by Andrew Sacher
NJ’s Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Start were around from the late ’90s through most of the ’00s, with two full lengths and a number of EPs to their name. They pulled equally from math rock, post-hardcore and indie rock, and if they went a little under-appreciated in their time, their influence on several newer bands is pretty undeniable. It’s hard to imagine the math rock-leaning indie-emo bands on Topshelf weren’t listening to Up Up Down Down at one point or another.
They briefly got back got back together for a one-off reunion show in Philly in 2013 with Hop Along and A Great Big Pile of Leaves, and now they’re set to reunite once again in 2016. So far they have one show booked: January 9 at Boot & Saddle in Philly with TBA openers. Tickets are on sale now.
The lineup for the reunion is the one they left off with and had for most of the band’s existence, vocalist/guitarist Steve Poponi, guitarist Dave Downham, guitarist John Masino, bassist Dave Damm, and drummer Dave Dunn. UUDD did at one point include the prolific Evan Weiss, whose band Into It. Over It. will soon be on tour with The Get Up Kids.
Stay tuned for info on the openers and any possible additional dates. In the meantime, revisit their two full lengths below…
—