Face To Face

ByLets Go Punk
Face to Face is a punk rock band from California

Face to Face is a punk rock band from Victorville, California, formed in 1991 by frontman Trever Keith, bassist Matt Riddle, and drummer Rob Kurth. The band gained popularity with their 1995 album Big Choice, which featured the hit single “Disconnected.” This track received significant airplay on KROQ and appeared in films like Tank Girl and National Lampoon’s Senior Trip.

Face to Face disbanded in 2004, allowing members to focus on other projects. They reunited in 2008 and have since released five more studio albums, continuing to tour and record.

History

Beginnings (1987–1992)

The roots of Face to Face go back to 1987 when Trever Keith and Matt Riddle, high school friends, formed a metal band called Victoria Manor. After disbanding, they formed Zero Tolerance with Rob Kurth. By 1991, they changed direction and became Face to Face. Initially a three-piece, they began performing around California and became local favorites alongside bands like The Offspring and Guttermouth.

In 1992, they recorded their debut album, Don’t Turn Away, which helped the band build a reputation in the punk scene.

Success (1993–1997)

In 1993, after a successful tour in Germany and the addition of guitarist Chad Yaro, Face to Face signed with JVC/Victory/A&M Records. Their second album, Big Choice, released in 1995, catapulted them to mainstream success with the hit single “Disconnected.”

Following bassist Matt Riddle’s departure, Scott Shiflett joined the band, marking the start of a new chapter. In 1996, they released their self-titled album, and they gained further popularity through tours with bands like Sublime and NOFX. Their track “I Won’t Lie Down” was featured on the Mortal Kombat Annihilation soundtrack.

Later Years (1998–2004)

Face to Face released two more albums, Ignorance Is Bliss (1999) and Reactionary (2000), before guitarist Chad Yaro left the band in 2000. They continued as a three-piece and recorded How to Ruin Everything (2002). The band disbanded in 2004, giving a farewell tour alongside My Chemical Romance.

Reunion and Beyond (2008–present)

In 2008, Face to Face reunited, performing several shows and recording new material. Their first album in nine years, Laugh Now, Laugh Later, was released in 2011, followed by Three Chords and a Half Truth in 2013. In 2016, they released Protection through Fat Wreck Chords, followed by an acoustic album, Hold Fast, in 2018.

In 2021, Face to Face released their latest album, No Way Out But Through, continuing their legacy in the punk rock scene.

Band Members

  • Trever Keith – lead vocals, guitar (1991–present)
  • Scott Shiflett – bass, vocals (1995–present)
  • Danny Thompson – drums (2008–present)
  • Dennis Hill – guitar, vocals (2015–present)

Former Members

  • Matt Riddle – bass, vocals (1991–1995)
  • Rob Kurth – drums, vocals (1991–1998)
  • Chad Yaro – guitar, vocals (1994–2000, 2008–2014)
  • Pete Parada – drums (1998–2004)

Discography

  • Don’t Turn Away (1992)
  • Big Choice (1995)
  • Face to Face (1996)
  • Ignorance Is Bliss (1999)
  • Standards & Practices (1999)
  • Reactionary (2000)
  • How to Ruin Everything (2002)
  • Laugh Now, Laugh Later (2011)
  • Three Chords and a Half Truth (2013)
  • Protection (2016)
  • Hold Fast: Acoustic Sessions (2018)
  • No Way Out But Through (2021)

Similar Posts