Artist

Cap'n Jazz

1989-1995, 2010, 2017, 2024-present·Buffalo Grove

Cap'n Jazz formed in Buffalo Grove, Illinois in the late 1980s around brothers Tim and Mike Kinsella, and by the time they broke up in 1995, Tim had just turned 20 and Mike was 17, still finishing his senior year of high school. WBEZ later called them 'the Velvet Underground for emo'—a band whose influence dwarfed its actual run, which ended, fittingly, on their first major tour, right after their debut record came out.

The full story is in 90s Midwest Emo.

At a glance

Active
1989–1995, 2010, 2017, 2024–present
From
Buffalo Grove, Illinois, United States
Records in the issues
2 (1995–1998), 1 of them a Start here pick
Original label
Jade Tree
Listening guide track
“Little League”

Listen

In the 90s Midwest Emo listening guide: “Little League”

Spotify

In the issues

  • 90s Midwest Emo
    Principal · 1989-2000 · Members

    90s Midwest Emo is a music scene from Midwest United States (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky), 1989–2000. Its principal artists include American Football, Cap'n Jazz, Braid and The Promise Ring. This issue covers 10 essential albums and 16 dated events.

Records

Terms

Math rock
A style of rock marked by complex, irregular time signatures, angular guitar riffs, and intricate rhythmic interplay between the players.