Kicking Harold

For years Kicking Harold exerted influence deep within the alternative rock underground, experiencing repeated flashes of visibility without ever sustaining enough momentum to secure a lasting mainstream breakthrough. Formed in 1994, the group originally consisted of Brian Anderson, Ed Shemansky, and Tim David Kelly. After assembling a handful of songs purely for enjoyment, the trio performed its debut show, during which the president of Headliner Records attended and offered the band a contract immediately. Over the ensuing months they tracked Ugly and Festering, which surfaced in 1995 and generated growing interest in independent circles. MCA Records soon noticed the expanding audience and extended a deal; the group signed within days, prompting a 1996 reissue of the debut that placed tracks on alternative stations nationwide. Extensive touring alongside Bad Religion, Helmet, and the Deftones created significant fan excitement, yet the label’s support eroded and promotional efforts were scaled back. By 1997 the band found itself without a contract, prompting Anderson’s frustrated departure. Shemansky and Kelly persisted with writing and recording sessions that yielded Return of the Bulb Men under strained conditions. Todd Ramsey was recruited on bass to replace Anderson, after which Headliner re-signed the act but restricted the album’s distribution because of its experimental character. The limited pressing quickly turned the release into a collector’s item and led Ramsey to exit shortly afterward; English singer/guitarist Sam Varma and bassist Eddie Patrina then joined. While crisscrossing the country, Kelly captured the Burn One Down EP on the road, though Headliner again showed little confidence and the project sank into greater obscurity. Mounting internal friction culminated in a 1999 disbandment intended to allow fresh starts. Kelly subsequently issued the more prominent solo album Growing Up Naked, which received favorable college-radio attention and encouraged him to reassemble the group in summer 2001 with Ramsey and drummer Michael Keeley. The new lineup recorded Space Age Breakdown across the following months and released it the next year through Mityma Music.