Emerging in the vibrant mid‑90s indie and emo scene, Six Going On Seven carved out a legacy defined by raw passion and evolving artistry. Formed in 1994 by singer/bassist Josh English, guitarist James Bransford, and drummer Will Bartlett, the band quickly earned the reputation of being a “band’s band”—a trusted influence on contemporaries and future generations alike. Drawing inspiration from the urgency of Fugazi, the introspection of Jawbreaker, and the melodic charm of Elvis Costello, they crafted a sound that was as fiercely energetic as it was heartfelt.

Over the course of their eight‑year journey, Six Going On Seven released three full‑length albums alongside a number of singles and compilation tracks, each capturing a distinct chapter of their evolution. Their early days were marked by a blistering debut single on Hydra Head, a prelude to the raw intensity of 1997’s Self‑Made Mess — recorded in the New Jersey studio of Dave “The Snake” Sabo. This record set the stage for their relentless drive, propelling them into a scene that would see them sharing stages with household names like The Get Up Kids, Hot Water Music, and Karate.

The band’s trajectory continued with Heartbreak’s Got Backbeat (1999), released on Some Records and produced by Brian McTernan at the famed Salad Days Studio. This album not only captured their growing musical maturity but also cemented their status as an influential force within the genre. Recently reissued as a limited‑edition vinyl pressing, the record has been hailed by peers, with Walter Schreifels once calling it “The Reign in Blood of Emo.”

Their final chapter came in 2001 with American’t (Or Won’t) on Doghouse Records, a record that showcased a sound both softened and refined over time, reflecting a band unafraid to evolve. Today, Six Going On Seven’s music endures—a testament to a period when passion, DIY ethos, and groundbreaking soundscapes redefined indie and emo rock.

Now, the legacy continues: the band is back together and hard at work on their first new album since 2001, with all sights set on a fall release on Spartan Records. The future is as compelling as their storied past, and fans can look forward to a fresh chapter in the ever-evolving journey of Six Going On Seven.

Six Going On Seven Kids T-Shirt

Six Going On Seven

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