Pavement

Formation

Pavement, an influential American indie rock band, was formed in Stockton, California, in January 1989 by guitarists and vocalists Stephen Malkmus and Scott Kannberg, initially known as "S.M." and "Spiral Stairs." The duo began as a studio project, recording their early EPs, including "Slay Tracks: 1933–1969," "Demolition Plot J-7," and "Perfect Sound Forever" at the home studio of Gary Young, who also played drums on these recordings. Their lo-fi sound quickly garnered underground attention, leading to comparisons with bands like The Fall and The Replacements.

Key Releases and Lineup Changes

As Pavement evolved, they solidified their lineup with bassist Mark Ibold, drummer Steve West, and multi-instrumentalist Bob Nastanovich joining the group. The band released five full-length albums, starting with the critically acclaimed "Slanted and Enchanted" in 1992, followed by "Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain," "Wowee Zowee," "Brighten the Corners," and "Terror Twilight." Despite their success, tensions led to their disbandment in 2000, with members pursuing various projects.

Reunion and Legacy

In 2010, Pavement reunited for a successful tour, reigniting interest in their music. They continued to perform, including an international tour from 2022 to 2024. Pavement is credited with defining the modern indie rock sound and played a significant role in the 1990s slacker culture, known for their fractured song structures and stream-of-consciousness lyrics. Their influence remains evident in the indie rock genre today, showcasing their lasting legacy in music history.