CanadianWasteland Archives: Still Life - Discography (1989-2003)

Still Life was a hardcore band from Moorpark, California who were active from 1989-2003. Chris Pitzel of the band was also in Shroomunion and Driftwood. Still Life is seen as one of the most influential emotional hardcore bands due to their lengthy existence and groundbreaking sound. Their discography includes three full albums, a split 12" with Jara, a split 12" with Resin, two EPs (one 12" one 7"), a split 7" with Evergreen, a split 7" with Cerebrus Shoal, an 8", a compilation CD/12" and a demo tape. They also appeared on numerous compilations.

Still Life was extremely ahead of their time in terms of their sound. Beginning in the late 80s there were few other bands experimenting with the more emotional side of hardcore. Along with Moss Icon, Still Life was one of the first bands to push back against the mainstream "tough guy" hardcore and experiment with something new.

Their vocals range from harsh, strained screams to soft-spoken mutters to melodic and clean. Unlike early Moss Icon who had a more punk sound, Still Life leaned toward the hardcore sound that would become increasingly popular over the 1990s. Still Life's influence can be heard in so many bands to come after them and despite there being other similar soundings bands, they were one of the first to do it.

Being around for over a decade meant Still Life Shared the stage with essentially every notable hardcore band of the 90s including Rorschach, Evergreen, Native Nod Manumission, Heroin, Antioch Arrow and more.

They really developed their sound over their expansive discography slowly perfecting it into something distinctly their own and solidifying themselves as one of the most essential "emotional" hardcore bands of the decade.