Matchbook Romance was an American
emo
Emo () is a genre of rock music characterized by emotional, often confessional lyrics. It emerged as a style of hardcore punk and from the Washington, D.C., hardcore scene, where it was known as emotional hardcore or emocore. The bands ...
and
pop-punk
Pop-punk (also punk-pop, alternatively spelled without the hyphen) is a rock music fusion genre that combines elements of punk rock with power pop or pop music, pop. It is defined by its fast-paced, energetic tempos, and emphasis on classic pop s ...
band from
Poughkeepsie, New York
Poughkeepsie ( ) is a city within the Poughkeepsie (town), New York, Town of Poughkeepsie, New York (state), New York. It is the county seat of Dutchess County, New York, Dutchess County, with a 2020 census population of 31,577. Poughkeepsie i ...
, initially formed in 1997 under the name Fizzlewink (1997–2001) and then The Getaway (2001–2002). They were signed to
Epitaph Records
Epitaph Records is an American independent record label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. A large portion of the record label, known as Hellcat Records, is owned by Tim Armstrong, frontman of the punk rock band Rancid. Several ...
and released two full-length albums, one EP and one split EP with
Motion City Soundtrack
Motion City Soundtrack is an American Rock music, rock band formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1997. The band's line-up consists of vocalist and guitarist Justin Pierre, lead guitarist Joshua Cain, keyboardist Jesse Johnson, bassist Matthew Ta ...
under their label. Their EP ''West For Wishing'', released in April 2003, was their first professional record and was produced by
Brett Gurewitz
Brett W. Gurewitz (born May 12, 1962), nicknamed Mr. Brett, is an American musician and record producer, best known as the co-founder and guitarist of the Punk rock, punk band Bad Religion. He is also the owner of the music label Epitaph Records ...
; and then in September 2003, they debuted their first full-length album, ''
Stories and Alibis''.
History
Matchbook Romance was formed by Andrew Jordan and Ryan Kienle in 1997 under the name Fizzlewink. The initial band line up consisted of Andrew as vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Ryan on bass and backing vocals, and Jon Dunham on drums. Two years later, PJ Manzo joined on lead guitar in summer of 1999. This period of the band was heavily influenced by the sound of bands like
NOFX
NOFX () was an American punk rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1983. Bassist/lead vocalist Fat Mike, rhythm guitarist Eric Melvin and drummer Erik Sandin were original founding and longest-serving members of the band, who have appeared on every ...
,
Bad Religion
Bad Religion is an American punk rock band, formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1980. The band's lyrics cover topics related to religion, politics, society, the media and science. Musically, they are noted for their melodic sensibilities and ...
, and
Pennywise. After three years of playing with Fizzlewink, Jon decided to step down in April 2000. He was replaced by Adam Bock in July 2000, and soon after Adam joined, the band began recording an independent album called "Who's Listening" that was released on February 2, 2001. A few months after this release, Ryan "Judas" DePaolo was recruited as Fizzlewink's third guitarist, and with him, they started recording new songs. However, soon afterward, Adam was replaced by Aaron Stern (circa August 2001). This new line up prompted the band to change the name to "The Getaway", and with the new material and songs that they wrote over the prior months, the band soon began promoting itself on the internet, leading to posts on PunkNews.org about their music. When Epitaph Records president Brett Gurewitz caught on with one of these posts and decided to download "Ex Marks the Spot", one of the new songs that the band had written, he decided to contact Andrew to sign them and make a record deal with them. After being officially signed, they changed their name once again this time to Matchbook Romance in order to avoid a name conflict with The Getaway, a Canadian based Pop-punk band. After resolving this legal issue, they started writing their debut LP under the direction of Brett. It is reported that Brett initially contacted the band and asked them to not release what was supposed to be The Getaway's debut EP titled "...If All Else Fails", which was scheduled to be released on May 24, 2002, so in return, he offered them guidance to record a full length album. Around this time, PJ decided to leave the band due to creative differences and because he wasn't happy with the direction that the band was going. He then went on to join
melodic hardcore
Melodic hardcore is a broadly defined subgenre of hardcore punk with a strong emphasis on melody in its guitar work. The style often includes guitar harmonies, riffs using octave chords, as well as broken chords. Additionally, lyrics tend towar ...
and
punk
Punk or punks may refer to:
Genres, subculture, and related aspects
* Punk rock, a music genre originating in the 1970s associated with various subgenres
* Punk subculture, a subculture associated with punk rock, or aspects of the subculture s ...
band River's End.
