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In Remembrance: At The Drive-In

Who deserves to be recognized more than one of the hardest working bands of the past decade?

As far as defunct bands go, one band stands alone in being missed as well as referenced, At The Drive-In.  The post-hardcore troupe from El Paso were not only known during their time as being one of the most energetic, stand-out bands around, but have since become known for their somewhat messy breakup and the projects which spawned out of their demise. 

There are several notable factors that contribute to At The Drive-In being a memorable band.  Apart from their music, which is a given, the personalities of the individual members propelled the band’s popularity to new heights.  Vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala’s abstract vocal style, which can vary from falsetto screeching to guttural mutterings, adds dimensions to their music.  His often vivid, graphic descriptions and expansive vocabulary, as well as the occasional English to Spanish transitions changed the way post-hardcore vocals would be viewed from then on.  The flip side of this was guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez’s frenzied, yet so damn cool and effortless style of playing.  His style of playing includes complex and oddly timed passages combined with a cluster fuck of effects.  The next most notable member of ATDI was undoubtedly Jim Ward.  Ward played rhythm guitar and sang back up vocals, as well as playing the occasional keyboard.  Paul Hinojos served as the band’s bassist for the majority of its existence.  It’s interesting to note that Paul was the only member of ATDI to also later be both a member of The Mars Volta and Sparta.  Drummer Tony Hajjar was the fourth drummer for ATDI, joining in 1997.  I choose to include him because this was the most well known line-up.  During their history, the band went through three other guitarists and three drummers, as well as an additional bassist. 

At the Drive-In was formed in 1993 by Jim Ward and Cedric Bixler-Zavala.   In early 1994, using Ward’s college savings, the band put out their first EP, Hell Paso, on Ward’s own label, Western Breed Records.  At the time the band consisted only of Ward and Bixler-Zavala along with three other supporting members who would be replaced in the coming years.  In 1995 ATDI released their second EP, Alfaro Vive, Carajo!, once again, through Western Breed.

Omar Rodriguez-Lopez joined the band as the bassist in 1996, the same year they released their first full-length album, Acrobatic Tenement.  The album received positive reviews and helped solidify the bands growing fan base.  By this time ATDI had gained some recognition around the western United States for their lively performances and DIY attitude.  The track “Ebroglio” which appears on Acrobatic Tenement, was written about the suicide of a local artist and close friend of the band who had committed suicide; the passing of this friend would also later serve as the inspiration for The Mars Volta album Deloused In The Comatorium, which was written about and dedicated to this friend. 

Guitarist Jim Ward took a break from the band in early 1997, during his leave Omar took his place on guitar and Paul Hinojos and Tony Hajjar were added to the lineup. In late 1997, the band’s third EP, featuring “Fahrenheit” and “Picket Fence Cartel,” was released.  El Gran Orgo was released through Off Time Records, although, shortly thereafter the band would sign to Fearless Records who would release most of their future albums as well as re-issue several out of print EPs.  Ward returned to the band soon after the EP’s release and the band went to work on their second studio album, In/ Casino/ Out.  The album was recorded live in an attempt to capture the ferocity of their live performance.  In/ Casino/ Out scored high marks among critics and with the help of producer Alex Newport (Brazil, The Mars Volta, Two Gallants, O’Death) helped propel the group’s popularity. 

Without a doubt, ATDI’s greatest musical achievement came with the release of their 2000 album, Relationship In Command.  Relationship in Command gained the band limited mainstream attention.  The album received rave reviews, including several top marks.  It even made it onto several magazines album of the year lists, including SPIN magazine’s greatest rock albums of the past 20 years and places 90^th in MTV 2’s list of the greatest albums ever. 

In 2001, after completing a world tour that included several large festivals, the band announced they would be going on an indefinite hiatus.  The breakup came as a huge surprise to many fans that had observed the band at the peak of its popularity.  Cedric Bixler-Zavala took responsibility for the break up claiming that he didn’t want to be held back by the band or be limited to only creating hardcore music.  Guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez shared many of these views and the pair would go on to form The Mars Volta in the weeks following the breakup.  Other sources claimed that the duo’s drug problems had also contributed to hostility within the band and contributed to their eventual breakup. 

Months after the breakup, Tony Hajjar and Paul Hinojos would form Sparta and ask Jim Ward to front the band.  Sparta enjoyed limited commercial success, most of which came from their association the ATDI, although they did make several decent songs during their six-year run.  During 2005 Ward walked out on the band mid-tour, during this time Hinojos left Sparta to join The Mars Volta as their second guitarist and sound manipulator.  Sparta went on an indefinite hiatus in 2007.  Ward is currently working on his alternative country project called Sleepercar.

After the breakup Omar and Cedric were still involved with a dub reggae side project of their own called De Facto, which featured Omar on Bass, Cedric on drums, and Isaiah “Ikey” Owens on keyboards.  De Facto eventually morphed into The Mars Volta as Omar returned to guitar and Cedric to vocals.  The Mars Volta have enjoyed much more critical acclaim than their counterparts in Sparta; including winning a Grammy and several “Album Of The Year” awards from various publications.  

Note: In recent interviews Omar and Cedric have confirmed rumors that they are on speaking terms with Jim Ward again.  Omar was quoted as saying that the whole break up was almost 10 years ago and to continue to harbor bad feelings for this long would be immature.  Although there are currently no plans for a reunion anytime soon, I’m keeping my hopes up.    

Posted by Andrew Scott on Sep 28, 2009 @ 9:00 am