Drive Like Jehu

Drive Like Jehu

Drive Like Jehu is a San Diego post-hardcore group active from 1990 to 1995. The band consists of Rick Froberg, Mike Kennedy, John Reis and Mark Trombino, and it also fits within math rock and punk rock as well as post-hardcore. Its line-up brings together musicians who had already played in earlier San Diego bands: Froberg and Reis come from Pitchfork, while Kennedy and Trombino had played together in Night Soil Man, a punk band with prog influences.

Early releases

The group forms in 1990 with Froberg on guitar and vocals, Reis on guitar, Kennedy on bass and Trombino on drums. Froberg moves from being only a vocalist to also playing guitar in the new band. Drive Like Jehu releases its self-titled debut album on Cargo in 1991. In 1992 it issues the double A-side single Hand Over Fist/Bullet Train to Vegas on Merge Records, and an original version of Sinews appears on the Headstart to Purgatory compilation of San Diego bands.

Yank Crime and touring

Drive Like Jehu and Rocket From the Crypt, another band fronted by Reis, are signed together to Interscope Records. Interscope releases the band's second album, Yank Crime, in 1994. After that, the group tours in the United States and Europe.

Final years and later projects

The band plays its final shows in 1995. After the split, Reis continues to front Rocket From the Crypt until 2005 and also works on Back Off Cupids, Sultans and Swami Records, his own label. Froberg later plays briefly in Thingy with Rob Crow before moving to New York City to work as an illustrator. Kennedy returns to school and becomes a chemist. Trombino, who engineers most of the band's recordings, later works as an audio engineer and producer for acts including Blink 182 and Jimmy Eat World.

Reunion projects

In 2000, Froberg and Reis reunite in Hot Snakes, which releases three full-length albums on Swami before ending in 2005. In 2007, Reis forms The Night Marchers with former Hot Snakes members Gar Wood and Jason Kourkounis.