Matchbook Romance officially debuted with ''West For Wishing'', an EP released on April 8, 2003, and later that year they released their first LP ''
Stories and Alibis'', on September 23, 2003. They also appeared on a 4-song split with
Motion City Soundtrack
Motion City Soundtrack is an American Rock music, rock band formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1997. The band's line-up consists of vocalist and guitarist Justin Pierre, lead guitarist Joshua Cain, keyboardist Jesse Johnson, bassist Matthew Ta ...
in which an acoustic version of "Playing for Keeps" and "In Transit (For You)" were featured.
After three years of touring and a summer 2005 Warped Tour, they returned in October 2005 to promote and tour for their second album, ''
Voices'', which marked a new change on their sound. The lead single "Monsters" appeared in ''
Madden NFL 07
''Madden NFL 07'' is an American football video game based on the NFL that was published by EA Sports and developed by EA Tiburon. It is the first in the video game series to debut for the PlayStation 3 and Wii consoles as launch titles and the ...
'', ''
Arena Football: Road to Glory'', and ''
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock'' as well as few other games and also received heavy rotation on radio stations and
MTV
MTV (an initialism of Music Television) is an American cable television television channel, channel and the flagship property of the MTV Entertainment Group sub-division of the Paramount Media Networks division of Paramount Global. Launched on ...
and was released on October 31, 2005. Voices was then released on February 14, 2006.
On March 12, 2007, after a 10-year career, they announced via a
MySpace
Myspace (formerly stylized as MySpace, currently myspace; and sometimes my␣, with an elongated Whitespace character#Substitute images, open box symbol) is a social networking service based in the United States. Launched on August 1, 2003, it w ...
's bulletin that they were going on an indefinite hiatus, the actual reason of this was never stated but it is very likely that it was because both Ryan DePaolo and Aaron Stern decided to leave the band. A few months later after the announcement, on May 31, Ryan Kienle posted an update on the band's Myspace stating that he and Andrew had been working on a new project with Amanda Rogers, although the project was "in its infancy" it was being built "upon the foundation of Matchbook
omance nothing it's known to have come out of this project. He also stated that he had joined Dead Rose Beauty, a Los Angeles based female fronted band. During this hiatus, Aaron Stern joined
Taking Back Sunday
Taking Back Sunday is an American rock band from Amityville, New York, formed by guitarist Eddie Reyes and bassist Jesse Lacey in late 1999. The band's current members are Adam Lazzara (lead vocals), John Nolan (lead guitar, keyboards, voc ...
as a touring member for 2007's
Projekt Revolution
Projekt Revolution was a music festival hosted by Linkin Park, bringing artists of various genres of music together. Linkin Park started Projekt Revolution in the year 2002 with just one stage. Then, in 2004, they announced the Revolution Stage ...
tour.
In May 2009, the band came back to play on a small tour on the East Coast but after this tour, members of the band decided to work on separated projects. Drummer Aaron Stern went on to join God or Julie. Before the first hiatus, guitarist Ryan "Judas" DePaolo had started his own band called HILLValley and debuted with their album called "Salutations" in the summer of 2009, followed by a second LP called "Upside Down" in the summer of 2011. Vocalist Andrew Jordan formed DriftDivision and released a six song self-titled EP on October 26, 2010. In a video posted by his new band, he mentioned that he have been working on some songs with former band mate and long time friend Ryan Kienle. Around this time, Aaron also joined the
supergroup D.R.U.G.S. (Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows) that was started by
Craig Owens
Craig Owens (born August 26, 1984) is an American musician best known as the lead vocalist of Chiodos. He has also had an involvement in various projects such as Cinematic Sunrise, The Sound of Animals Fighting, Isles & Glaciers, and Destroy ...
, formerly of
Chiodos
Chiodos (, ) is an American post-hardcore band from Davison, Michigan. Formed in 2001, the group was originally known as "The Chiodos Bros," the band's name was a tribute to filmmakers Stephen, Charles, and Edward Chiodo, responsible for the f ...
. Previously to this, Aaron had toured with
You, Me, and Everyone We Know
You, Me, and Everyone We Know is a rock band from Washington, D.C. After a decade-plus of lineup changes and hiatuses, the moniker has become a vehicle for singer-songwriter Ben Liebsch. The band has released ten EPs, one of which is a live E ...
from 2008–2010. A debut album was released on February 22, 2011, but the band split up in 2012 and later returned in 2020, although this time without Aaron.
