Fitz Of Depression

ByLets Go Punk
Olympia punk band Fitz of Depression tore through the Northwest scene with heavy

Fitz of Depression was a punk rock band from Olympia, Washington, active primarily between 1987 and 1997. Known for their gritty, high-energy sound that fused hardcore punk and heavy power chords, they stood out in the Northwest scene for their humor, raw edge, and intense live performances.

How The Band Got Started

The group formed in 1988, with the founding lineup of Mike Dees (vocals, guitar), Jim Koontz (bass), and Craig Becker (drums). They played heavily around Olympia, developing a reputation for wild shows and relentless speed. Their first release was an eight-track EP on the Mumble Something label, which gained underground traction in the region’s DIY punk network. After Koontz’s departure, Ryan von Bargen joined on bass, and the band began gaining wider attention.

Breakthrough and K Records Era

Fitz of Depression’s single “The Awakening” arrived in 1991 on Meat Records, shortly before a benefit concert that would draw local legends like Bikini Kill and Nirvana—an event captured in the documentary Hype!. Their self-titled debut album followed in 1993, marking the end of their time with Meat Records. Signing with K Records gave them a broader platform, and their 1995 album Let’s Give It a Twist brought their tight musicianship and biting wit to international audiences through Fire Records in the UK. The album included a BBC session recorded for John Peel’s Radio 1 show during their 1995 UK tour.

Swing and Major Label Interest

Their third album, Swing (1996), expanded their sound while maintaining their punk aggression. The record caught the attention of Warner Bros., but before any material could be released through the label, Fitz of Depression disbanded in 1997. The breakup cut short what many saw as their opportunity to break into the national punk spotlight.

Reunions and Later Years

The band reunited briefly in 2000 to tour with Bad Brains (then performing as Soul Brains) but split again before finishing the tour. Another reunion followed in 2002 for a handful of shows. Bassist Brian Sparhawk went on to play with Two Ton Boa and later the Resident Kings, while Craig Becker performed in bands like The Viles, Deadbeat Hearts, and The Natrons. In 2018, Fitz of Depression announced plans to reform and record new material with a 2019 European tour in the works. However, tragedy struck on June 4, 2019, when frontman Mike Dees died unexpectedly at 48.

Musical Style

Fitz of Depression’s sound blended hardcore punk ferocity with elements of metal and traditional power pop, leading critics to describe them as “metal-punk” or “power punk.” Their songs were marked by Dees’ biting humor, thick guitar tones, and relentless rhythm work. They embodied Olympia’s offbeat, self-aware punk attitude while remaining musically tight and hard-hitting.

Discography

  • Fitz of Depression (1993, Meat)
  • Let’s Give It a Twist (1995, K Records / Fire Records UK)
  • Swing (1996, K Records)

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