Swing Kids emerged in the mid-1990s as a fusion of obscure punk, hardcore, and region-specific social politics. Their sound was heavily influenced by the ethos of jazz and swing-era ideals distilled through a hardcore lens, resulting in a style that defied traditional genre classifications. Although their time together was brief, the band left a lasting impact.
One of Three One G’s, the DIY record label of vocalist Justin Pearson (The Locust, Some Girls, Dead Cross, Deaf Club), earliest releases was Swing Kids’ self-titled 7” EP, featuring four original tracks along with a raw take on Joy Division’s “Warsaw.” Following this, the band released a split 10” EP with bassist John Brady’s other band, Spanakorzo (he also went on to join Chicago’s Sweep The Leg Johnny and currently plays in Tijuana-based punk band Agonista).
In their final shows of that era, the band enlisted Jimmy Lavalle—known for his work with The Locust, The Crimson Curse, The Black Heart Procession, Gogogo Airheart, and The Album Leaf—to take on second guitar duties. After only a few short tours, the band disbanded when drummer Jose Palafox (Struggle, Yaphet Kotto, Bread and Circuits, Baader Brains) relocated to the Bay Area. Then came an unexpected and tragic loss: guitarist and founding member Eric Allen, also of Unbroken, took his own life. After this, the remaining members performed two benefit shows in Southern California, raising thousands for charity. Viewed by the band as funerals rather than reunions, these performances celebrated Eric’s legacy. The band also recorded a 7” single at this time as well. In 2011, Swing Kids briefly toured in Europe under the name Blue Note, joined by guitarist Nathan Joyner (Psychic Graveyard, All Leather, Hot Nerds), who remains a part of the current lineup. These would be the last shows the band would play until 2025.
This year, the band has agreed to a handful of shows, initially planned as just a one-off performance at a San Diego-based fest for John Brady’s 50th birthday. Spending time together again for the first time in over a decade proved to be special, reigniting the spirit of a band whose music, perhaps unfortunately, seems more relevant than ever.