Algernon Cadwallader
Algernon Cadwallader was an American emo and math rock band from Yardley, Pennsylvania. They were active from 2005 to 2012. "Stereogum" referred to the band as the "heroes of the emo revival". History. Peter Helmis, Joe Reinhart, and Colin Mahony met in high school and formed the precursor to Algernon Cadwallader, "Halfway to Holland," with their friend TJ DeBlois (drummer of metalcore band "A Life Once Lost".) The lineup was Helmis and Reinhart on guitars with Mahony on bass and Helmis on vocals as well. "Halfway to Holland" differed from Algernon Cadwallader, with a heavier driving sound, more  reverb on guitars and chords rounding out rhythm as opposed to the clean math rock riffs Algernon Cadwallader has become known for. While the band was short lived, it continues to have a cult following to this day. Helmis went on to various solo and duo acts, while Mahony and Reinhart formed another band, "Like Lions", with fellow school mates. Reinhart and Mahony's collaboration with "Like Lions" was short lived due to musical differences, and subsequently reached out to Helmis and friend Nick Tazza (from "Ape Up"!) to form Algernon Cadwallader in 2005. The line up changed with Helmis  still on vocals but switching bass with Mahony, now on rhythm guitar. A five song "Demo" was released in 2006, with more of a heavy influence from the math-rock/Midwest emo genre, than their previous project. Lyrical content however, was a more upbeat, happy musings of personal experiences or day to day life, than the darker, more somber tones the emo genre had been known for. They released their first full-length album in 2008 titled "Some Kind Of Cadwallader". Up until this point, shows mainly consistented of Philadelphia basements and house shows, with small tours to neighboring cities . Tazza left the band in early 2008 and was replaced with Matt "Tank" Bergman (US Funk Team) Mahony left the band later in 2008 and Algernon became a trio, choosing not to replace Mahony. The trio toured throughout America and a European leg. In 2009 the released "Fun" EP followed by their second full-length album in 2011 titled "Parrot Flies". In 2012 the band had been "laid to rest." In 2018, they re-issued their albums to digital streaming services for the first time. The re-issue contained what the band referred to as their "third LP", a compilation  of their 2006 demo, the 2009 "Fun" EP and several b-sides and covers of instrumental Beatles and Beach Boys songs, "some of it we decided to record and put vocals on it.” Algernon Cadwallader has been herald for emo-rival in the mid 2000s and has consistently been praised for their math rock arrangements consisting of alternative tunings and off-time rhythm, earning spots on several "top lists" of emo bands. Reinhart went on to join Philadelphia indie rock band Hop Along and well as creating Philadelphia based recording studio, "Headroom Studios." Helmis continued with other feats such as  Peter the Piano Eater and "Peter & Craig." Musical style. Algernon Cadwallader's music has been described as emo and math rock. They cite Cap'n Jazz and The Beatles as influences.