Yellowcard

Yellowcard are a US pop punk band from Jacksonville, Florida, formed in 1997. The group is active from 1997 to the present and is known for combining punk rock and melodic hardcore with violin, a feature that makes its sound unusual within the genre.

Formation and early releases

The band forms in Jacksonville after the original members meet at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. Its early line-up includes Ben Dobson on vocals, Todd Clary on guitar and vocals, Warren Cooke on bass, Ben Harper on guitar, Longineu W. Parsons III on drums, and Sean Mackin on violin and vocals. Yellowcard first releases Midget Tossing in 1997, then moves to Southern California after Ryan Key becomes lead singer and argues that the band cannot succeed in Florida.

The later line-up centres on William Ryan Key, Sean Mackin, Ryan Mendez, Nathan Young on drums, and Josh Portman on bass, with various former members including Alex Lewis, Peter Mosely, and Sean O'Donnell. Over time, the band also includes Ben Dobson, Todd Clary, Warren Cooke, Ben Harper, Longineu Parsons III, William Ryan Key, Peter Mosely, Alex Lewis, Ryan Mendez, and Sean O'Donnell among its members.

Albums and label releases

Yellowcard releases its debut album, One for the Kids, on Lobster Records in 2001, followed by the Underdog EP on Fueled by Ramen Records in 2002. The band signs with Capitol Records in 2003 and issues Ocean Avenue, its best-known and most commercially successful album. The song Breathing from that album appears in the game Burnout 3: Takedown.

Lights and Sounds follows in 2006, with the title track as the first single and How I Go featuring Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks. Paper Walls is released in 2007 and debuts at number 13 on the US Billboard 200. After a hiatus, the band returns with When You’re Through With Thinking, Say Yes in 2011, which is later issued in acoustic form. Southern Air follows in 2012 and debuts in the US Top 10, and an acoustic version of Ocean Avenue is recorded for that album’s tenth anniversary. Lift a Sail arrives in 2014 and marks a move away from the band’s earlier pop punk sound. The self-titled album Yellowcard is released in 2016 through Yellowcard Music.

Line-up changes, break-up, and later activity

Several line-up changes shape the band’s history. Alex Lewis leaves after Ocean Avenue, Peter Mosely takes over bass duties, Ben Harper departs in 2005 and is replaced by Ryan Mendez, and Sean O'Donnell later joins on bass. Longineu Parsons III leaves in 2014, leaving Sean Mackin as the only original member at that point. Yellowcard announces a break-up after a final tour in 2016 and plays its last show in Anaheim in 2017, although the group remains listed as active from 1997 to the present.

Style and recognition

Yellowcard is identified with pop punk, punk rock, alternative rock, skate punk, and melodic hardcore. Its use of violin sets it apart from many other bands in the genre. The band is also described as multi-platinum selling.