Thirty Ought Six

Emerging from Portland, OR, Thirty Ought Six blended traits from emo’s earlier and current phases by channeling Sunny Day Real Estate, Fugazi, and the style’s foundational forebears Hüsker Dü. The trio formed in 1992 with vocalist/bassist Sean Roberts, guitarist David Blunk, and jazz-trained drummer Ryan Paravecchio. They built regional support across the Northwest by opening multiple shows for Sunny Day Real Estate and released their first single, “Huck,” in 1993 through the independent Candy Ass imprint. A split single alongside Cavity Search’s Gern Blanston came next, followed by the 1994 7-inch “Eris” on C/Z. Thirty Ought Six went back to Candy Ass to issue the full-length Bosozuku, which stirred considerable local interest after its appearance later that year. The band then secured an agreement with Mute Records’ newly launched American division and put out the John Goodmanson-produced single “Talon” as its inaugural release for the label in 1995. Their follow-up album, Hag Seed, surfaced later that same year and included guest vocals by Sunny Day Real Estate’s Jeremy Enigk on “Tourmaline.” Extensive touring throughout the U.S. and England ensued, and in 1996 the group performed on the indie stage during the latter portion of that summer’s Lollapalooza outing. Roberts nonetheless preferred playing closer to home, departing before year’s end; without him, Thirty Ought Six disbanded. Roberts later became a member of the short-lived Umberhulk.