstairs at the Khyber in Philadelphia. On Saturday, November 15, 2008, The Ergs! played 2 shows at the Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park, NJ. The band played long, retrospective sets at each show, and at the late show closed with an extended version Upstairs/Downstairs that eventually incorporated all the night's band members and much of the audience demolishing instruments.
After their split the former members of The Ergs! went on to form such groups as Psyched To Die, Night Birds
, Black Wine and Ergquist. Many of these groups were collaborations with former members of Hunchback
as well.
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
band formed in 2000 in South Amboy, New Jersey
South Amboy, New Jersey
South Amboy is a city in Middlesex County, New Jersey, on the Raritan Bay. As of the 2000 United States Census, the city population was 7,913.South Amboy, and Perth Amboy across the Raritan River, are collectively referred to as The Amboys...
, by three high school friends: drummer/lead vocalist Mikey Erg
Mikey Erg
Mikey Erg is a punk rock drummer, guitarist, and vocalist, from New Jersey. He has played in numerous bands, most famously The Ergs!, but also Star Fucking Hipsters, The Dopamines, The Unlovables, Dirtbike Annie, and Parasites, and is also a solo artist on Paper + Plastick Records.-Discography:*...
(Mike Yannich), guitarist/vocalist Jeff Erg (Jeff Schroeck), and bassist Joey Erg (Joe Keller). Through touring and recording, the Ergs! became recognized on a national and international level, touring and playing with such noted acts as The Bouncing Souls
The Bouncing Souls
The Bouncing Souls are a punk rock band from New Brunswick, New Jersey, formed in 1987. By the time of their acknowledgment by the national punk rock scene, they had reignited a "pogo" element to New Jersey punk rock by playing fast light-hearted songs, a model followed by various other local...
, Lifetime
Lifetime (band)
Lifetime is an American melodic hardcore/emo band from New Jersey. Lifetime was formed in 1990 and disbanded in 1997. In late 2005, they announced their reunion.-History:...
, Less Than Jake
Less Than Jake
Less Than Jake is an American ska punk band from Gainesville, Florida. Originally formed in 1992 as a power pop trio, the band evolved into a hybrid of ska punk. Less Than Jake have also been cited as showing influences from a wide variety of genres including post-grunge, heavy metal, alternative...
, The Loved Ones
The Loved Ones (American band)
The Loved Ones is a punk band based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in late 2003, the band currently consists of Dave Hause , David Walsh , Chris Gonzalez , and Mike Sneeringer...
, The Gaslight Anthem
The Gaslight Anthem
The Gaslight Anthem is an American rock band from New Brunswick, New Jersey, consisting of Brian Fallon , Alex Rosamilia , Alex Levine and Benny Horowitz...
, Dillinger Four
Dillinger Four
Dillinger Four is an American punk rock band formed in 1994 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They have released four full-length studio albums. The current band members are Patrick Costello on bass guitar and vocals, Erik Funk and Bill Morrisette on guitars and vocals, and Lane Pederson on drums.- Studio...
, None More Black
None More Black
None More Black is a New Jersey-based melodic punk outfit on Fat Wreck Chords, formed by lead singer / guitarist Jason Shevchuk after the demise of his previous band, Philadelphia's Kid Dynamite...
, The Explosion
The Explosion
The Explosion was a punk rock band from Boston, Massachusetts. On February 13, 2007 the band announced that they had left Virgin Records. On April 30, 2007 the band announced that they were to split up...
, Municipal Waste
Municipal Waste (band)
Municipal Waste is a thrash metal/crossover thrash band from Richmond, Virginia.They performed at the UK's Download Festival on June 15, 2008, on the tuborg stage....
, Lemuria
Lemuria (band)
Lemuria is an indie/punk rock band from Buffalo, New York formed in 2004. Lemuria has recently released their "The First Collection" EP compilation and the LP, "Get Better"...
, and more. They have appeared at a number of festivals including Riot Fest, Insubordination Fest
Insubordination Fest
Insubordination Fest is an annual message board nerd festival held in Baltimore, Maryland. The festival started in 2006 as a 10th anniversary showcase for Insubordination Records, and since then has been held every summer. In the past the festival has been headlined by bands such as Less Than...
, and The Fest
The Fest
The Fest is an annual music festival in Gainesville, Florida, organized by No Idea Records. It is a predominantly punk rock festival, though there are also a good number of indie rock, country, and metal acts. The Fest first took place in 2002 and has since attracted a large number of punk bands...
