Members
Select a Rival Schools band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Rival Schools is a post-hardcore band formed in New York City in 1999, known for blending elements of emo, melodic hardcore, and punk into a dynamic and emotionally charged sound. The group features Walter Schreifels (vocals, guitar), a prominent figure in the hardcore scene from his work with Gorilla Biscuits and Quicksand. Joining him are Ian Love (guitar), Cache "Utah Slim" Tolman (bass), and Sam Siegler (drums). With their roots deeply embedded in the hardcore genre, Rival Schools combines their members' extensive experience to create a sound that's both powerful and introspective.
How to Sound Like Rival Schools
Rival Schools' sound is characterized by its melodic intensity and gritty undertones. The band achieves this through a combination of distorted, layered guitar riffs and aggressive yet melodic vocals. Walter Schreifels often utilizes guitars like the Epiphone Les Paul Custom and the Fender Kurt Cobain Road Worn Jaguar Electric Guitar, which provide a robust foundation for their music's dynamic shifts. The use of effects like the EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V1 fuzz pedal adds a raw edge, while the Malekko Omicron Series Trem introduces a vibrant texture to their sound. This combination of gear and technique results in a soundscape that is both polished and raw, perfectly capturing the band's emotive energy and hardcore roots.
Discography
Get the Rival Schools Sound
Want to sound like Rival Schools? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
