Rites of Spring

Our much-requested interview with the trailblazing post-hardcore DC band wrongfully accused of birthing "emo." From GREED v1, #1,

Mike Fellows, Brendan Canty, Guy Picciotto, Eddie Janney of Rites of Spring. Photograph by Tomas Squip and Bert Queiroz.

“The goal of Rites of Spring was to make a powerful statement and use music to the extent that it can be used.”

by Kurt Sayenga

RITES OF SPRING played a major role in re-defining DC punk, going beyond the pounding brutality of hardcore into a more complex, layered sound, but still retaining hardcore’s edge and passion.

Their debut album managed to capture the group’s energy and intensity, though it is difficult to overstate how passionate and overwhelming they were as a live act. The band consisted of singer/guitarist Guy Picciotto, bassist Mike Fellows, lead guitarist Eddie Janney, and drummer Brendan Canty, all roughly 21 years old during the band’s short but vibrant life. All four were veterans of local bands: Picciotto was in Insurrection; Janney in the Untouchables and Faith; Fellows in Capitol Punishment, Government Issue, and Insurrection; and Canty in Gang Gree…