, the latter of which the band played 4 consecutive years, including as a headlining act in 2008. The Ergs! played their farewell show on November 15, 2008.
Early history
The Ergs! formed in 2000 by Old Bridge High SchoolOld Bridge High School
Old Bridge High School is a four-year comprehensive public high school that serves students in ninth through twelfth grades from Old Bridge Township in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States, operating as part of the Old Bridge Township Public Schools...
students whose previous band the Flatliners (unrelated to other bands with this moniker) had broken up. The band members shared a common passion for all forms of music and culture and had no desire to be pigeonholed. In a 2007 interview with Steve Bove of the Asbury Park Press
Asbury Park Press
The Asbury Park Press is a daily newspaper in Monmouth and Ocean counties of New Jersey and has the third largest circulation in the state...
, Jim andersen Erg cited John Coltrane
John Coltrane
John William Coltrane was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Working in the bebop and hard bop idioms early in his career, Coltrane helped pioneer the use of modes in jazz and later was at the forefront of free jazz...
's seminal jazz record Giant Steps
Giant Steps
-Personnel:* John Coltrane — tenor saxophone* Tommy Flanagan — piano* Wynton Kelly — piano on "Naima"* Paul Chambers — bass* Art Taylor — drums* Jimmy Cobb — drums on "Naima"* Cedar Walton — piano on "Giant Steps' and Naima" alternate versions...
with instilling in the band aspirations "to maybe making music that was more than just punk." Even early songs poked fun at generic songwriting, such as "Xerox Your Genitals, Not the Ramones," which encourage punk bands to strive for their own sound because there would only ever be one Ramones
Ramones
The Ramones were an American rock band that formed in the New York City neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens, in 1974. They are often cited as the first punk rock group...
.
The band quickly recorded a pair of CD-Rs, f'n and Digital Endpoints, selling them at live shows throughout New Jersey. The band went on its first tour outside New Jersey as the support of Dirt Bike Annie
Dirt Bike Annie
Dirt Bike Annie was a band from Jersey City, New Jersey, who played pop punk and power pop music.-Group history:The bands three consistent members were Adam Rabuck , Dan Paquin and Jeanie Lee...
, a noted pop-punk band for whom Mikey Erg also played drums.
New York's Whoa Oh Records
Whoa Oh Records
Whoa Oh Records is an independent record label based in Astoria, New York.-History:Whoa Oh Records Records was launched in 1998. The label is based in Astoria, New York. They release Lookout! Records styled pop punk bands, the most notable artists on their roster being The Ergs!, The Unlovables,...
took an early interest in the band and issued their first 7", entitled 3 Guys, 12 Eyes, which was soon followed by a self-released CD-EP, "The Ben Kweller
Ben Kweller
Ben Kweller is an American singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.-Early life:Ben Kweller was born in San Francisco, CA in 1981. In 1982, his family relocated to Emory, Texas, where his father, Howard Kweller, became the town's first doctor. In 1986, the Kwellers moved to a much larger city,...
EP," whose artwork (and lyrics) only referred to indie darling Kweller, but not satirically as has been sometimes perceived. The Ergs set out on a brief tour in the spring/early summer of 2003 in support of The Ben Kweller EP with their friends and Whoa Oh
Whoa Oh Records
Whoa Oh Records is an independent record label based in Astoria, New York.-History:Whoa Oh Records Records was launched in 1998. The label is based in Astoria, New York. They release Lookout! Records styled pop punk bands, the most notable artists on their roster being The Ergs!, The Unlovables,...
labelmates, Charlie Brown Gets A Valentine (touring to promote their album "Dismissed"), called the "Who Grabbed My Ass? Tour". It began at the now closed Uncle Joe's in Jersey City, NJ, looped out west as far as Columbia, MO and ended with a show in an apartment in Philadelphia that featured Dirt Bike Annie.
