The Unband's 2000 album "Retarder" delivered a raw, cathartic collection of tracks that found the band at their most abrasive and uncompromising. It stands as a landmark release in the post-hardcore landscape of the early aughts.
- "Retarder" was recorded at The Sweatbox with producer Geoff Sanoff, known for his work with bands like Edsel and Jawbox. The album features the single "Rattlesnake," which received moderate airplay on college radio. It was the band's second full-length album for TVT Records.
- The album charted at number 37 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart in its initial release week. Photographer and director Kevin J. West created the distinctive, high-contrast cover art for the album. The band supported the release with an extensive North American tour throughout late 2000 and early 2001.
- "Retarder" was lauded for its unflinching intensity and thematic explorations of urban decay and personal alienation. The Wall Street Journal noted the album's "searing guitar riffs and visceral drumming" in a review. Critics often point to the track "Concrete Veins" as a highlight of the album's aggressive sound.
The Unband is an alternative rock band from Philadelphia, known for their dynamic live shows and blending elements of post-hardcore and noise rock. "Retarder" was released at a time when the band was solidifying its sound after several independent EPs.
Tracklist
