The Matches
Originally known as "The Locals", the band was formed in 1997 by Justin San Souci, Matt Whalen, Matt Esposito, and Shawn Harris. At the time, all four were in high school at Bishop O'Dowd. Matt Esposito then left the band (sometime between 2000 and 2002) to enroll in the US Naval Academy, and was replaced by Jon Devoto as a guitarist. In those early years, the band played what could be characterized as ska-influenced punk, creating songs like "People on the Block", "Studio 5866", and others. These songs can now be found in The Matches' Song Vault.
Gradually, their style started shifting towards alternative rock. Their influences included fellow East Bay punk/pop-punk bands like Green Day and...
Ringtones
Salty Eyes
Shoot Me In The Smile
Didi (My Doe Part 2)
What Katie Said
Papercut Skin
My Soft And Deep
Lazier Than Furniture
Little Maggots
Drive
The Barbers Unhappiness
You (Don`t) Know Me
Sunburn Vs. The Rhinovirus
Clumsy Heart