Dorkrockcorkrod
After a few tours around the United States, the band entered Technical Ecstasy Studios with Chris PierceChris Pierce
-Early life:Chris Pierce is a soul singer and songwriter born in California. As a boy, he pursued acting and singing in local theater presentations, and appearing on notable television shows....
to record their first full length. Dorkrockcorkrod
Dorkrockcorkrod
-Track listing:#"First Song, Side One" - 0:21#"A Very Pretty Song For A Very Special Young Lady Part II" - 1:46#"Extra Medium" - 2:05#"Fishbulb" - 2:14#"Most Violent Rap Group" - 1:24#"Pray For Rain" - 2:21#"Saturday Nite Crap-O-Rama" - 2:13...
was originally released on CD by Whoa Oh
Whoa Oh Records
Whoa Oh Records is an independent record label based in Astoria, New York.-History:Whoa Oh Records Records was launched in 1998. The label is based in Astoria, New York. They release Lookout! Records styled pop punk bands, the most notable artists on their roster being The Ergs!, The Unlovables,...
in 2003 (and on vinyl in 2005 by Don Giovanni Records
Don Giovanni Records
Don Giovanni Records is an independent record label specializing in punk rock. Each year the label puts on the Don Giovanni Records Showcase.-History:...
). While playing more and more shows at home to increasingly large and rabid audiences, the band began to draw attention on a national level, including that of hip-hop artist and Adult Swim
Adult Swim
Adult Swim is an adult-oriented Cable network that shares channel space with Cartoon Network from 9:00 pm until 6:00 am ET/PT in the United States, and broadcasts in countries such as Australia and New Zealand...
contributor mc chris
Mc chris
mc chris is an American rapper, voice actor, writer and improvisational comedian....
. This led to the band writing an original song, "All Kids Out Of the Pool" to be used in an Adult Swim promo spot. In the summer of 2005, mc chris chose The Ergs! and North Carolina's SNMNMNM
SNMNMNM
SNMNMNM is a band that formed in Rochester, New York, USA. The group's name is a condensation of "Seamus 'n Matt 'n Mark 'n Matt". While completing music degrees at the Eastman School of Music, the band members got together to play outside of their studies in an alternative music band, performing...
as the openers for his 2 and a half month Revenge of the Nerd Tour.
With fans now awaiting the follow-up to dorkrockcorkrod, the band returned to Technical Ecstasy with Chris Pierce and emerged with the 7-song EP Jersey's Best Prancers
Jersey's Best Prancers
Jersey's Best Prancers is an 12" EP by The Ergs! released between their debut album, dorkrockcorkrod, and Upstairs/Downstairs . The title and artwork parodied the Lifetime album Jersey's Best Dancers. While only an EP, it was the most substantial release from the band during the three year period...
. The title and artwork parodied that of Lifetime
Lifetime (band)
Lifetime is an American melodic hardcore/emo band from New Jersey. Lifetime was formed in 1990 and disbanded in 1997. In late 2005, they announced their reunion.-History:...
.
Upstairs/Downstairs
On the strength of dorkrockcorkrod, Jersey's Best Prancers, and a various 7" singles, the Ergs! took their New Brunswick cohorts, Hunchback, on their Discover America Tour in the summer of 2006.At the midpoint of the tour in Seattle, WA, the band, with Hunchback in tow, entered the studio of Conrad Uno
Conrad Uno
Conrad Uno is an American record producer and founder of the independent record label PopLlama Records. Uno began his career making his own music as a teenager in his makeshift basement studio. At the request of his friends, the Young Fresh Fellows, Uno produced their debut album The Fabulous...
, a seasoned record producer whose past credits include the Grammy
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
-nominated debut of The Presidents of the United States of America
The Presidents of the United States of America (band)
The Presidents of the United States of America, commonly referred to as Pot USA or "PUSA" or The Presidents, are a twice Grammy-nominated American alternative rock band. The band formed in Seattle, USA, in 1993. The three-piece group currently comprises vocalist and "basitarist" Chris Ballew,...
, as well as Mudhoney
Mudhoney
Mudhoney is an American alternative rock band. Formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1988 following the demise of Green River, Mudhoney's members are vocalist and rhythm guitarist Mark Arm, lead guitarist Steve Turner, bassist Guy Maddison, and drummer Dan Peters. Original bassist Matt Lukin left the...
and The Young Fresh Fellows.
Taking its title from an infamous nervous breakdown suffered by Can
Can (band)
Can was an experimental rock band formed in Cologne, West Germany in 1968. Later labeled as one of the first "krautrock" groups, they transcended mainstream influences and incorporated strong minimalist and world music elements into their often psychedelic music.Can constructed their music largely...
vocalist Malcolm Mooney
Malcolm Mooney
Malcolm Mooney is an American singer, poet, and artist, probably best known as the original vocalist for German krautrock band Can.-Biography:Mooney began singing in high school, and was a member of an a cappella vocal group known as the Six Fifths...
