Sicko

Seattle, Washington, long associated with persistent rainfall, the rise of grunge, and the Microsoft Corporation, also served as the origin point for three former metal enthusiasts intent on assembling a group distinct from Soundgarden or Queensrÿche. Sharing an affinity for the Fastbacks and Hüsker Dü, and drawing on prior experience in horrific cover bands, Ean "Sicko" Hernandez on guitar and vocals, Denny "Sicko" Bartlett handling bass, guitar, and vocals, plus Josh "Sicko" Rubins on drums united in 1991 under the name Sicko. Embracing their geek-core standing without pretense, the trio cultivated a signature hyperactive pop-punk style marked by an absence of self-seriousness. Amid the influx of Pearl Jam and Nirvana imitators that overran the city in 1992, a modest audience embraced the band’s contrasting approach, evidenced by the release of their debut four-song EP on Empty Records. A split 7" with the Mr. T Experience followed, and their initial album single, “Can You Feel the Love in This Room,” appeared in early 1994.

Leveraging an upbeat sonic palette together with an Indigo Girls cover of “Closer to Fine,” Sicko undertook a tour of the United States that failed to gain traction, prompting a subsequent change behind the drum kit. In 1995 Johnny Ray Young stepped in temporarily on skins for the recording of Laugh While You Can Monkey Boy; shortly afterward Rubins returned, Chef Boy R U Dum was tracked, and both albums saw release that year. Following the issuance and touring cycle of 1997’s You’re Not the Boss of Me, the band declared its dissolution in July of 1998. The next year frontman Ean Sicko launched the project Tales from the Birdbath alongside members of the Primitive 5, issuing its debut album on Empty in 1999.