Fiasco

Fiasco was a Brooklyn-based trio active from 2005 to 2012, known for chaotic precision, math-driven structures, and playing off the stage surrounded by the crowd. The band blended early hardcore energy with noise rock and math rock intricacy.

How The Band Got Started

The group formed in October 2005 in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Members Jonathan Edelstein (guitar/vocals), Julian Bennett Holmes (drums), and Lucian Buscemi (bass/vocals) all switched instruments during sets. Their influences ranged from early ’80s hardcore like Minor Threat and Bad Brains to the dissonant math rock of Don Caballero and Hella. They quickly became a fixture in New York’s DIY scene, known for playing in the round rather than on stage.

Early Work and God Loves Fiasco

On June 24, 2007, Fiasco self-released their debut album God Loves Fiasco through their own imprint, Beautiful Records. The 23-track release captured their raw energy and dense rhythmic interplay, earning praise from outlets like Spin and CMJ. Their live performances around New York brought comparisons to Lightning Bolt and Shellac for their volume, aggression, and tight improvisational moments.

Signing with Impose Records and Native Canadians

In May 2008, Fiasco signed to Impose Records, joining a roster that included fellow Brooklyn bands like Total Slacker. They announced their second album, Native Canadians, a dual-format release packaged with both 12-inch vinyl and CD. Ahead of its release, the band embarked on a national tour during August 2008 to build anticipation. Native Canadians arrived on October 14, 2008, featuring angular riffs, tempo shifts, and abrasive instrumentals that pushed their sound further into math rock territory.

Visuals and Touring

On August 29, 2008, Fiasco premiered their first music video, for the instrumental “Oh, You Horny Monster!,” on Pitchfork.tv. The song became a standout example of their instrumental aggression. Following the release, they continued touring and building a reputation for unpredictable sets, sometimes performing multiple short bursts instead of one long show.

Collaborations and Later Work

In May 2009, British punk band The Homosexuals announced that Fiasco’s members would serve as their new live lineup, alongside original frontman Bruno Wizard. By July that year, Fiasco confirmed they were recording new material. The Fabulous Bozo EP appeared online in 2009, followed by the digital single “Sinus Rhythm Breakdown” in 2012. Their evolution hinted at more melodic and experimental textures while maintaining their noisy edge.

Film Appearances and Media

Fiasco appeared in the documentary Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten, which led to an invitation to perform at the film’s Sarajevo Film Festival premiere. They received press coverage from Spin, CMJ, The New York Times, and New York Magazine, solidifying their place within the New York art-punk community.

Breakup

After seven years together, Fiasco disbanded in July 2012. Each member pursued new creative projects across film, writing, and music, leaving behind a brief but influential mark on the Brooklyn experimental punk scene.

Discography

• God Loves Fiasco (Beautiful Records, June 24, 2007)
• Native Canadians (Impose Records, October 14, 2008)
• Fabulous Bozo EP (Internet release, 2009)
• “Sinus Rhythm Breakdown” single (2012)