Texas Is The Reason

Texas Is the Reason imploded at a time when they were being touted as a "next big thing" in the wake of the '90s punk explosion. They were one of the roots of the then-healthy post-hardcore tree, crafting melodious yet forceful indie rock with finesse, sensitivity, and a bit of attitude. Shortly after releasing what remains to be one of Revelation Records' highest-selling albums ever, the New York City-based quartet disbanded on the eve of signing with one of several major labels courting them in 1997.


Fanzine editor, music writer, and ex-Shelter guitarist Norman Brannon formed Texas Is the Reason in 1994 with former 108 drummer Chris Daly. Both desired to get away from the rougher elements of the hardcore sound and aesthetic — as well as the ideological bent of their former, if beloved, bands. Together with Fountainhead bassist Scott Winegard, the group 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 three songs that would comprise their eponymous debut EP.


That record was a smash in the underground, helping inaugurate an entire genre of like-minded bands, and Texas crystallized this position with their debut album, produced by Jawbox's J. Robbins and titled after the last statement John Lennon was alleged to have heard: Do You Know Who You Are? But after a year of incessant promotion and touring for the record — including a successful U.S. headlining stint with The Promise Ring and the release of a split single between the two groups for Jade Tree — inner-band tension eventually came to a head, and Texas Is the Reason officially split in 1997.


Since then, the band has reunited only once — for two sold-out New York City shows in 2006 — but their presence has barely waned: Newer generations of bands like Spitalfield, Into It. Over It., and Transit have all covered Texas is the Reason songs, and even vets like Thursday and Armor For Sleep have publicly cited their influence. Which is partially why, after agreeing to headline the opening night for Revelation Records' 25th Anniversary Festival in New York City later this year, and quickly selling it out, the band is currently entertaining other ideas — beginning with a second New York date at the Music Hall of Williamsburg.


Indeed, it is happening again.