One Up Downstairs

The One Up Downstairs featured Mike Kinsella (vocals), Steve Lamos (drums), David Johnson (guitar), and Allen Johnson (bass). Hailing from Champaign, IL, the indie rock outfit existed long enough to record a three-song 7" for Polyvinyl, only to break up before its initial pressing in 1997. Kinsella and Lamos went on to form American Football. They issued an EP and a full-length for Polyvinyl prior to disbanding in early 2000. Kinsella also performed under the Owen moniker. Both David and Allen Johnson joined ex-Braid drummer Roy Ewing for Very Secretary. Once they broke up in the early 2000s, Favorite Saints were born. After nearly a decade since the demise of the One Up Downstairs, Polyvinyl released the nearly forgotten 7" as a digital download in spring 2006. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide