Descendents formed in Manhattan Beach, California in 1977 and laid the foundation for California pop punk — fast, melodic songs about romance, food, and growing up. Milo Goes to College (1982) is the place to start, cartoon cover and all; Everything Sucks (1996) proves they never lost it. Find Descendents vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
Descendents formed in Manhattan Beach, California in 1977. After several lineup changes, the classic lineup coalesced around Milo Aukerman (vocals), Bill Stevenson (drums), Karl Alvarez (bass), and Stephen Egerton (guitar). The band has alternated periods of activity with hiatuses, particularly when Aukerman pursued his career as a biochemist. They are widely considered foundational to California pop punk, with Milo Goes to College (1982) and its iconic cartoon cover establishing one of the most recognizable visual identities in punk. Bill Stevenson also drummed for Black Flag and ALL (the band Descendents members formed during Aukerman's absences).
Descendents' sound combines pop punk, hardcore punk, and skate punk with melodic songwriting, fast tempos, and lyrical themes ranging from teenage romance and food to growing up and parental relationships. Their influence on subsequent generations of pop punk and emo is widely acknowledged.
Original New Alliance and SST pressings of Milo Goes to College and the early catalog are widely collected. Multiple anniversary editions and SST reissues have been released.
Listeners new to Descendents typically start with Milo Goes to College (1982) or Everything Sucks (1996).
