| Core | |
|---|---|
 Promotional flat for the band via Atlantic Records | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | New Jersey, USA |
| Genres | Stoner Rock |
| Years active | 1995 - 2002 |
| Labels | Atlantic, MIA, Tee Pee Records |
| Associated acts | The Atomic Bitchwax, Lunar City |
Core was a stoner rock band from New Jersey, primarily active during the late 1990s.
History[]
Stoner rockers Core formed in New Jersey in the mid 1990s by brothers Finn (guitar/vocals) and Tim Ryan (drums) along with bassist Carmine Pernini. The band was an integral part of the Jersey scene which produced notable acts such as Monster Magnet, The Atomic Bitchwax, Solace, Solarized, Halfway to Gone and many others. The band's sound varied over the course of it's career. Their first album, Revival (1996), the only one for major label Atlantic, featured an extremely heavy, Sleep-esque sludgy sound, likely due to production from Billy Anderson (Sleep, High on Fire, Bottom, Weedeater, etc.). The band supported the album by touring with the likes of Fu Manchu, Clutch and Orange 9mm.
After the band was dropped by Atlantic after limited promotion, they went on to release The Hustle Is On (1999) with indie labels MIA and Tee Pee Records. The latter record featured a significantly more jam-heavy and psychedelic vibe than its predecessor. Produced by Eric Rachel (Solace, God Forbid, etc.), The Hustle is on reflected the care-free and improvisational nature of the band's live shows. The band would embark on the Riff Rock Railroad tour with The Atomic Bitchwax and Nebula.
The band's live prowess led to its members taking a central role in the Scene Killer album - a collaborative record among members of the New Jersey stoner rock scene (with guest appearances from members of Japan's Eternal Elysium) meant to provide a New Jersey equivalent to Josh Homme's Desert Sessions recordings. The Scene Killer album was released by MeteorCity Records in 2001. Ultimately Core would disband in 2002.
Following the band's dissolution, Finn Ryan went on to replace guitarist Ed Mundell in The Atomic Bitchwax, first appearing on the 2005 album 3 and remaining with the band until 2018. The relationship between Core and The Atomic Bitchwax goes back even further, however. Then Bitchwax and Monster Magnet guitarist Mundell is reported to have seen Core performing Monster Magnet's Spine of God live, leading the Bitchwax to return the favor by recording a cover of Core's Kiss the Sun (originally performed on Revival) for their self-titled debut album. Once Finn Ryan joined The Atomic Bitchwax, he began handling vocal duties for the song live. The band also re-recorded the song for the EP Boxriff.
Discography[]
Studio Albums[]
- Revival (1996, Atlantic)
- The Hustle Is On (1999, MIA / Tee Pee Records)
Other Releases[]
- Stab / Cleargod (Split 7" with Murder 1) (1995, Tarr Records)
- Way Down (EP) (1995, Atlantic)
- Kiss The Sun (EP) (1996, Atlantic)
- The Atomic Bitchwax / Core (Split Promo with The Atomic Bitchwax) (1999, MIA / Tee Pee Records)
Members[]
- Finn Ryan (Guitar, Vocals)
- Carmine Pernini (Bass)
- Tim Ryan (Drums)
Tours[]
- The Big Phat Tour (With Clutch, Fu Manchu, Orange 9mm) (1996)
- Riff Rock Railroad (With Nebula, The Atomic Bitchwax) (1999)[1]
- 2000 North American Tour (With Porn (The Men Of); Select dates with Altamont) (2000)[2]