CanadianWasteland Archives: March 2023

Griver was an emotional hardcore band from Wilmington, NC who were active from the mid to late 90s. They released a 12"/CD, two 7"s, a split 12" with The Exploder, a split 7" with Hellbender, a tour tape as well as a few extra tracks that appeared on compilations.

Griver started off as a fairly basic Pop Punk band that quickly started exploring the more experimental routes in hardcore, Griver's sound noticeably develops with each release to become something truly unique and exciting. Griver expertly blended groovy, post-rock instrumentals with the classic half-screamed emo vocals. Their sound reminds me of a slightly less hardcore Maximilian Colby and a slightly more emo/punk Hoover. They have a really versatile sound that isn't at all hard to get into, they're a very approachable emo band.

Dave Laney of Griver was in a multitude of other bands after Griver, most notable of which is Milemarker which he founded with Al Burian of Hellbender and also included a member of Sleepytime Trio.

Solo Releases

Griver / Hellbender split 7"

Griver / The Exploder split 12"

Is The Human Heart So Selfish? Food Not Bombs Compilation CD

Griver S/T CD 1996 (Point The Blame Records)

2 Songs 7" 1997 (Point The Blame Records)

Griver / The Exploder - A Split Twelve Inch 1998 (Skylab Operations / Fragil Records)

Griver / Hellbender Split 7" 1996 (Fall Records) - Sourced from Discogs

No Conversation 7" 1996 (Not On Label) - Sourced From Discogs

Tour Tape 1996 (Not On Label) - Sourced from Discogs

Various (Unknown)

Is The Human Heart So Selfish - A Benefit For Food Not Bombs Compilation CD 1997 (893 Projects)

Self De-construction Comp CD 1999 (Underworld Records)

Anasarca was an emo/hardcore band from Cockeysville, Maryland that were active from 1994-1997 and released a 7", a split 7" with Anonymous and a demo tape during this time. All of their tracks including the demos were later compiled on a discography available as a 12" or a CD.

Despite their relatively small discography, Anasarca left a lasting impression on the scene at the time. They seamlessly blend together DC style hardcore/post-punk instrumentals with intense and desperate sounding vocals. At times Nick Pimentel's vocals sounds like he's on the verge of tears, so much raw emotion is evident in the way he screams which makes them one of the most distinctly emo bands in my mind.

Anasarca's tracks are incredibly complex and layered leaving you wanting more after hearing their disappointingly small discography.