Underdog

Underdog is a New York hardcore punk group from the United States, centred on Richie Birkenhead on vocals. The band forms in New York in 1985 after Birkenhead and bassist Russ “Wheeler” Iglay meet at a CBGB matinee and decide to start a group. It first goes by the name True Blue for about a week before taking the name Underdog.

Line-up and early years

Birkenhead and Iglay are the two constant members during the band’s main four-year run. Drummer Dean Joseph Iglay joins very early, replacing original drummer Gregg, and remains a permanent member. The band also goes through a series of guitarists: Danny Darella plays on the first 7-inch, Arthur from Token Entry and Gorilla Biscuits later replaces him, and Chuck Treece of McRad also plays guitar with the group. For the recording of the Over the Edge demo and again near the end of the band’s existence, Underdog performs as a trio, with Birkenhead on guitar.

Style and scene

Underdog is associated with hardcore and punk, and is described as a New York hardcore group with strong roots in skateboarding. Its live shows are known for energetic crowd interaction and a mix of hard-edged hardcore with melody, power and some reggae influences. Birkenhead had previously spent time with Youth of Today, while Iglay had played with Murphy’s Law, and both are longstanding figures in the NYHC scene. The group’s approach and stage presence help it stand out in a scene often focused on physical intensity rather than vocal range or melody.

Recordings

The band’s first 7-inch EP appears on New Beginnings Records. It quickly becomes hard to find and helps establish the group in the New York hardcore scene and beyond. The release also features cover art by Matt Solomon, which becomes closely associated with the band on shirts, flyers and tattoos. Underdog later records the Over the Edge demo in 1988. Caroline Records signs the band after hearing that demo, leading to the album The Vanishing Point. The album is recorded in one week at Electric Reels in upstate New York and produced by Don Fury. Chuck Treece joins on guitar to help record songs already written by Birkenhead and Iglay.

Later development

The Vanishing Point receives strong attention, and the band tours the United States in support of it in 1989. After that tour, the group cancels a planned European run and takes a break. The original core line-up later returns, and Matt Dolan of American Standard joins as a full-time guitarist. The members are listed as Matt on guitar, Dean on drums, Russ on bass and Richie on vocals.