Biography
The Wrens from New Jersey earned a reputation as an outstanding act plagued by misfortune. During the 1990s, they were positioning themselves among the most melodic and introspective indie rock outfits when contractual issues halted their next release for seven years. The ensemble, consisting of Charles Bissell on guitar and vocals, Greg Whelan on guitar, Kevin Whelan handling bass and vocals, plus Jerry MacDonnell on drums, came together in the late 1980s. They experimented with multiple monikers prior to adopting Low. In 1993, oblivious to the existence of the slowcore ensemble Low, they cut a 7-inch under that moniker. Upon learning of the conflict, they adopted the name the Wrens instead. Submission of that 7-inch to Grass/Dutch East India led to an immediate signing once the A&R representatives listened.
Their first full-length, Silver, appeared in 1994. It blended the dream pop style associated with My Bloody Valentine and Chapterhouse alongside the distinctive quirky indie rock that would define their sound. Critical response was largely positive, yet the follow-up Secaucus from 1996 garnered even stronger praise. Acquisition of Grass/Dutch East India by Alan Melzter shifted the label toward more commercial pursuits. He pushed for the Wrens to accept a million-dollar deal and adjust their sound for broader radio appeal. The band refused, resulting in their dismissal. Notably, Grass later evolved into Wind-Up Records, which housed the massively successful Creed.
The group persisted despite challenges, maintaining regular employment while producing and issuing material sporadically. Their Abbott 1135 EP came out in 1997 via Ten 23, the imprint of the A&R executive originally responsible for their Grass contract. Although multiple labels expressed interest, none aligned with the band's vision. At one point, inclusion on Drive Thru's roster seemed imminent, and they featured on a 1999 promotional compilation from that company, yet the arrangement collapsed. Entering the new millennium, consistent recording continued, aided by the living arrangement where all members except MacDonnell—who had relocated in 1996—shared a residence and converted the dining area into a recording space. The third album Meadowlands was prepared by 2002 and secured placement with Absolutely Kosher, operated by their longtime associate Cory Brown. Release occurred the following summer amid widespread critical enthusiasm.
Their first full-length, Silver, appeared in 1994. It blended the dream pop style associated with My Bloody Valentine and Chapterhouse alongside the distinctive quirky indie rock that would define their sound. Critical response was largely positive, yet the follow-up Secaucus from 1996 garnered even stronger praise. Acquisition of Grass/Dutch East India by Alan Melzter shifted the label toward more commercial pursuits. He pushed for the Wrens to accept a million-dollar deal and adjust their sound for broader radio appeal. The band refused, resulting in their dismissal. Notably, Grass later evolved into Wind-Up Records, which housed the massively successful Creed.
The group persisted despite challenges, maintaining regular employment while producing and issuing material sporadically. Their Abbott 1135 EP came out in 1997 via Ten 23, the imprint of the A&R executive originally responsible for their Grass contract. Although multiple labels expressed interest, none aligned with the band's vision. At one point, inclusion on Drive Thru's roster seemed imminent, and they featured on a 1999 promotional compilation from that company, yet the arrangement collapsed. Entering the new millennium, consistent recording continued, aided by the living arrangement where all members except MacDonnell—who had relocated in 1996—shared a residence and converted the dining area into a recording space. The third album Meadowlands was prepared by 2002 and secured placement with Absolutely Kosher, operated by their longtime associate Cory Brown. Release occurred the following summer amid widespread critical enthusiasm.
Albums
Live
