Make Do And Mend

ByLets Go Punk
Connecticut post-hardcore band Make Do and Mend moved to Boston

Make Do and Mend were an American post-hardcore band that started in West Hartford, Connecticut in 2006 and later based themselves in Boston. They put out early EPs through Panic Records, released three full-length albums, and stayed busy on the road alongside a wide range of modern hardcore and punk bands.

Where It Began

The band formed in West Hartford in 2006, then relocated to Boston as things picked up. Early on, they built momentum through constant playing, quick releases, and a sound that blended post-hardcore urgency with melodic, heart-on-sleeve songwriting.

Early EPs and Panic Records

In 2007, they self-released We’re All Just Living, which was later reissued by Panic Records. That was followed by Bodies of Water in 2009, also on Panic. Those releases helped lock in what they were going for, sharp songs, direct lyrics, and a balance between grit and melody.

Influences They Talked About

Make Do and Mend have cited influences that span punk, alternative rock, and melodic rock, including Hot Water Music, Seaweed, Jimmy Eat World, Foo Fighters, and The National. You can hear that mix in how the songs move from clenched-fist drive to open, ringing hooks without turning into a radio-polished rewrite of anybody else.

End Measured Mile and the Big Step Forward

After a heavy stretch of touring with bands like The Wonder Years, Set Your Goals, Shook Ones, Comeback Kid, Title Fight, and others, they released their debut full-length End Measured Mile in 2010. The record earned strong notices and brought in a wider audience, helped along by guest vocals from Jordan Dreyer of La Dispute on the album.

They later worked with Paper and Plastick for a vinyl release of the album.

Splits, Touring, and the Wave Joke

In 2011, the band released a split 7-inch with Touché Amoré. They also got mentioned alongside a cluster of like-minded post-hardcore bands that some people called “The Wave.” Make Do and Mend later clarified that the label was basically an inside joke between bands, not a real movement and not a serious subgenre tag.

Part and Parcel

Later in 2011, they released the Part and Parcel EP through Paper and Plastick. It included acoustic versions of songs from End Measured Mile, an original track, a song tied to the Mixed Signals compilation on Run For Cover Records, and a cover of Touché Amoré.

Rise Records Era

In 2012, Make Do and Mend signed with Rise Records and recorded Everything You Ever Loved with producer Matt Bayles, known for work with Mastodon, Minus the Bear, and Botch. The album arrived on June 19, 2012 and was met with more strong reviews, with the band continuing to tour behind it.

That same year, Luke Schwartz joined on bass, replacing Mike Poulin.

Later Years and Final Album

By mid-2013, the band entered a hiatus, playing only a handful of shows after that point. Their final studio album, Don’t Be Long, was released on February 24, 2015 through Rise Records.

Members

  • James Carroll: lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Mike O’Toole: lead guitar
  • Luke Schwartz: bass guitar, backing vocals
  • Matt Carroll: drums

Former Members

  • Mike Poulin: bass guitar
  • Pat Kelliher: bass guitar
  • Tim Casey: bass guitar
  • Kevin Ayotte: bass guitar
  • Jack Barrett: guitar

Discography

Studio albums

  • End Measured Mile (2010, Paper and Plastick, Panic Records)
  • Everything You Ever Loved (2012, Rise Records)
  • Don’t Be Long (2015, Rise Records)

EPs

  • Intensity in Ten Cities (2006, self-released)
  • We’re All Just Living (2007, self-released, later Panic Records)
  • Bodies of Water (2009, Panic Records)

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