CanadianWasteland Archives: Spirit Assembly - Discography (1992-1996) / Fields Lay Fallow

6/01/2023

Spirit Assembly - Discography (1992-1996) / Fields Lay Fallow - 12" (1998)

Spirit Assembly was an hardcore band from Lancaster, Pennsylvania who were active from 1992-1996. Their discography consists of a 12" album, two 7"s and a split 7" with Car vs. Driver; as well as a few compilation tracks. They were highly influential to other hardcore bands throughout the 90s, though they don't often get much credit for it. They toured the US extensively and played shows with Frail and The Bouncing Souls.

Members of the band were also in Fields Lay Fallow and Encyclopedia Of American Traitors; the former will have a writeup and discography linked below this one.

Spirit Assembly's sound evolved a a fair amount across their discography, their first 7" which was released in 1992, has quite a generic punk sound. You can hear the band's potential and talent for sure, but they hadn't really established their distinct style yet. As they went on, their sound became much heavier and more chaotic with shrieked vocals, much more hardcore influenced instrumentals and a touch of the whiny, emotional sound they came to be known for in the scene. Their 12" which was released in 1996 is vastly different from their first 7", and could be compared to bands like Maximillian Colby or Sleepytime Trio with their tightly composed guitarwork and rhythmic drumming.

We have not been able to locate a download for their compilation track on the Lancaster Poo-Poo Platter compilation 7", however I have linked a YouTube video including it.

Solo Releases

Lancaster Poo-Poo Platter 7" (Youtube)

Catch / The First Eleven CD Compilation

Fields Lay Fallow

Fields Lay Fallow was a hardcore band from Lancaster, Pennsylvania consisting of almost all the same members as Spirit Assembly but with Julie Coy on vocals. They only released one 12" before splitting up, but left a lasting impression on many.

Fields Lay Fallow sound similar to Spirit Assembly in many ways, but are considerably heavier, more politically driven, and the vocals have a different style. Coy's vocals are so intense and angry and it really adds something to the sound of the band. Their lyrics and the write-ups on their 12" are very political and filled with a sense of anger and intense passion which isn't quite as much there in Spirit Assembly. Both bands are amazing and while you can certainly hear the similarities given the shared members, both bands have a unique draw to them.