Biography
The Orwells, a rock outfit from Illinois, delivered an unruly style of indie rock drawing from acts such as the Replacements and Black Lips. Their vigorous stage presence and sharp tracks gained traction, leading to album releases that began with the 2012 debut Remember When. Following a pair of efforts on the established Atlantic imprint—namely 2014's Disgraceland and 2017's Terrible Human Beings—the ensemble disbanded amid allegations of misconduct.
They came together in 2009 during their high school years in Elmhurst, Illinois. Vocalist Mario Cuomo and guitarist Dominic Corso, who are cousins, joined forces with bassist Grant Brinner and drummer Henry Brinner (brothers), plus guitarist Matt O'Keefe. In addition to academics and skateboarding, the group laid down their boisterous indie rock numbers. During 2011, after forwarding a video link to L.A.-based blogger Justin Gage in the hope of securing a spot on his platform, they inked a deal with his Autumn Tone label. Bloggers embraced the raw energy and gritty tunes of their "Mallrats (La La La)" single, paving the way for Remember When to arrive in 2012. Having finished high school ahead of schedule in 2013, they maintained a relentless touring schedule throughout much of that year, pausing only momentarily that summer to cut the Other Voices EP alongside TV on the Radio's Dave Sitek.
Interest from numerous major labels arose from their hectic concerts, culminating in a contract with Atlantic Records and sessions with producer Jim Abbiss, known for work with Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian. In the subsequent year, they joined Arctic Monkeys for a North American trek and delivered a notable performance on Late Show with David Letterman. Issued in 2014, Disgraceland climbed to number 69 on the Billboard album chart. While continuing to tour and reside in communal living spaces—one featuring an indoor skate ramp—the members developed material for the follow-up. Drawing from movies and literature, Cuomo elevated his lyric writing to a more sophisticated level. The remaining musicians refined their approach, and with Abbiss's assistance, infused the tracks with greater sonic force. Atlantic put out Terrible Human Beings early in 2017. Multiple members faced sexual misconduct accusations, prompting the band's dissolution in August 2018. Almost twelve months afterward, Cuomo uploaded the group's self-titled fourth album, which had been recorded earlier, to streaming platforms.
They came together in 2009 during their high school years in Elmhurst, Illinois. Vocalist Mario Cuomo and guitarist Dominic Corso, who are cousins, joined forces with bassist Grant Brinner and drummer Henry Brinner (brothers), plus guitarist Matt O'Keefe. In addition to academics and skateboarding, the group laid down their boisterous indie rock numbers. During 2011, after forwarding a video link to L.A.-based blogger Justin Gage in the hope of securing a spot on his platform, they inked a deal with his Autumn Tone label. Bloggers embraced the raw energy and gritty tunes of their "Mallrats (La La La)" single, paving the way for Remember When to arrive in 2012. Having finished high school ahead of schedule in 2013, they maintained a relentless touring schedule throughout much of that year, pausing only momentarily that summer to cut the Other Voices EP alongside TV on the Radio's Dave Sitek.
Interest from numerous major labels arose from their hectic concerts, culminating in a contract with Atlantic Records and sessions with producer Jim Abbiss, known for work with Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian. In the subsequent year, they joined Arctic Monkeys for a North American trek and delivered a notable performance on Late Show with David Letterman. Issued in 2014, Disgraceland climbed to number 69 on the Billboard album chart. While continuing to tour and reside in communal living spaces—one featuring an indoor skate ramp—the members developed material for the follow-up. Drawing from movies and literature, Cuomo elevated his lyric writing to a more sophisticated level. The remaining musicians refined their approach, and with Abbiss's assistance, infused the tracks with greater sonic force. Atlantic put out Terrible Human Beings early in 2017. Multiple members faced sexual misconduct accusations, prompting the band's dissolution in August 2018. Almost twelve months afterward, Cuomo uploaded the group's self-titled fourth album, which had been recorded earlier, to streaming platforms.
Albums
Terrible Human Beings
2017
Disgraceland
2014
Live from Electrical Audio
2014
Who Needs You EP
2013
Other Voices EP
2013
Singles
