History
Catherine (Metalcore band)
About
Catherine was a five-piece metalcore band hailing from Sacramento, California. They were known for their distinctive sound, which blended catchy melodies with epic arrangements and honest, brutal delivery. Their music, characterized by clever riffs, powerful drumming, and skilled guitar solos, often conveyed a message of self-improvement and a dedication to the music scene.
Career Highlights
Catherine's journey in the metalcore scene saw significant milestones. In 2005, they released their self-titled album, A Call To Entropy. This release quickly caught the attention of Rise Records, who signed the band without hesitation. Their first album under Rise Records, Rumor Has It...(Astaroth Has Stolen Your Eyes), was released in 2006. In 2007, following the introduction of new band members, they recorded and released their second album, The Naturals. Two years later, with another lineup change, Catherine recorded and released their third album with Rise Records, titled Inside Out.
The band toured extensively throughout the United States and internationally, leaving a notable impact on their fans and the contemporary music landscape. As of July 16th, 2009, there were rumors of Robby Lee and Justin Salinas working on a new project.
Band Members
Most Recent Members:
Former Members:
Catherine (Alternative Rock Band)
Overview
Catherine was an alternative rock band based in Chicago, Illinois, active from 1985 to 1998. The band's initial lineup featured Neil Jendon and Jerome Brown, with Cliff Fox on bass. A drum machine was used in their early stages, later replaced by Kerry Brown on drums. Their debut EP, Sleepy, was produced by Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins. Throughout their career, Catherine experienced frequent lineup changes, with no original members remaining for the entire duration of the band's existence. They disbanded in 1998 after failing to secure a new record deal.
Early Years and Influences
In their nascent stages, Catherine was often characterized as derivative of The Smashing Pumpkins. This perception was amplified by drummer Kerry Brown's marriage to Smashing Pumpkins bassist D'Arcy Wretzky and the occasional borrowing of musicians between the two bands during recording sessions. While their early work bore some resemblance to The Smashing Pumpkins, Catherine gradually developed a more distinct sound.
The band's original lineup coalesced in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Founding members Neil Jendon and Jerome Brown are credited with naming the band, though the specific reasons remain unclear even to them. Their initial release, the 7" single Sparkle/Charmed, was put out on the local label Limited Potential, featuring the aforementioned members along with a drum machine and bassist Cliff Fox.
Public Debut and First Album
The addition of drummer Kerry Brown (no relation to Jerome) led to the retirement of the drum machine. Guitarist Mark Rew also joined the band, and together they released the Billy Corgan-produced EP Sleepy in 1993. The EP gained traction in college radio markets, leading to a contract with TVT Records and the release of their debut album, Sorry!, later that same year. Following the album's release, Cliff Fox departed due to touring commitments and was succeeded by Keith Brown, Kerry's brother.
Catherine's tour supporting Sorry! included opening slots for notable acts such as The Smashing Pumpkins, Hole, Suede, Dig, and Letters to Cleo. This increased exposure contributed to Sorry! becoming a well-received college hit.
Final Album and Lineup Changes
In 1996, Neil Jendon and Jerome Brown left the band. Mark Rew and Kerry Brown took on the primary songwriting and vocal duties for Catherine's final release, Hot Saki and Bedtime Stories. Bassist Keith Brown also contributed to the songwriting on this album. During the mixing process in Chicago, the band connected with audio engineer Todd Tatnall, who later joined them on tour to play percussion and keyboards. Scott "Fever" Evers, formerly of Urge Overkill, was recruited to play lead guitar on tour. Both Tatnall and Evers were subsequently invited to become full-time members.
Final Tour and Dissolution
Catherine embarked on a US and European tour in 1997, opening for bands like Garbage and The Lemonheads in the US and performing at major European festivals such as Reading (UK), Bizarre (Cologne), and Rocknacht (Leuven).
Following their 1997 tour, the band began recording a new LP in a studio they had established in a renovated barn near Watervliet, Michigan. However, TVT Records ceased communication, and the band opted out of their contract. Unable to secure a new record deal, Catherine disbanded. Although 13 songs were written and recorded during these sessions, none were officially released. Mark Rew later re-recorded at least one track, "Flight 518," in a subsequent project. The original recordings from the My Friend the Snake sessions have remained largely unheard.
Discouraged by the lack of progress in finding a new label, Evers and Tatnall departed, followed by Keith Brown. Mark Rew attempted to continue with new musicians but eventually dissolved the band permanently. In 2007, Rew and Jendon reunited and began performing some of the unreleased Catherine songs in their Chicago-based band, Bugglette. They independently released an album titled Shame On You, Shanga Flowerdell in late 2008.
After a hiatus from music, Neil Jendon was a member of Zelienople for three years, contributing to several of their albums. In addition to his work with Bugglette, Jendon is currently active in performing and recording electronic music under his own name. His debut solo CD, Invisibility, was released on BloodLust! in late 2008.
Discography
