Watch The Promise Ring perform three songs on FM 102/1 Milwaukee
Back in the halcyon days before a certain three-letter word became a four-letter word, Milwaukee’s The Promise Ring reigned supreme over the burgeoning Midwest emo scene. Led by former Cap’n Jazz guitarist Davey Von Bohlen, the group exemplified the genre’s melodic, heart-on-sleeve songwriting, and produced two classic albums: 1996’s 30° Everywhere and 1997’s Nothing Feels Good. TPR took a decidedly poppier route with 1999’s Very Emergency, but by the time 2002’s underrated Wood/water came around, the band was near its end. Reunion rumors circulated for years (during which time Von Bohlen and former TPR drummer Dan Didier formed Maritime), but it wasn’t until last November that the group finally made things official. The band plays Saturday at Metro.
But before we get to that (not to mention an in-depth oral history of the band later this week), we’re happy to present a few exclusive video clips. The Promise Ring recently stopped by FM 102/1 Milwaukee’s Neighborhood Watch program and performed three songs: “Make Me A Mixtape,” “Nothing Feels Good,” and “Become One Anything One Time.” We were lucky enough to tag along for the session. Thanks to all of the band members for letting us shove a camera in their faces; FM 102/1 and Suzanne Sando for letting us stop by and use the station’s final sound mix; and Scott Pollack at Good Cop Public Relations for setting everything up. Enjoy.
