The Junior Varsity

Formed in 2002 by guitarist Andy Wildrick, the emo rock outfit known as the Junior Varsity began with an EP, performances across central Illinois, and multiple roster shifts before issuing their debut full-length, The Great Compromise, through British Records. At that stage the lineup consisted of Wildrick alongside Chris Birch on drums, Serigo Coronado on guitar, Asa Dawson handling vocals and bass, and Nick Dodson on keyboards. Positive critical response to the album encouraged the members to leave college and devote themselves entirely to the group, resulting in nearly 200 concerts in support of the record. Steady, well-received appearances in Chicago eventually attracted Victory Records, which signed the band in October 2004. During the same year they contributed the track “Raining in Baltimore” to the 2004 Counting Crows indie tribute album Dead and Dreaming. Matt Squire, known for his work with Midtown and Northstar, produced the Victory debut Wide Eyed, which was tracked over five weeks and issued in July 2005. The group maintained a busy touring schedule that included shows with Sullivan, Amber Pacific, Number One Gun, and labelmates June. In May 2006 Victory reissued The Great Compromise with extra tracks and a bonus DVD. Following four months in the studio, the band introduced a sharper, more aggressive direction with the June 2007 release Cinematographic.