Perestroika, 1996-1998
Perestroika started in the Spring of 1996 as a part-time five piece. Originally, the band was called 7-10 Split, but they later changed the name when they found out the name had been used three other times. The band consisted of Tom on drums, Fred on bass (formerly of Piltdown Men and Nope), Curtiss on guitar (formerly of Lawndart), Blake also on guitar (formerly of Feed, presently of Daybreak), and Mike on vocals (formerly of Citrus Ego and Cleophus).
With support of local bands such as The Pee Tanks, The Thumbs, and Bomb Threat, Perestroika was able to play many local shows, mostly in the Baltimore area. Most of these shows took place at such places as the Laff-n-Spit, Johns Hopkins University, and the Ottobar.
Perestroika based its music off a few simple, yet increasingly uncommon ideas. Firstly, no girl songs and no love songs. The principle seems a bit odd today, but it was not always so. The idea of a punk rock love song is a bit of contradiction. Secondly, Perestroika must play fast, angry, and at the same time, not take itself too seriously. In a world of apathy and vagueness, Perestroika tried to relate to the immediate and direct.
Perestroika recorded only once, right in the middle of their existence, in July 1997. Eight songs were laid down by Frank Marchand, four of which turn up on the self-titled 7" Sneezeguard release, and another one of the same label's respective compilation. Currently, Perestroika has no plans to release the remaining three songs.
Soon after the recordings were done, Curtiss left the band to pursue other interests. The band remained as a four-piece, up until it's end on August 28th, 1998. Mike left the band, and Fred's wife became a mother-to-be. The final show was also the record release party with The Thumbs and The Fuses, two of Perestroika's favorite local bands. Blake is still with Daybreak, who will soon release a 7" e.p. through Reptilian Records. No other members have current bands.