At The Drive-In

At the Drive-In is an influential American post-hardcore band from El Paso, Texas, formed in 1994. Known for their intense live performances and dynamic sound blending post-hardcore, punk rock, art punk, emo, and alternative rock, At the Drive-In has left a significant mark on the punk and hardcore scenes. The band’s most recent lineup included Cedric Bixler-Zavala (vocals), Omar Rodríguez-López (guitar, vocals), Paul Hinojos (bass), Tony Hajjar (drums), and Keeley Davis (guitar, vocals).

Formation and Early Years (1994–1997)

At the Drive-In was founded in 1994 by guitarist Jim Ward and vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala. The band played its first live show on October 14, 1994, at The Attic in El Paso, Texas, followed by another show at the Loretto High School Fair. After a drummer change due to Bernie Rincon’s death, At the Drive-In released their second EP, ¡Alfaro Vive, Carajo!, in June 1995. The band continued to develop their sound and released their debut full-length album, Acrobatic Tenement, in 1996.

In/Casino/Out and Vaya (1998–1999)

The band signed with Fearless Records and released their second studio album, In/Casino/Out, in 1998, marking a maturation in their sound. They embarked on extensive tours, gaining a larger fanbase. In 1999, they released the EP Vaya, further solidifying their presence in the post-hardcore scene.

Relationship of Command (2000–2001)

Recording for their third studio album, Relationship of Command, began in January 2000 with producer Ross Robinson at Indigo Ranch Studios in Malibu. Released on September 12, 2000, the album received critical acclaim and is considered a landmark in the post-hardcore genre. The band gained mainstream attention with singles like “One Armed Scissor.” However, after a motor vehicle accident in November 2000 and escalating internal tensions, At the Drive-In announced an indefinite hiatus in early 2001, effectively disbanding.

Reunions and Later Activity (2012–2018)

At the Drive-In reunited in January 2012, performing at major festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza, and releasing their fourth studio album, in•ter a•li•a, in 2017. Keeley Davis replaced Jim Ward in the lineup during the 2016 reunion. The band went on another hiatus in November 2018 after a final show in Brazil.

Musical Style and Themes

At the Drive-In’s music is characterized by a blend of post-hardcore, punk rock, art punk, emo, and alternative rock. Their sound incorporates complex guitar work, dynamic rhythms, and emotive vocals, balancing aggression with melody. Influenced by bands like Fugazi, Bad Brains, and Drive Like Jehu, their music is known for its intensity and emotional depth.

Legacy and Influence

At the Drive-In is considered one of the most influential post-hardcore bands of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Their album Relationship of Command received numerous accolades, including rankings in Kerrang!’s 50 Greatest Albums of the 21st century and Spin Magazine’s 100 Greatest Albums 1985–2005. The album helped solidify post-hardcore as a vital commercial force. Influential bands such as Thursday, Billy Talent, Biffy Clyro, Underoath, and many others have cited At the Drive-In as an inspiration.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Acrobatic Tenement (1996)
• In/Casino/Out (1998)
• Relationship of Command (2000)
• in•ter a•li•a (2017)

Live Albums

• Live (1986)
• Sista dansen (1990, Live LP, re-released on CD 1995)
• Från andra sidan (1993)

Compilations

• Rock Mot Svinen (2000, Höhnie Records)
• Kravallsymfonier 78-86 (2003, Birdnest Records)
• Välkommen Hem – Samlade EP’s (2006, Burning Heart Records)
• Upphittat! 2003-2016 (2016, Kloakens Alternativa AntiProduktion)

EPs

• Hell Paso (1994)
• ¡Alfaro Vive, Carajo! (1995)
• För kung och fosterland (1981)
• En tyst minut (1983)
• Plikten framför allt (1984)
• Än finns det hopp (1986)
• Till sista droppen (2000)
• Precis som far / Lilla Frida (2006)

Band Members

Final Lineup

• Cedric Bixler-Zavala – lead vocals, occasional guitar, melodica, percussion (1994–2001, 2012, 2016–2018)
• Omar Rodríguez-López – guitar, backing vocals, tambourine (1996–2001, 2012, 2016–2018); bass guitar (1995–1996)
• Paul Hinojos – bass guitar (1996–2001, 2012, 2016–2018)
• Tony Hajjar – drums (1996–2001, 2012, 2016–2018)
• Keeley Davis – guitar, backing vocals (2016–2018)

Past Members

• Jim Ward – guitar, vocals (1994–1996, 1997–2001, 2012), keyboards (1998–2001, 2012)
• Kenny Hopper – bass (1994–1995)
• Jarrett Wrenn – guitar (1994–1995)
• Adam Amparan – guitar (1995–1996)
• Ben Rodriguez – guitar, backing vocals (1996–1997)
• Bernie Rincon – drums (1994–1995; died 1995)
• Davy Simmons – drums (1995)
• Ryan Sawyer – drums (1996)

Musical Style and Themes

At the Drive-In’s music is typically categorized as post-hardcore, incorporating elements of punk rock, art punk, emo, and alternative rock. Their sound is known for its complex guitar work, dynamic rhythms, and emotive vocals, balancing aggression with melody. Influenced by bands like Fugazi, Bad Brains, and Drive Like Jehu, their music delves into themes of personal struggle, societal issues, and emotional expression.

Legacy and Influence

At the Drive-In is regarded as one of the most influential post-hardcore bands of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Their album Relationship of Command is frequently cited as a defining work in the genre, earning accolades such as being ranked 47th in Kerrang!’s 50 Greatest Albums of the 21st century and 83rd on Spin Magazine’s 100 Greatest Albums 1985–2005. The album’s success helped solidify post-hardcore as a vital commercial force. Influential bands like Thursday, Billy Talent, Biffy Clyro, Underoath, and many others have cited At the Drive-In as a significant inspiration.

Trivia

• At the Drive-In’s album Relationship of Command is ranked 47th in Kerrang!’s 50 Greatest Albums of the 21st century.
• The band was involved in a motor vehicle accident in November 2000, which contributed to their hiatus.
• Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodríguez-López went on to form The Mars Volta after the band’s initial breakup.
• The band has had multiple reunions, the latest being from 2016 to 2018, during which they released their album in•ter a•li•a.
• At the Drive-In performed at major festivals including Coachella, Lollapalooza, Splendour in the Grass, Fuji Rock, and Reading and Leeds Festival.
• The band’s song “One Armed Scissor” gained significant attention and was featured on several television shows.
• Jim Ward left the band during the 2016 reunion and was replaced by Keeley Davis from Sparta.
• After their final reunion, the band announced an indefinite hiatus in November 2018 following their final show in Brazil.