98 Mute

Formed during 1994 in Hermosa Beach, California, 98 Mute extended the local punk rock lineage by fusing the fierce attack of Black Flag, Circle Jerks, and Agent Orange with the velocity and nimbleness of Pennywise and Bad Religion. Melodic accents threaded through their high-velocity attack and confessional words, prompting Theologian Records to sign the band within two years of its inaugural gig and issue the self-titled debut album in 1996. After a 1997 trek with Blink-182 and Pennywise, guitarist Jason, bassist Doug, drummer Justin, and singer Pat saw the group appear on assorted California punk compilations and skate videos, among them that year’s Good Times and the soundtrack for The Show. Theologian Records maintained the partnership in 1998, resulting in the second album Class of 98. Slow Motion Riot arrived in mid-2000.