The alternative metal band
Quicksand emerged from the New York City hardcore scene of the late '80s; before coming together in 1990, singer/guitarist
Walter Schreifels, guitarist
Tom Capone, bassist
Sergio Vega, and drummer
Alan Cage all honed their chops in a series of local acts, including
Youth of Today,
the Gorilla Biscuits, and Bold and Beyond. A self-titled EP soon followed, and in 1992,
Quicksand issued their Polygram debut,
Slip, earning airplay with the single "Dine Alone." After touring in support of their sophomore effort, 1995's
Manic Compression, the group disbanded, only to attempt an unfruitful reunion two years later before going their separate ways once more.
Quicksand's former members have since cropped up in other outfits (
Capone in
Handsome,
Schreifels in
Rival Schools, etc.), and although they never broke out of cult status over the course of their two-album-long career,
Quicksand's influence can still be felt, especially on such bands as
Grade,
Absolve,
Thursday, and
At the Drive-In, among others.
–
Jason Ankeny & Greg Prato, Rovi