Feature / Music
2009: A Year In Review

Words: Mitchell • Posted pre-2010

Top Five Breakups

ARTICLE JUMP

SPB Year In Review 20091. Thorns of Life

Just as everyone was getting enthralled with the idea of Blake Schwarzenbach and company recording their first album, things hit a brick wall. The former Jawbreaker and Jets to Brazil guitarist/vocalist declared the project dead less than a year from its formation. Fortunately we still have several live bootlegs of material to enjoy and Schwarzenbach is heavily involved in his new project, forgetters.

2. The Steal

This U.K. hardcore export has always been a favorite of mine since they released a split EP with Set Your Goals. Their brand of melodic hardcore brought to mind big names: Gorilla Biscuits, Kid Dynamite, 7 Seconds, etc. It's quite a shame that this band didn't catch on in the States, but when you're separated by thousands of miles of water it is a bit difficult to get exposure. At least we got two great LPs out of them. If you missed out, perhaps their breakup will provide the catalyst for you to seek out their catalog.

3. Clouds

Clouds released two full-length efforts in a brief period of time through Hydra Head. They brought forth a wonderful mash of hardcore, punk, and psychedelic rock. Their hiatus was one of great mourning for many, most notably followers of the band member's other projects. But as we all know, when one door closes another opens. And that open door is the return of Cave In.

4. Have Heart

Have Heart was essentially the biggest band in hardcore music up until their breakup (even afterward they're constantly talked about). With their breakup a lot of fans are now lost in a sea of "other hardcore bands" searching for a band to replace them. And while many will hold out hope for a reunion, sources look pretty good that it will never happen. Sorry kids. At least you'll get one final 7" release.

5. Oasis

I can't determine if Oasis is in fact broken up or not. But the fact that Noel and Liam Gallagher are now, once again, no longer talking to each other or working together, it's safe to say that Oasis will no longer be gracing us with new material anytime soon (regardless of what is released under the moniker).

(Michael)

Related features

Sacrosanta Decadencia Occidental

One Question Interviews • April 16, 2026

Maria (Sacrosanta Decadencia Occidental – vocals/artist) SPB: The artwork of your album took over a year to make. What was this long experience like for you? Maria: If I were to put it shortly, the first thing that comes to mind is a long and winding road: exhausting but exciting … Read more

Brux

One Question Interviews • April 14, 2026

Brux SPB: You choose to skip English and sing in your mother tongue. What are the pros and cons of this choice for you? Brux: Our songs are mostly in our mother tongue (spanish / catalan), we just have a few in English. Pros: they sound more natural, the link … Read more

The Goons

One Question Interviews • April 13, 2026

Serge (The Goons - vocals) SPB: How did writing the new material compare to when you sat down and started work on your last record – 19 years ago? Serge: The old stuff was written more collaboratively than the recent songs. These days we don’t get together as often as … Read more

The Arrivals

Interviews • April 12, 2026

The Arrivals have been a band for 30 years -- though they’ve made us wait 16 years for the follow-up to 2010’s Volatile Molotov. While a ton of time has passed and the band has moved, literally in some cases, and raised children in others, their sound is still the … Read more

The Gits

Interviews • April 11, 2026

Almost three decades after their original run, The Gits remain a vital part of Seattle’s punk rock history. Their raw intensity, emotional directness, and fiercely independent spirit continue to resonate with new generations discovering them through streaming platforms and reissues. In 2026, the band’s legacy is further honored with the … Read more

More from this section

The New York Dolls: Reflections and Legacy

Music • March 30, 2026

I first discovered the New York Dolls in the mid-to-late 1980s, just as I was beginning to stretch the boundaries of my musical journey. Up until then, my exposure to music had mostly come through my parents, aunts, and uncles. They planted the initial seeds, and those seeds quickly grew, … Read more

Post Office Experiences

Music • March 10, 2026

In a different world, which we think was shortly before COVID and MAGA and all things bad and in ALL CAPS occurred, Scene Point Blank had the idea to write a comprehensive piece about mailorder experiences from the people who dedicate their free time to sending you records, cds, tapes, … Read more

Demos You Want To Check #2

Music / New Kids On The Block • January 12, 2026

The musical landscape is ever changing. New genres are popping up, new hypes burst out of nowhere and then die out, and new bands present themselves to the world. How on earth are you expected to keep up, right? Well, a little help never hurts! So here we are, your … Read more