At the Spine

by Katherine Fulton
Seattle punk trio At the Spine has been compared to a number of different bands (including Fugazi, the Pixies, Hüsker Dü, and Guided by Voices, among others), but insists that while it may have many influences, it does not try to imitate them. After stints as a guitarist for the Plains and Bit Part, founding Global Seepej Records, and releasing his solo album, Mock Democracy, in 2000, Mike Toschi (guitar, vocals) formed At the Spine with drummer Chris Croft and bassist Richie Parish. The group's first album, The Curriculum Is Never Neutral, was released in 2003. At the Spine soon gained a reputation in the Seattle area for their powerful lyrics, which alternated between socio-political commentary and musings on everyday life. After releasing First Day of Spring in 2005, the group followed up with Sonic Resistance in 2007.