Saosin emerged in the early 2000s as a formidable force in the American rock landscape, carving out a distinct identity at the intersection of post-hardcore, alternative rock, and emo. Known for their intricate guitar work, dynamic rhythmic structures, and soaring, emotive vocals, the band quickly cultivated a dedicated following. Their journey, marked by pivotal lineup changes and sonic evolution, reflects a persistent dedication to musical craftsmanship. From their explosive debut to their lasting influence, Saosin’s history is a testament to their impact on the scene, with their music remaining a staple at events like Emo Night Pittsburgh, where fans continue to celebrate the enduring power of their catalog.
Formation and Early Era
The genesis of Saosin is a story of ambition and raw talent converging at a pivotal moment in the post-hardcore scene. The band’s initial incarnation laid a foundation that would influence countless artists and define a new wave of emotional, aggressive music.
Origins and Formation
Formed in 2003 in Newport Beach, California, Saosin was the brainchild of guitarists Beau Burchell and Justin Shekoski. Burchell, who had been writing music following his departure from the band Open Hand, connected with Shekoski to refine a series of demos. The lineup was solidified with the addition of vocalist Anthony Green, bassist Zach Kennedy, and session drummer Pat McGrath. Green, a dynamic performer from Pennsylvania, proposed the name “Saosin,” derived from the Chinese proverb “xiao xin” (小心), meaning “small heart” or, more colloquially, “be careful.” The name reflected a cautionary tale about emotional detachment, a theme that would resonate deeply within their early lyrical content. The band’s first live performances featured a slightly different rhythm section, with Chris Sorenson eventually taking over bass duties and Alex Rodriguez becoming the permanent drummer, creating the classic early lineup that would soon capture the underground’s attention.
Early Discography
In 2003, Saosin self-released their debut EP, Translating the Name. Recorded with the original lineup featuring Anthony Green, the five-song EP became an instant phenomenon in the burgeoning online music community and underground scene. Propelled by tracks like “Seven Years” and “They Perched on Their Stilts, Pointing and Daring Me to Break the Ice,” the EP was a masterclass in the emo and post-hardcore genres. It showcased a potent combination of technical guitar riffs, complex time signatures, and Green’s unmistakable high-pitched, passionate vocal delivery. Translating the Name was not just a release; it was a statement. It sold an estimated 62,000 copies with minimal traditional marketing, relying on internet forums and word-of-mouth, cementing its status as a landmark recording in the genre and a cornerstone of the band’s legacy.
The Mainstream Breakthrough
Following the underground success of their debut EP, Saosin stood at a crossroads. The departure of their charismatic frontman presented a challenge, but it also paved the way for a new chapter that would see the band achieve significant commercial and critical success, bringing their sound to a global audience.
Pivotal Album(s) and Lineup Changes
The period following Translating the Name was defined by a significant shift. In early 2004, Anthony Green departed from Saosin, citing homesickness and a desire to pursue a different creative path, which led him to form the band Circa Survive. His exit left a considerable void, and the band launched a nationwide search for a new vocalist. After an extensive audition process, they recruited Cove Reber, a young singer with a powerful range who could honor the band’s established sound while bringing his own identity. With Reber at the helm, Saosin signed with Capitol Records in 2005 and released a self-titled EP (often called the Black EP or Warped Tour EP) containing demos and live tracks. This set the stage for their highly anticipated full-length debut. In September 2006, they released Saosin, their self-titled debut album. Produced by Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, The All-American Rejects), the album refined their sound for a broader audience, smoothing some of the raw edges of their early work while retaining their technical proficiency and emotional weight. The album peaked at number 22 on the Billboard 200, marking a significant commercial achievement.
Achieving Critical and Commercial Success
The self-titled album propelled Saosin into the mainstream. Lead single “Voices” became a significant hit, receiving extensive radio play and its music video appearing in heavy rotation on MTV. The track’s blend of melodic accessibility and intricate instrumentation perfectly captured the mid-2000s alternative rock zeitgeist. A second single, “You’re Not Alone,” became an anthemic power ballad for a generation of fans, further solidifying the band’s place in the scene. The song’s uplifting message and soaring chorus made it a staple at live shows and a frequent request at any Pittsburgh Emo Night. The album received positive reviews, with critics praising the band’s musicianship, particularly the dual-guitar work of Burchell and Shekoski, and Reber’s impressive vocal performance. The success of Saosin allowed the band to embark on extensive international tours, sharing stages with major acts and headlining their own shows, cementing their status as a leading act in the post-hardcore world.
Musical Evolution and Key Events
With a successful debut album under their belts, Saosin entered a period of creative exploration and internal challenges. Their subsequent releases saw them navigating the pressures of a major label and evolving their sound, leading to further lineup changes and an eventual hiatus.
Mid-career Albums and Sonic Shifts
Saosin’s second full-length album, In Search of Solid Ground, was released in 2009 on Virgin Records. The album represented a sonic evolution, featuring a more polished production and a greater emphasis on melodic, stadium-rock ambitions. It included re-recordings of several songs from their 2008 EP, The Grey, such as “I Keep My Secrets Safe.” While tracks like “On My Own” and “Changing” showcased the band’s continued growth as songwriters, the album received a more mixed reception from fans and critics compared to its predecessor. Some listeners felt the production was too slick and that the band had moved further away from their raw, post-hardcore roots. Despite this, the album debuted at number 19 on the Billboard 200, demonstrating the loyalty of their fanbase. This era highlighted the band’s struggle to balance artistic evolution with the expectations established by their earlier work.
