Biography
The members of Small Brown Bike grew up alongside one another in Marshall, Michigan, where they maintained lifelong bonds as friends while also working occasionally as amateur bicycle repairmen. Brothers Mike Reed, who handled vocals and guitar, and Ben Reed, who played bass and sang, joined guitarist Travis Dopp and drummer Dan Jaquint to form the project in fall 1996; the name they chose recalled a beloved childhood relic, a patchwork “Frankenstein” bicycle they had built from scavenged parts. After issuing the self-released “No Place Like You” 7" in 1997 and the follow-up “(and don't forget me)” 7" the next year, the quartet appeared on several compilations and, through steady regional touring and a close association with Hot Water Music, drew the interest of Gainesville, Florida’s No Idea Records. No Idea put out Our Own Wars in 1999, after which Dopp left the guitar spot and Scott Flaster stepped in; the same year saw the release of Collection, a compilation of singles and vinyl-only tracks. Produced by Ed Rose during breaks from tours with Hot Water Music and Saves the Day, Dead Reckoning arrived as a CD/LP in fall 2001. Dopp rejoined in January 2002, while Jeff Gensterblum replaced Jaquint on drums in March once Jaquint committed to a full-time job and schooling. An October split EP with the Casket Lottery, later called “essential” by some critics, attracted Lookout Records, which released The River Bed in September 2003; No Idea also issued the Nail Yourself to the Ground EP that June. Following months of touring in support, the band announced its dissolution by year’s end, playing a final show in 2004 at Chicago’s Fireside Bowl.
Albums
