Jawbox

Jawbox is an American post-hardcore band from Washington, D.C., formed in 1989 by J. Robbins (vocals/guitar), Kim Coletta (bass), and Adam Wade (drums). After releasing their debut album Grippe in 1991, the band expanded to a quartet with the addition of guitarist Bill Barbot. Jawbox released four studio albums before disbanding in 1997. The band reunited briefly in 2009 for a one-off performance and then fully reformed in 2019. Barbot left the band in 2021, and Brooks Harlan joined as his replacement.

History

Formation, Grippe, and Novelty (1989–1992)

J. Robbins, formerly of Government Issue, formed Jawbox with Kim Coletta and Adam Wade in 1989. They released their debut album, Grippe, on Dischord Records in 1991. Shortly after, Bill Barbot joined the band as a second guitarist. In 1992, they released their second album, Novelty, also on Dischord, and Wade was replaced by Zach Barocas, whose drumming became a key element of the band’s sound.

Signing to Atlantic, For Your Own Special Sweetheart, and Jawbox (1993–1996)

In 1993, Jawbox signed with Atlantic Records and released their third album, For Your Own Special Sweetheart, in 1994. The album included “Savory,” one of their most well-known songs. The band followed up with their self-titled fourth album in 1996, after which they parted ways with Atlantic and disbanded in 1997.

Disbandment and Brief Reunion (1997–2018)

After disbanding, the members pursued other projects. Robbins and Barbot formed Burning Airlines, while Coletta continued running DeSoto Records. The band briefly reunited in 2009 for a performance on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon to promote the reissue of For Your Own Special Sweetheart.

Reunion and Lineup Change (2019–present)

Jawbox officially reunited in 2019, embarking on a summer tour. In 2021, Bill Barbot left the band and was replaced by Brooks Harlan. In 2022, they released The Revisionist EP, their first new studio material in 26 years.

Band Members

Current Members

• J. Robbins – lead vocals, guitars, organ (1989–1997, 2009, 2019–present)
• Kim Coletta – bass, backing vocals (1989–1997, 2009, 2019–present)
• Zach Barocas – drums, percussion (1992–1997, 2009, 2019–present)
• Brooks Harlan – guitars, backing vocals (2021–present)

Former Members

• Adam Wade – drums, percussion (1989–1992)
• Bill Barbot – guitars, organ, saxophone, backing vocals (1991–1997, 2009, 2019–2021)

Discography

Studio Albums

• Grippe (1991) – Dischord
• Novelty (1992) – Dischord
• For Your Own Special Sweetheart (1994) – Atlantic, DeSoto (re-release)
• Jawbox (1996) – TAG/Atlantic, DeSoto (re-release)