Hiatus, Reunions, or Significant Member Departures
In 2010, Saosin announced that they had parted ways with vocalist Cove Reber, citing a decline in his vocal performance and stage presence. This decision marked the beginning of a prolonged hiatus. The remaining members pursued other projects, and for several years, the future of Saosin was uncertain. However, in 2013, the band made a surprise return to the stage with Anthony Green on vocals for the first time in nearly a decade. This reunion sparked immense excitement among longtime fans. The positive reception led to more shows and eventually, the official announcement that Green had rejoined the band. This reunion was followed by another key lineup change in 2015, when the band parted ways with founding guitarist Justin Shekoski. Phil Sgrosso of As I Lay Dying was later announced as his touring replacement.
Modern Era
The reunion with Anthony Green breathed new life into Saosin, ushering in a modern era defined by a return to their creative roots and renewed energy. This period has been marked by new music, anniversary tours, and a reaffirmation of their legacy.
Recent Albums and Contemporary Activity
In 2016, Saosin released Along the Shadow, their third studio album and the first full-length with Anthony Green since the 2003 EP. Released on Epitaph Records, the album was hailed as a powerful return to form. It skillfully blended the raw, aggressive energy of Translating the Name with more mature and nuanced songwriting. Tracks like “The Silver String” and “Racing Toward a Red Light” were both ferocious and melodic, satisfying fans of both the Green and Reber eras. The band has remained active, embarking on anniversary tours for their seminal works. In a surprising and welcome move for fans, Saosin announced tours in 2024 that featured both Anthony Green and Cove Reber sharing vocal duties, celebrating the band’s entire history. The band also released a live album, Live From The Garden Amphitheater, in 2024 and has announced plans to re-record their self-titled album with Reber, as well as work on a new album with him, indicating a dynamic and collaborative future.
Cultural Impact and Connection to the Scene
Saosin’s influence extends far beyond their record sales. They were a key architect of the 2000s post-hardcore sound and have left an indelible mark on the emo and alternative rock genres, a legacy that continues to be celebrated.
Influence on Their Primary Genres
Saosin was a pioneering force in the third-wave emo and post-hardcore movements. Their blend of technicality, melody, and raw vocal emotion set a new standard. The intricate, delay-laden guitar interplay between Burchell and Shekoski became a widely imitated style, while Green’s soaring vocal acrobatics influenced a generation of singers. They demonstrated that it was possible to be both technically proficient and emotionally resonant, pushing the boundaries of what a “scene” band could be. Their impact is evident in the countless bands that followed, adopting elements of their dynamic song structures and complex instrumentation. They helped bridge the gap between the underground hardcore scene and mainstream alternative rock.
Relevance in Nostalgia Events like Emo Night Pittsburgh
The music of Saosin has proven to be timeless, possessing a staying power that transcends the era in which it was created. This is nowhere more evident than at nostalgia-fueled events like Emo Night Pittsburgh. At any given Pittsburgh Emo Night, the opening notes of “Seven Years” or “You’re Not Alone” are guaranteed to elicit a massive, passionate response from the crowd. These songs are not just relics; they are anthems that have become deeply ingrained in the personal histories of listeners. For many, Saosin’s music represents a formative period of their lives, and events like these provide a communal space to celebrate that shared experience. The band’s continued relevance is a testament to the power of their songwriting and their foundational role in shaping the emo and post-hardcore culture that these nights commemorate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saosin
- What genre is Saosin?
- Saosin is primarily categorized as post-hardcore, emo, and alternative rock. Their music features complex guitar work, dynamic rhythms, and highly emotional vocals, incorporating elements from each of these genres throughout their discography.
- Who are the original members of Saosin?
- The original recording lineup for the Translating the Name EP consisted of Anthony Green (vocals), Beau Burchell (guitar), Justin Shekoski (guitar), Zach Kennedy (bass), and Pat McGrath (drums).
- Why did Anthony Green leave Saosin in 2004?
- Anthony Green left Saosin in 2004 due to a combination of factors, including severe homesickness, depression, and a feeling of creative discontent with the band’s direction at the time. He subsequently formed the band Circa Survive.
- Who replaced Anthony Green as the lead singer?
- Cove Reber replaced Anthony Green as the lead vocalist in 2004 after a nationwide audition. Reber was the frontman for the band’s first two full-length albums, Saosin (2006) and In Search of Solid Ground (2009).
- Is Anthony Green back in Saosin?
- Yes, Anthony Green officially rejoined Saosin in 2014 after performing with them for reunion shows starting in 2013. He is featured on their 2016 album, Along the Shadow, and continues to tour and perform with the band, sometimes sharing vocal duties with Cove Reber for special anniversary tours.
- What is Saosin’s most popular song?
- While “Seven Years” from their debut EP is an iconic fan-favorite, their most commercially successful and widely recognized songs are “Voices” and “You’re Not Alone” from their 2006 self-titled debut album.