, the resulting LP Upstairs/Downstairs
Upstairs/Downstairs
Upstairs/Downstairs is the second and final full length album by The Ergs!.-Track listing:#"Your Cheated Heart" – 0:55#"Second Foundation" – 2:09#"Boston, Mass." – 0:48#"The Clocks, The Clocks" – 1:03#"It'll Be OK" – 2:39...
was released by Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Portland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 583,776, making it the 29th most populous city in the United States...
's Dirtnap Records
Dirtnap Records
-External links:*...
. Styles which had previously been alluded to were introduced full-bore on the record.
The albums closing title track, was an almost 20 minute expression of romantic remorse and mental instability that erupts into an abrasive noise collage.
Reception of the record among fans of the band's earliest pop punk work was at first confused, but the record found an audience quickly. Janelle Jones of Alternative Press reviewed the record, hailing it as "the punk album to beat this year." As the band embarked on another full-US tour, this time with Buffalo indie rock trio Lemuria
Lemuria (band)
Lemuria is an indie/punk rock band from Buffalo, New York formed in 2004. Lemuria has recently released their "The First Collection" EP compilation and the LP, "Get Better"...
.
During this tour, the band was contacted by New Brunswick punk rock veterans The Bouncing Souls
The Bouncing Souls
The Bouncing Souls are a punk rock band from New Brunswick, New Jersey, formed in 1987. By the time of their acknowledgment by the national punk rock scene, they had reignited a "pogo" element to New Jersey punk rock by playing fast light-hearted songs, a model followed by various other local...
who wanted the Ergs! to be a part of a tour with the Souls and Lifetime
Lifetime (band)
Lifetime is an American melodic hardcore/emo band from New Jersey. Lifetime was formed in 1990 and disbanded in 1997. In late 2005, they announced their reunion.-History:...
celebrating the generations of punk rock in New Brunswick and New Jersey at large.
More recording followed, with the band releasing numerous 7" vinyl EPs and singles, as well as more touring, both on their own and supporting larger acts such as Philadelphia's The Loved Ones
The Loved Ones (American band)
The Loved Ones is a punk band based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in late 2003, the band currently consists of Dave Hause , David Walsh , Chris Gonzalez , and Mike Sneeringer...
and fellow NJ residents The Gaslight Anthem
The Gaslight Anthem
The Gaslight Anthem is an American rock band from New Brunswick, New Jersey, consisting of Brian Fallon , Alex Rosamilia , Alex Levine and Benny Horowitz...
.
Hindsight Is 20/20
Following the success of Upstairs/Downstairs, Dirtnap Records offered to issue a compilation record of the Ergs' now sizable catalog of singles, b-sides, and compilation appearances. The CD, entitled Hindsight Is 20/20 My Friend (after a line spoken by Chevy ChaseChevy Chase
Cornelius Crane "Chevy" Chase is an American comedian, writer, and television and film actor, born into a prominent entertainment industry family. Chase worked a plethora of odd jobs before moving into comedy acting with National Lampoon...
in the movie Dirty Work) was released in the summer of 2008, just as the Ergs! and Hunchback took to the road again for the Jackalry Across America Tour. Despite the tour's success, by its end Hunchback had chosen to break up, and the Ergs! would follow suit in a matter of weeks, announcing that they would complete their remaining tour plans and play a final show in November at the Asbury Lanes.
In October 2008, the Ergs began their final bout of touring with dates supporting Less Than Jake
Less Than Jake
Less Than Jake is an American ska punk band from Gainesville, Florida. Originally formed in 1992 as a power pop trio, the band evolved into a hybrid of ska punk. Less Than Jake have also been cited as showing influences from a wide variety of genres including post-grunge, heavy metal, alternative...
alongside Landmines and Bomb the Music Industry!
Bomb The Music Industry!
Bomb the Music Industry! is band from Baldwin, Nassau County, New York. They write, produce, record, and distribute all of their music under the leadership of songwriter and producer Jeff Rosenstock....
, followed by a Canadian and American tour which included 2 shows at Chicago's Riot Fest. This tour closed with a spot supporting Dillinger Four
Dillinger Four
Dillinger Four is an American punk rock band formed in 1994 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They have released four full-length studio albums. The current band members are Patrick Costello on bass guitar and vocals, Erik Funk and Bill Morrisette on guitars and vocals, and Lane Pederson on drums.- Studio...
at the Brooklyn, NY record release show for D4's long-awaited 4th LP, Civil War
Civil War (album)
Civil War is the fourth album by the Minneapolis, Minnesota punk rock band Dillinger Four, released on October 14, 2008 by Fat Wreck Chords. It is the band's second album for Fat, following 2002's Situationist Comedy. Its recording and production took place over several years, and its release date...
