Banner Pilot

Formed in Minneapolis, MN, the scrappy yet melodic punk outfit Banner Pilot launched in 2005, drawing clear inspiration from Alkaline Trio, the Lawrence Arms, Jawbreaker, and local Dillinger Four. That same year vocalist/guitarist Nick joined bassist/guitarist Nate to lay down an early demo, relying on software in place of a live drummer. Guitarist/vocalist Mike and drummer Danny soon joined, rounding out the lineup, whose collective résumés already included stints in Rivethead, Off with Their Heads, the Pyongyang Metro, These Riffs, and Snowpants. The group returned to the studio to cut the eight-song EP Pass the Poison, issued in spring 2006 on the Minneapolis label Arsenic Records. One year later the Florida indie Kiss of Death Records put out a split 7" pairing Banner Pilot with Orlando’s Monikers, and 2009 brought the band’s first full-length, Collapser.