The band briefly returned in 2012 to play two reunion shows in December of that year and three years after, it was announced that they would be playing on the 2015 Vans Warped Tour, Ryan Seaman from
Falling in Reverse
Falling in Reverse is an American rock music, rock band that formed in 2008 by lead vocalist Ronnie Radke. The band's original name was From Behind These Walls, but it was renamed Falling in Reverse shortly after formation. They are currently s ...
, supported them during some of these dates. The band finally, went on to play a few shows in early 2016 to celebrate the 10th year anniversary of their second album before parting ways again.
Ryan Kienle joined Common Perry releasing two songs in April 2025.
Band members
* Andrew Jordan – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, piano, keyboard (1997–2007, 2009, 2012, 2015–2016)
* Ryan "Judas" DePaolo – lead guitar, vocals, programming, synthesizer (2001–2007, 2009, 2012, 2015–2016)
* Ryan Kienle – bass guitar, backing vocals (1997–2007, 2009, 2012, 2015–2016)
* Aaron Stern – drums, percussion (2001–2007, 2009, 2012, 2015–2016)
* PJ Manzo – lead guitar (1999–2002)
* Adam Bock – drums (2000–2001)
* Jon Dunham – drums (1997–2000)
* Chris Vicious – touring guitar
Discography
;Studio albums
* ''
Stories and Alibis'' (
Epitaph Records
Epitaph Records is an American independent record label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. A large portion of the record label, known as Hellcat Records, is owned by Tim Armstrong, frontman of the punk rock band Rancid. Several ...
, 2003)
* ''
Voices'' (
Epitaph Records
Epitaph Records is an American independent record label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. A large portion of the record label, known as Hellcat Records, is owned by Tim Armstrong, frontman of the punk rock band Rancid. Several ...
, 2006) U.S. No. 43
;Independent albums
* ''Who's Listening'' (Self-released under Fizzlewink's name, 2001)
;Independent miscellaneous releases
* ''Carbonated Punk'' (Cassette self-released under Fizzlewink's name, circa 1998)
* ''The Getaway'' (Sampler CD self-released under The Getaway's name, 2001). Featuring two early demos of "She'll Never Understand" and "Farewell To Friends"
* ''...If All Else Fails'' (Commercially unreleased The Getaway's EP, but was sent to different label companies, 2002)
;Singles & EPs
* ''West For Wishing'' (
Epitaph Records
Epitaph Records is an American independent record label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. A large portion of the record label, known as Hellcat Records, is owned by Tim Armstrong, frontman of the punk rock band Rancid. Several ...
, 2003) - EP
* ''Promise'' (
Epitaph Records
Epitaph Records is an American independent record label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. A large portion of the record label, known as Hellcat Records, is owned by Tim Armstrong, frontman of the punk rock band Rancid. Several ...
, 2003) - Single
* ''My Eyes Burn'' (
Epitaph Records
Epitaph Records is an American independent record label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. A large portion of the record label, known as Hellcat Records, is owned by Tim Armstrong, frontman of the punk rock band Rancid. Several ...
, 2004) - Single
* ''Monsters'' (
Epitaph Records
Epitaph Records is an American independent record label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. A large portion of the record label, known as Hellcat Records, is owned by Tim Armstrong, frontman of the punk rock band Rancid. Several ...
, 2005) - Single
* ''Surrender'' (
Epitaph Records
Epitaph Records is an American independent record label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. A large portion of the record label, known as Hellcat Records, is owned by Tim Armstrong, frontman of the punk rock band Rancid. Several ...
, 2006) - Single
;Compilations featured on
* ''Too Melodic To Stay Indifferent, Vol. 11'' (SpUnK, 2001). Featuring "Kings" from ''"Who's Listening"''
* ''Nada Recording Studio 2002 Sampler'' (
Broken English Records
Broken English is a part of the East West Records family of labels.
See also
* List of record labels
File:Alvinoreyguitarboogie.jpg
File:AmMusicBunk78.jpg
File:Bingola1011b.jpg
Lists of record labels cover record labels, brands or trademarks ...
, 2002). Featuring "If All Else Fails" from their scrapped EP ''"...If All Else Fails"''
* ''
Atticus: ...Dragging the Lake, Vol. 2'' (
Side One Dummy Records
SideOneDummy Records is an independent record label based in Los Angeles. It was founded in 1995 by Bill Armstrong and Joe Sib. The label began as a way for them to release music for their friends' bands. Thereafter SideOneDummy launched the care ...