.
The Ergs! bid farewell to their largest collection of fans from around the US and the globe at No Idea Records
No Idea Records
For other uses, see No Idea .No Idea Records is an independent record label based in Gainesville, Florida which produces both vinyl records and compact discs...
' The Fest
The Fest
The Fest is an annual music festival in Gainesville, Florida, organized by No Idea Records. It is a predominantly punk rock festival, though there are also a good number of indie rock, country, and metal acts. The Fest first took place in 2002 and has since attracted a large number of punk bands...
7 in Gainesville, Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Gainesville is the largest city in, and the county seat of, Alachua County, Florida, United States as well as the principal city of the Gainesville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area . The preliminary 2010 Census population count for Gainesville is 124,354. Gainesville is home to the sixth...
, where they were the only band on the headlining stage at the Fest to play two consecutive sets. During the first set, the band played songs from throughout their career, and during the second, played the LP dorkrockcorkrod in its entirety.
On November 13, 2008, the Ergs! played an unannounced set at a Lemuria show at the Parlor, a New Brunswick basement. On Friday, November 14 they played Upstairs at the Khyber in Philadelphia. On Saturday, November 15, 2008, The Ergs! played 2 shows at the Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park, NJ. The band played long, retrospective sets at each show, and at the late show closed with an extended version Upstairs/Downstairs that eventually incorporated all the night's band members and much of the audience demolishing instruments.
After their split the former members of The Ergs! went on to form such groups as Psyched To Die, Night Birds
Night Birds
Night Birds, released in 1982 on the Polydor label, is the second album by Shakatak.‘Night Birds’ established Shakatak’s trademark jazz-funk sound, and contains two of the band’s biggest hits, Easier Said than Done and Night Birds, the former reaching the No.12 spot in 1981, the latter climbing to...
, Black Wine and Ergquist. Many of these groups were collaborations with former members of Hunchback
Hunchback
Hunchback may refer to one of the following.*A derogatory term for a person who has severe kyphosis*The Hunchback of Notre Dame*Hunchback , an arcade and computer game from the 1980s*The Hunchback, a 1914 film featuring Lillian Gish...
as well.
Demos
| Year | Title | Label | Format | Other information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | f'n | Frilly Pink Records | CD-R | |
| 2000 | Digital Endpoints | Frilly Pink Records | CD-R |
|
EPs, Singles, and Splits with Other Artists
| Year | Title | Label | Format | Other information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 3 Guys, 12 Eyes | Whoa Oh Records Whoa Oh Records Whoa Oh Records is an independent record label based in Astoria, New York.-History:Whoa Oh Records Records was launched in 1998. The label is based in Astoria, New York. They release Lookout! Records styled pop punk bands, the most notable artists on their roster being The Ergs!, The Unlovables,... |
7" vinyl | |
| 2002 | The Ben Kweller EP | Fongul Records | CD |
|
| 2003 | Cotton Pickin' Minute | Prison Jazz Records | 7" vinyl | |
| 2004 | All the Hits! | Grateful Records (later repressed by Salinas Records) | 7" vinyl | The Beatles The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr... . |
| 2005 | Jersey's Best Prancers Jersey's Best Prancers Jersey's Best Prancers is an 12" EP by The Ergs! released between their debut album, dorkrockcorkrod, and Upstairs/Downstairs . The title and artwork parodied the Lifetime album Jersey's Best Dancers. While only an EP, it was the most substantial release from the band during the three year period... |
Don Giovanni Records Don Giovanni Records Don Giovanni Records is an independent record label specializing in punk rock. Each year the label puts on the Don Giovanni Records Showcase.-History:... |
CD, 12" vinyl | Lifetime (band) Lifetime is an American melodic hardcore/emo band from New Jersey. Lifetime was formed in 1990 and disbanded in 1997. In late 2005, they announced their reunion.-History:... 's Jersey's Best Dancers Jersey's Best Dancers Jersey's Best Dancers is the third full-length album by the New Jersey band Lifetime. It was released on June 10, 1997 and was the band's second LP release on Jade Tree Records.-Track listing:# "Turnpike Gates" – 2:20# "Young, Loud, and Scotty" – 1:59... . |
