Swing Kids (band)

Swing Kids formed in the mid-1990s, inspired by jazz and swing era ethics. The band was short lived, documenting their entire existence in a handful of songs over a couple of years. Swing Kids released a self-titled 7-inch EP which features four original tracks as well as a harsh version of Joy Division’s "Warsaw". From that EP, the song "Blue Note" was listed by Vulture.com as number 83 of the 100 greatest emo songs. Swing Kids will reunite March 30, 2025 at The Casbah in San Diego, CA at day two of Grey, Dry and G’old - A Mini Transfronterizo Fest alongside Negative Blast, Agonista (John Brady’s current band), Prisoner, Fractal, Death Blows To Empire, and Nanobel. == Legacy ==

Swing Kids carried the San Diego "art hardcore" movement past the initial wave of Gravity Records bands and through to the late 1990s, releasing a 7-inch EP and split 10-inch EP along the way. Despite their importance in a relatively small scene, Swing Kids' impact both during their tenure and after their 1997 breakup was global, thanks to multiple independent Zines and a US/European tour. The sound they pioneered inspired bands such as the Plot to Blow Up the Eiffel Tower, Refused, Orchid, Jeromes Dream and others. Swing Kids are also credited with the unintentional creation of the fad "Spock Rock" during the mid-1990s, largely due to a number of their fans emulating Pearson's fashion sense and hair style, which itself was significantly influenced by Ian Svenonius and his band, the Nation of Ulysses. The name comes from Leonard Nimoy's character from the Star Trek television series and films, and more specifically his haircut. The band disliked the term "Spock rock". Jose Palafox went on to play in bands such as Tit Wrench, Bread and Circuits, Yaphet Kotto, and Baader Brains. Bassist John Brady went on to play in Chicago's Sweep the Leg Johnny and Tijuana/San Diego’s Agonista. Vocalist Justin Pearson went on to play in acts such as the Locust, Retox, All Leather, Some Girls, Holy Molar, Crimson Curse, Head Wound City, and Ground Unicorn Horn. == Members ==

Current members • Justin Pearson – lead vocals (1994–1997, 1998, 2009, 2011, 2025–present) • John Brady – bass (1994–1997, 1998, 2009, 2011, 2025–present) • José Palafox – drums (1994–1997, 1998, 2009, 2011, 2025–present) • Jimmy LaValle – guitar (1997, 1998, 2009, 2011, 2025–present) • Nathan Joyner – guitar (2011 touring, 2025–present) Touring members • Ryan Ebaugh – saxophone (2025) Former members • Michelle Maskovich – bass (1994) • Eric Allen – guitar (1994–1997; died 1998) ==Discography==

;Compilation albums ;Singles and EPs ;Other appearances ==References==