Texas Is the Reason

Texas Is the Reason imploded at a time when they were being touted as the "next big thing" in the wake of the punk explosion on MTV. They were one of the roots of the then healthy post-Sunny Day Real Estate-core tree, crafting melodious yet forceful indie rock, or emocore, with finesse, sensitivity, and a bit of attitude. Shortly after releasing one of Revelation Records' highest-selling albums, the New York City-based quartet disbanded on the eve of signing with one of several major labels courting them in 1997. Fanzine editor, freelance writer, and former Shelter guitarist Norm Arenas formed Texas Is the Reason with former 108 drummer and then fellow Hare Krishna devotee Chris Daly. Both desired to get away from the more macho elements of the hardcore sound and aesthetic and the religious preaching of their former, if beloved, bands. Together with Fountainhead bassist Scott Winegard, the guys recruited singer/guitarist Garrett Klahn, one-time bassist for Buffalo's Copper. Taking their name from a line in the Misfits' song "Bullet," the foursome quickly wrote the four tracks that would comprise their debut eponymous debut EP. The EP was a smash in the underground, helping inaugurate an entire genre of similarly themed emo bands. Texas Is the Reason was different from the pack mainly thanks to Klahn, with his nasally, Liam Gallagher-inspired whine and hot-shot, cavalier rock star attitude and on-stage persona. The band released a split single with Milwaukee's Promise Ring through Jade Tree. In 1995, they contributed one song to a split single with Samuel that was released by Britain's Simba. The split released was followed up by the band's debut full-length album, which was produced by Jawbox's J. Robbins. Klahn titled the record after the last statement John Lennon...