Kicked In the Head

Led by frontman Gary Hedrick Jr., the Boston-based outfit Kicked in the Head emerged in the mid-'90s as a high-energy ska/punk ensemble. The group drew inspiration from local peers Slapshot and Aerosmith alongside broader national influences such as Faith No More and Rage Against the Machine. Their reputation for dynamic live shows earned them an invitation to the 1998 Warped Tour, which in turn positioned them as opening support for the Mighty Mighty Bosstones during the latter’s Hometown Throwdown event.

Throughout the remainder of the decade the band issued two full-length recordings, World Domination and All in the Family. Increased visibility from coverage in mainstream outlets and shared bills with established acts prompted them to cut Thick As Thieves in 2000 and issue it on their own imprint that same year. The album later found wider distribution via Resurrection A.D. Records in autumn 2001, after which the group launched an extensive tour behind the record beginning in November.

At the time of Thick As Thieves’s release the lineup comprised Hedrick Jr. together with bassist Ryan Dowd, guitarists Matt San Nocki and Matt Rositano, and drummer Anthony Modano; observers anticipated greater commercial strides. Although the album failed to propel the band into mainstream recognition, it expanded their audience sufficiently to support the independent release of Salita in fall 2002.