, 2003)
* ''
Punk-O-Rama
''Punk-O-Rama'' is the title given to a series of ten compilation albums published by Epitaph Records. The first volume was released in 1994, the second in 1996, and the rest annually from 1998 to 2005. The albums included artists from Epitaph's ...
Vol. 8'' (
Epitaph Records
Epitaph Records is an American independent record label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. A large portion of the record label, known as Hellcat Records, is owned by Tim Armstrong, frontman of the punk rock band Rancid. Several ...
, 2003)
* ''
2003 Warped Tour Compilation'' (
Side One Dummy Records
SideOneDummy Records is an independent record label based in Los Angeles. It was founded in 1995 by Bill Armstrong and Joe Sib. The label began as a way for them to release music for their friends' bands. Thereafter SideOneDummy launched the care ...
, 2003)
* ''
A Santa Cause: It's a Punk Rock Christmas'' (
Immortal Records
Immortal Records was an American independent record label/imprint label based in Los Angeles, California. The company helped launch the careers of such influential acts as Korn, Thirty Seconds To Mars, and Incubus over the years. The label had a ...
, 2003)
* ''
Punk-O-Rama
''Punk-O-Rama'' is the title given to a series of ten compilation albums published by Epitaph Records. The first volume was released in 1994, the second in 1996, and the rest annually from 1998 to 2005. The albums included artists from Epitaph's ...
Vol. 9'' (
Epitaph Records
Epitaph Records is an American independent record label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. A large portion of the record label, known as Hellcat Records, is owned by Tim Armstrong, frontman of the punk rock band Rancid. Several ...
, 2004)
* ''
2004 Warped Tour Compilation'' (
Side One Dummy Records
SideOneDummy Records is an independent record label based in Los Angeles. It was founded in 1995 by Bill Armstrong and Joe Sib. The label began as a way for them to release music for their friends' bands. Thereafter SideOneDummy launched the care ...
, 2004)
* ''Matchbook Romance/Motion City Soundtrack Split EP'' (
Epitaph Records
Epitaph Records is an American independent record label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. A large portion of the record label, known as Hellcat Records, is owned by Tim Armstrong, frontman of the punk rock band Rancid. Several ...
, 2004)
* ''
Punk-O-Rama
''Punk-O-Rama'' is the title given to a series of ten compilation albums published by Epitaph Records. The first volume was released in 1994, the second in 1996, and the rest annually from 1998 to 2005. The albums included artists from Epitaph's ...
Vol. 10'' (
Epitaph Records
Epitaph Records is an American independent record label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. A large portion of the record label, known as Hellcat Records, is owned by Tim Armstrong, frontman of the punk rock band Rancid. Several ...
, 2005)
* ''Take Action! Tour Sampler Album'' (
Sub City Records
Sub City Records is a record label which was created by Louis Posen and Hopeless Records to raise funding and awareness for non-profit organizations. Sub City has been active since 1999, and has now over 30 releases.
The label has donated over $2 ...
, 2005)
* ''
2006 Warped Tour Compilation'' (
Side One Dummy Records
SideOneDummy Records is an independent record label based in Los Angeles. It was founded in 1995 by Bill Armstrong and Joe Sib. The label began as a way for them to release music for their friends' bands. Thereafter SideOneDummy launched the care ...
, 2006)
* ''
The Best of Taste of Chaos
Taste of Chaos (or "TOC") was a live music tour that was started in the winter of 2005 by Kevin Lyman, the creator of the successful Warped Tour along with his friend and business partner, John Reese. The Taste of Chaos tour catered to fans of ...
'' (
Warcon Records, 2006)
Music videos
* "Promise" (2004)
* "My Eyes Burn" (2005)
* "My Eyes Burn" (alternative unreleased MV posted in 2018)
* "Monsters" (2006)
References
External links
*
AbsolutePunk.net Review of ''Voices''Punknews.org Profile of Matchbook Romance (Reviews, Interviews)Voices Album Review atUKEvents.net
{{Authority control
American emo musical groups
American pop punk groups
Epitaph Records artists
Musical groups established in 1997
Musical groups disestablished in 2007
Musical groups reestablished in 2009
Musical groups disestablished in 2009
Musical groups reestablished in 2012
Musical groups disestablished in 2012
Musical groups reestablished in 2015
Musical groups disestablished in 2016
Musical quartets from New York (state)
1997 establishments in New York (state)
2007 disestablishments in New York (state)