| 2006 | Jazz Is Like The New Coke | Art of the Underground | 7" vinyl single | |
| 2007 | Lemuria Lemuria (band) Lemuria is an indie/punk rock band from Buffalo, New York formed in 2004. Lemuria has recently released their "The First Collection" EP compilation and the LP, "Get Better"... Split |
Whoa Oh Records Whoa Oh Records Whoa Oh Records is an independent record label based in Astoria, New York.-History:Whoa Oh Records Records was launched in 1998. The label is based in Astoria, New York. They release Lookout! Records styled pop punk bands, the most notable artists on their roster being The Ergs!, The Unlovables,... /Art of the Underground/Yo-Yo Records |
7" vinyl | Lemuria (band) Lemuria is an indie/punk rock band from Buffalo, New York formed in 2004. Lemuria has recently released their "The First Collection" EP compilation and the LP, "Get Better"... . |
| 2007 | Blue (The Ergs! record) | Toxic Pop/Wallride Records | 7" vinyl | Nirvana (band) Nirvana was an American rock band that was formed by singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987... . |
| 2007 | Books About Miles Davis | Whoa Oh Records Whoa Oh Records Whoa Oh Records is an independent record label based in Astoria, New York.-History:Whoa Oh Records Records was launched in 1998. The label is based in Astoria, New York. They release Lookout! Records styled pop punk bands, the most notable artists on their roster being The Ergs!, The Unlovables,... |
7" vinyl | Paul Baribeau Paul Baribeau is a folk punk singer and musician from South Central Michigan.. He is signed to the independent record label Plan-It-X Records. His self-titled debut album was released on Plan-It-X Records in January 2004. His second album, Grand Ledge, was also released on Plan-It-X Records in June... . |
| 2007 | Grabass Charlestons Split | No Idea Records No Idea Records For other uses, see No Idea .No Idea Records is an independent record label based in Gainesville, Florida which produces both vinyl records and compact discs... |
7" vinyl | |
| 2008 | That's It...Bye | Don Giovanni Records Don Giovanni Records Don Giovanni Records is an independent record label specializing in punk rock. Each year the label puts on the Don Giovanni Records Showcase.-History:... |
12" vinyl Single | Mitch Clem Mitch Andrew Clem is an American cartoonist best known for his web comics Nothing Nice To Say, San Antonio Rock City, and My Stupid Life.- Early life:... , creator of Nothing Nice To Say Nothing Nice To Say Nothing Nice to Say is a webcomic, touted as "The world's FIRST online punk comic", created by artist Mitch Clem. It is sometimes abbreviated as Nothing Nice, NNTS or NN2S.- Synopsis :... . |
Full Length Records
| Year | Title | Label | Format | Other information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | dorkrockcorkrod Dorkrockcorkrod -Track listing:#"First Song, Side One" - 0:21#"A Very Pretty Song For A Very Special Young Lady Part II" - 1:46#"Extra Medium" - 2:05#"Fishbulb" - 2:14#"Most Violent Rap Group" - 1:24#"Pray For Rain" - 2:21#"Saturday Nite Crap-O-Rama" - 2:13... |
Whoa Oh Records Whoa Oh Records Whoa Oh Records is an independent record label based in Astoria, New York.-History:Whoa Oh Records Records was launched in 1998. The label is based in Astoria, New York. They release Lookout! Records styled pop punk bands, the most notable artists on their roster being The Ergs!, The Unlovables,... (CD)/Don Giovanni Records Don Giovanni Records Don Giovanni Records is an independent record label specializing in punk rock. Each year the label puts on the Don Giovanni Records Showcase.-History:... (vinyl) |
CD, 12" vinyl LP | |
| 2007 | Upstairs/Downstairs Upstairs/Downstairs Upstairs/Downstairs is the second and final full length album by The Ergs!.-Track listing:#"Your Cheated Heart" – 0:55#"Second Foundation" – 2:09#"Boston, Mass." – 0:48#"The Clocks, The Clocks" – 1:03#"It'll Be OK" – 2:39... |
Dirtnap Records Dirtnap Records -External links:*... |
CD, 12" vinyl LP | *Features a collaboration with Hunchback on the title track |
| 2008 | Hindsight is 20/20, My Friend | Dirtnap Records Dirtnap Records -External links:*... |
CD, 12" vinyl 2xLP | *Collection of previously released material from singles, 7"s, and compilation appearances |