American rock band Everclear formed in 1991 in Portland, Oregon, by singer-songwriter and guitarist Art Alexakis. They gained mainstream success in the late 90s and early 2000s with hits like “Santa Monica,” “Father of Mine,” and “Wonderful” blending alternative rock and post-grunge influences. American rock duo Local H formed in 1987 in Zion, Illinois, known for their grunge-influenced sound and high-energy live performances. Led by vocalist/guitarist Scott Lucas, they gained mainstream attention with their 1996 album As Good as Dead, featuring the hit “Bound for the Floor.” American alternative rock band Sponge formed in 1991 in Detroit, Michigan and gained popularity with their debut album Rotting Piñata (1994), which featured hits like “Plowed” and “Molly (16 Candles Down the Drain). Frontman Vinnie Dombroski remains the band’s core member, keeping their legacy alive in the alternative and post-grunge scenes. Part of Cleveland Clinic Rock Series.
Local H is known for their blistering live shows and for pioneering the two-man band set-up – frontman Scott Lucas covers both guitar and bass through an extra pick up in his guitar and drummer Ryan Harding pounds out the rest of the sound. While they have earned praise in the past for their catalog of clever concept albums, Local H are forgoing a singular theme on their new album – Hey, Killer (out April 2015 on G&P Records) – turning out a non-stop blast of straight-up, hooky, guitar-heavy rock songs – each one catchier than the last. The band’s discography includes seven other studio albums, a live album, and a bunch of EPs. Harding joined Local H in 2013, after years spent playing in Minneapolis bands Left Brain Heart and Bruder, and fit right in. His first recording with Local H was a heavy, rocking reinterpretation of Lorde’s “Team,” title track of the EP released in 2014.
Local H’s widely praised 1998 concept album Pack Up the Cats earned a spot in SPIN magazine’s top 20 albums of that year. The band was named “Chicagoans of the Year” by the Chicago Tribune for their 2008 break-up album, 12 Angry Months, more than a decade after their breakthrough hit “Bound for the Floor” ruled the Modern Rock charts. This April, Local H celebrated the 25th anniversary of their first show (4/19/1990).