The Sidekicks

From their combustible punk origins on early releases such as So Long, Soggy Dog (2007) and Weight of Air (2009) through the broader pop textures of their fourth album, the Phil Ek-produced Runners in the Nerved World (2015), the Midwestern indie quartet the Sidekicks demonstrated consistent adaptability and a steady drive to shift their approach across successive records. Frontman Steve Ciolek guided the band as it developed naturally from its Cleveland origins, first establishing itself on the Red Scare roster before relocating southward to Columbus and aligning with the historic punk label Epitaph Records during the mid-2010s.

The Sidekicks formed in suburban Cleveland in 2003 while still in high school and immersed in the familiar punk lineage of Bad Religion, NOFX, and Rancid. Shortly after assembling, Ciolek on vocals and guitar, Matt Climer on drums, Brandon “Petey” Petrick on guitar, and Josh Henry on bass integrated into the local D.I.Y. punk network, cultivating their sound and audience through shows at community centers and basements rather than competing on packed club stages. Climer also hosted performances at his residence, known as the Soggy Dog House, helping the group steadily raise its visibility. After several demos and EPs, the band issued its debut full-length pop-punk effort, So Long, Soggy Dog, via Red Scare Industries in late 2007. The following year brought the four-song 7" Sam on Whoa Oh Records. In September 2009 Red Scare released the Sidekicks’ second album, Weight of Air, which further broadened their palette through additional indie-punk reference points and introduced new guitarist Matt Schuermann, also of No Target Audience and American War.

By 2012 the Sidekicks had moved to Columbus, Ohio, where pop and indie-rock elements surfaced more prominently on Awkward Breeds; the record also marked the first appearance of bassist Ryan Starinsky after Josh Henry’s departure. In 2014 the group surprised many supporters by signing with Epitaph Records, and the following January they delivered their label debut, Runners in the Nerved World, recorded with producer Phil Ek (Fleet Foxes, Band of Horses). Although tracked as a quartet, the album appeared after guitarist Matt Schuermann’s exit, reducing the lineup to a trio (with Toby Reif later assuming guitar duties). The Sidekicks spent nearly two years touring in support of Runners before reconvening to make Happiness Hours, which John Agnello (Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr., Kurt Vile) produced and which arrived in April 2018 showcasing some of the band’s most melodic and warmly rendered material to date.