The Push Kings took shape in the Boston vicinity during the mid-1990s, led by brothers Carrick Moore Gerety and Finn Moore Gerety, who handled vocals and guitar. Their early material consisted of rugged yet tuneful numbers shaped by Pavement and other American indie outfits from the first half of the decade. Following several 7" singles, the siblings altered direction, refined their craft, and fully embraced pop songwriting. With drummer David Benjamin and bassist Matt Fishbeck rounding out the lineup, they began producing striking melodies in the vein of Squeeze that also carried echoes of Wings-era McCartney at his most tender, quickly attracting audiences at each performance. Local imprint Sealed Fate, operated by the Dambuilders’ Eric Masunaga, signed the group and issued their self-titled debut album in 1997, which earned widespread critical acclaim for its collection of pop gems recalling Badfinger, McCartney, and Squeeze while still projecting a distinct identity. Japanese listeners embraced the band, prompting a domestic reissue of the debut that included four bonus tracks plus the separate Blowin’ Up mini-album, which featured the track “Number Ones” alongside various other cuts previously available only as singles. Mid-1998 brought the release of the follow-up Far Places, whose sweet melodies incorporated tape loops, breakbeats, samples, and additional contemporary textures layered onto an already evolving sound. Although the more experimental direction proved divisive among some listeners, the album remains a durable work. September 1998 marked the band’s last hometown concert before they relocated to the West Coast, settling in San Francisco in pursuit of a major-label contract. After completing Feel No Fade for Le Grand Magistery in 2001, the group disbanded.
