Plunger - Discography (1993-1997)

    Plunger was a hardcore band from Crofton, Maryland who were active sometime between 1993 and 1997. During their time together the band released a demo tape, 12", 7", two split 7"s (with William Martyr 17 and Blank), and finally a post-humous discography 3xCD boxset on Vermin Scum Records in 2017. According to vocalist and songwriter Tom LoMacchio; some of the band's biggest influences included Moss Icon, Lungfish and the Hated. This can be clearly heard in Plunger's sound, they were evidently influenced by their Maryland contemporaries but they expanded on that sound and framework in a unique and creative manner. 

    Once described as "melodic post-punk" by the MaximumRnR zine, you can definitely hear a bit of 80s post-punk in their music, again owing to the ever present influence of Moss Icon on their music. Their influence from The Hated is also very clear, especially in their earlier work; however they lean much more towards the shining guitars and spoken word delivery of bands like Moss Icon and tour mates Indian Summer. In the height of their time, Plunger played shows with Antioch Arrow, Universal Order Of Armageddon, Anasarca, Indian Summer, The Crownhate Ruin and many more. The combination of influence from classic 80s Maryland punk bands and the burgeoning "emo-hardcore" scene of the mid 90s led Plunger to fashion a very interesting and musically diverse sound.

    Plunger had the perfect balance between built up, heavy screamed bits, soft spoken word vocals and shimmering, melancholy guitars. They stand out to me as one of the staples of the "emotional" hardcore scene in the 90s. Chances are if you are into the genre at all, you know Plunger and if you don't, what are you doing?! 

Discography

Plunger / William Martyr 17 7" 1995 (File 13 Records, Spearfinger)

S/T 7" 1994 (Exhalation)

Blank / Plunger split 7" 1995 (Exhalation)

S/T Demo 1993 (Self-released)

S/T 12" 1997 (Planaria Recordings)

The station Is Not Received 3xCD 2017 (Vermin Scum Records)

Handmade Words Compilation 12" 1995 (Toyland Records)

We've Lost Beauty: A Compilation For Christopher 1995 (File 13 Records)