Editors' Picks: Rain

Brian: Not to be confused with a Japanese instrumental rock act of the same name, Rain was a short–lived follower of the Revolution Summer of hardcore in the late 1980s. After a mere two recording sessions, the band would eventually release the La Vache Qui Rit 12" EP via Guy Piciotto's Peterbilt label in 1990. But one listen to any of the band's affected, pitch–perfect, wandering narratives and it's clear that their inspiration doesn't need to be spelled out. Perhaps due to their late arrival on the scene, or bare discography, Rain has never quite gotten the accolades their pioneers (Rites of Spring, Embrace) or peers (Moss Icon, Gray Matter) have gotten, and that's a pity. Luckily, Dischord recently reissued the EP on compact disc format, with all the tracks remastered. The best one, "Rivers," can be found streaming at the release info page, but be assured, the whole, specially handmade disc is solid. Members of Rain went onto form a plethora of acts, by the by, the most notable being Girls Against Boys.