Saves the Day

Perfecting their power pop rock since the mid-'90s, New Jersey's Saves The Day call it like it is. They refrain from characteristic pogo-pouncing anthems for their own quirky post-punk and energetic live shows, influencing a new school of emo/punk bands along the way. The first incarnation of Saves The Day happened when singer/songwriter Chris Conley was only 13, and the band was first called Indifference and later, Seffler. A name change to their current moniker, taken from a lyric from the Farside song "Hero," came with the recording of their first demo. Conley (vocals), Eben D'amico (bass), Ted Alexander (guitar), David Soloway (guitar), and Bryan Newman (drums) made their debut with 1997's Can't Slow Down on Equal Vision Records, though D'amico didn't join the lineup until after this album. Recorded during winter break of their high-school senior year, the record featured production work from Steve Evetts (Sepultura, Dillinger Escape Plan, Sick Of It All).