Seam

1991–2000·Chicago, IL

Sooyoung Park's post-Bitch Magnet project. Started in Chapel Hill, moved to Chicago, and got quieter and more devastating with every record. Park's guitar playing went from noise rock to these slow, aching melodies that hit you in the chest. The Problem with Me is one of the best records nobody bought. Touch and Go's secret weapon.

People

Sooyoung Park
bassvocalsguitar

Bitch Magnet's singing bassist, then Seam's singing guitarist — one of the key songwriters of the whole late-80s / early-90s post-hardcore lineage. Went from the abrasive noise rock of Umber and Ben Hur to the slow-burning emotional gut punches of The Problem with Me. His tone on the quieter records is the sound of a heart breaking in slow motion.

Also in: Bitch Magnet
Lexi Mitchell
bass

Seam's original bassist through Headsparks and The Problem with Me. Anchored the early lineup while Park was figuring out how to turn Bitch Magnet's aggression into something more reflective.

Chris Manfrin
drums

Seam's drummer from 1993 through the end. Later played in Bottomless Pit. Had this patient, unhurried style that let Park's guitar lines breathe. Perfect drummer for a band that kept getting slower and better.

Reg Shrader
guitar

Seam's second guitarist through their best years. Added depth and texture to Park's increasingly melodic guitar work. The interplay between him and Park on Are You Driving Me Crazy? is understated and beautiful.

Discography

1992

Headsparks

HomesteadLP
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1993

The Problem with Me

Touch and GoLP
Discogs →
1995

Are You Driving Me Crazy?

Touch and GoLP
Discogs →
1998

The Pace Is Glacial

Touch and GoLP
Discogs →

Connections